Winner Announced
Open House Melbourne is delighted to announce Molly Stanko as the winner of At the Edge: A Platform for Presence Design Ideas Competition as part of Open Nature: Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha.
An initiative of Open House Melbourne, the student design ideas competition A Platform for Presence invited students and emerging landscape architects (up to five years post-graduation) to consider a conceptual platform within Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha Regional Parklands. Entrants were asked to imagine a small-scale, conceptual intervention that offers new ways of seeing, sensing and relating to this significant cultural and ecological site.
The judging panel comprised of Anna O’Sullivan (Registered Landscape Architect, FFLA), Alex Lee (Registered Landscape Architect, Spiire), Nick Loschiavo (Registered Landscape Architect, Parks Victoria) and Dr Brent Greene (RMIT University). They reviewed 22 submissions and noted a strong understanding of the site’s cultural and ecological significance.
“The shortlisted proposals clearly demonstrate a deep respect for the site’s significant ecological and cultural values,” said Jury Chair Anna O’Sullivan. “They offer thoughtful and considered responses that acknowledge both context and the responsibilities that come with working in a landscape of such importance. Congratulations to all who entered the competition.”
The shortlisted entrants were:
+ Jay Anderson
+ Helena Jack
+ Molly Stanko (Winner)
+ Nan Zhou
Open House Melbourne Executive Director Tania Davidge, who facilitated the design competition, welcomed the depth and geographic spread of all the entries.
“It was wonderful for Open House Melbourne to facilitate this design competition and to see students and emerging professionals from across Australia engage so thoughtfully with this beautiful site and program,” Davidge said. “Competitions like A Platform for Presence play an important role in supporting good design and investing in the future of the landscape architecture profession.”
See below to view the shortlisted entries in detail and the entrants’ written statements.
Learn more about the Submission Brief here.
Winner: Molly Stanko
Jury Citation:
“Embers of Renewal presents a clear and compelling concept, one that responds with nuance to the brief’s call for a quiet prompt toward action, care, and custodianship. The proposal demonstrates a strong understanding of the site’s future as a place for ecological processes, resilience, and human experience, grounded in respect for Country. New pathways sensitively align with established routes, minimising disturbance and reinforcing the project’s gentle ecological approach.
The use of fire as a design driver, particularly within a dense urban context, stands out as both bold and thought-provoking. The jury commends the project for acknowledging layered cultural and ecological histories while projecting a clear, forward-looking vision for renewal.”
View
Commendation: Helena Jack
Jury Citation
“Platform for Presence offers a singular moment of presence within the landscape. The jury commended the entry as a simple and quietly beautiful proposal, communicated with clarity and restraint. The jury appreciated the light touch, positioning the platform along existing maintenance tracks to avoid further disturbance is thoughtful and well judged. Its location provides an ideal place to pause, offering framed views across the valley and grasslands without pushing deep into the site.
The competition statement is poetic, evoking both the quietude of observation and the delicacy of intervention. The platform stands as an elegant and considered response, articulated through a refined and well-composed submission.”
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Commendation: Jay Anderson
Jury Citation:
“Voice to the Land presents a compelling and imaginative concept, offering a unique and unexpected response to the brief through the use of clay bricks that operate simultaneously as pathway, sculptural element, and evolving habitat for plants and animals. The introduction of small stopping moments formed with boulders enriches this visitors’ journey, encouraging reflection and experiential encounters. The jury appreciated the ephemeral nature of the proposal and its strong conceptual intent, which positions the visitor in direct relationship with the regeneration process.
Elegantly communicated, the project offers a thoughtful proposition, one that invites presence, and participation in the landscape’s ongoing evolution.”
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Commendation: Nan Zhou
Jury Citation:
“Breathing Grassland: The Rhythm of Wet and Dry is a thoughtful and engaging proposal that demonstrates a careful balance between climate responsiveness, resilience, and ecological restoration through design. The micro-manipulation strategies that create ecological refuge are particularly intriguing, offering nuanced interventions that work with rather than against the landscape’s natural systems.
The jury commended the project not only for its response to the brief, but also for its consideration of future pressures the site will face, particularly climate change and increasing weather extremes. The proposal is communicated with clarity through strong written and graphic material, together articulating a compelling narrative of seasonality, adaptation, and change over time.”
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Suburban Parklands Program
Learn more about the Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha Regional Parklands
Learn moreOpen Nature: Jacksons Creek biik wurrdha Regional Parklands is presented by Open House Melbourne, funded through the Victorian Government’s Suburban Parks Program and supported by Hume City Council.
