Anzac Parade Lighting Project
Background
The original Anzac Parade lighting was designed in 1963 and is now at the end of its life cycle. Although the existing lights are not on the Register of the National Estate, they are part of the vista from Parliament House, which is listed. The significance of the existing lights call on the "ribbon of light" effect produced at night, the "guard of honour" by day and its overall" contribution to the design excellence of the place".
In considering replacement lighting for Anzac Parade, the National Capital Authority felt that the importance of the Parade warranted a nationwide search for ideas. A call for "Expressions of Interest" to participate in a design competition was advertised in national newspapers in December 1998. From the submissions received, four consultant teams were selected to enter the competition.
Design Competition Assessment Panel
The Design Competition Assessment Panel met on the 24th June 1999 to make their selection of a winning design. The Assessment Panel consisted of five eminent design professionals. They were:
- Mr James Birrel (Chair), member of the National Capital Authority Board
- Professor James Weirick, Landscape Architect
- Mr Romaldo Giurgola AO, Architect
- Dr Barry Reville, Australian Heritage Commission
- Mr Andre Tammes, Director, Lighting Design Partnership
The Winning Design
The winning design concept, that of the design team from Barry Webb & Associates with Alexander Tzannes Architects, Denton Corker Marshall Architects, Emery Vincent Design Graphics and Taylor Thompson Whitting Structural & Civil Engineers, was selected for its high-tech reinterpretation of the lighting effect of the 1963 design. The National Capital Authority considers that the design is an appropriate 21st century solution for lighting Anzac Parade. The paired luminaries will provide a "halo" effect to each light and emphasise the graceful catenary curve of the Parade leading up to the Australian War Memorial.