Months following the completion of its building upgrades, the Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club can now add another honour to its name, after receiving recognition for its improved accessibility at an international awards ceremony held in Germany.
Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club and Allen Jack+Cottier Architects were presented with the 2021 Distinction for Accessibility at the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Awards under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
The IPC IAKS Award, which is given out every two years, acknowledges sports and leisure facilities with commendable architectural structures and designs that offer all people the opportunity to practise or view sport freely and without barriers.
Allen Jack+Cottier Architects designed and conceptualised a remote surf patrol window overlooking the Coogee beach so people of all abilities would be able to join and contribute to the rescues and safety operations of the Coogee SLSC. The upgraded building was also spruced up with a modernised interior and layout, allowing people with mobility devices to easily navigate the building for the first time.
“It allows us to reimagine what the iconic Australian lifesaver looks like,” Tony Waller, the Club Governor of the Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club, said.
Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club was one of 86 contenders from countries like Canada, Japan, Montenegro, Peru, Syria, and the USA.
Other winners from Australia were COX Architecture for both the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (Silver Award) and the Ken Rosewall Arena at the Sydney Olympic Park (Distinction). COX Architecture alongside Counterpoint Architecture was also recognised for the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville (Distinction).
