Hyphen - Wodonga Library Gallery (Hyphen) has been announced as a recipient of a prestigious Australian International Good Design Award for Excellence in Design and Innovation in the Built Environment category.
These awards are highly regarded across the architecture and design industries for rewarding, defining and celebrating good design through their long-running international award program.
Embodying how design has the power to drive positive change for people, planet and prosperity through its 2025 Awards theme "Design for Better", Hyphen's world-class, timeless cultural hub proudly stands as a beacon for creativity and connection in the Wodonga community.
Commissioned by Wodonga Council and designed by Architects JWP in collaboration with Casey Brown Architecture and Architect Marshall, the landmark building opened to the community in August 2021.
As one of the nation's oldest and most distinguished international design accolades, this award recognises the teams' dedication to creating an inviting and thoughtfully curated space that nurtures creativity, connection and curiosity in an accessible and inspiring environment.
Wodonga's Mayor Michael Gobel said he was immensely proud of this achievement for Wodonga and the curators behind the building's exceptional form.
"Hyphen's outstanding design embodies a vibrant cultural space where creativity, learning and connection can thrive," revealed Mayor Gobel.
"This award recognises and champions the brilliant qualities of this cultural landmark, both in its welcoming design and its rich, engaging program."
"Wodonga takes great pride in creating well-planned precincts that support our growing community, and this intelligent architectural build is a real demonstration of this," he concluded.
Held within the elongated hyphen-shaped Corten exterior, a striking circular staircase leads visitors from the complete downstairs library to four unique gallery spaces, various meeting rooms and creative, technical and sound studios - complemented by an outdoor sculpture terrace overlooking Wodonga.
This only begins to describe the vast offerings of the space, with its expansive facilities captivating the attention of locals and visitors alike as a destination for exhibitions, workshops and community gatherings.
Each year, Good Design Australia invites renowned design experts from across the world the world to participate in the rigorous evaluation process, ensuring an expert, multidisciplinary approach to assessing design excellence.
"This project is well considered and appears to have provided a very positive impact for its local community," reflected Jury comments on Hyphen's state-of-the-art structure.
They went on to describe the space as "beautifully resolved and executed with a high degree of thought with regard to urban design, public realm and internal spatial qualities."
"The Jury appreciates the use of the recycled brick, steel and metal cladding both for local / historical integration. A powerful example of world class design," the statement concluded.
The Jury's comments underscore the exceptional architectural vision behind Hyphen, highlighted by the building's signature cantilever that boldly extends above the main entrance.
As a meeting point of connection and creativity, Hyphen not only exemplifies world-class architectural design and community focused thought, but also serves as a dynamic space for exploration, learning and cultural engagement.
