MODE Celebrates Four AIA NT Awards

 

MODE Celebrates Four AIA NT Awards Honouring Innovation, Culture, and Design Excellence

MODE is proud to announce that three of our Northern Territory projects were recognised at the 2025 Australian Institute of Architects Northern Territory Chapter Awards, receiving four honours across Education, Public, Heritage, and Steel Architecture categories.

Charles Darwin University Danala Education and Community Precinct

  • Award – Educational Architecture

  • COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture

The jury praised the project as a bold civic gesture:

“The building symbolises an intention by the university to engage in the civic life of the Darwin CBD. It is an acknowledgement of the social impact a significant educational building can have on the urban life of the city.”

More than just an education facility, Danala brings the community together—housing NT Public Radio and the Northern Territory Library—while its public forecourt and protected heritage-listed Boab tree offer a deeply local and inclusive welcome.

MODE’s design brings complexity, clarity, and connection together through a layered, open building form. The raked façade, elevated gardens, stepped terraces, and large internal void create a dynamic interface between interior learning spaces and Darwin’s outdoor culture.

Berrimah Farm Science Services Building

  • Commendation – Public Architecture

Celebrated as a technically complex yet resolved facility, the Berrimah Farm Science Services Building integrates scientific precision with architectural storytelling.

“The façade, inspired by spectrometer readings of banana ripeness, symbolises the building’s biosecurity role… it is evident the MODE design team’s deep collaboration with stakeholders and specialists resulted in functional, efficient workspaces.”

The project supports critical diagnostic and biosecurity services for the region and continues the visual narrative with the adjacent diagnostics wing, enhancing both functionality and identity on site.

Lyons Cottage Conservation Works

  • Commendation – Heritage Architecture

One of Darwin’s most iconic buildings, the 1925 Lyons Cottage has been sensitively adapted for modern use.

“Internally, the building appears relatively untouched… a new front ramp ensures equitable access and connection to the building… It now quietly meets modern expectations while retaining its unique heritage character.”

MODE’s work preserved the spirit of this historic building while gently introducing accessibility and contemporary functionality—ensuring its legacy continues for future generations.

 
Commercial, Health, EducationAmir FarokhianArchitecture, Awards, NT