AVIAs 2023 Winners
The winners of the AV Industry’s premier Awards, the AVIAs, were announced in front of an audience of several hundred at a ceremony following the first day of the industry’s premier tradeshow event Integrate at the ICC Darling Harbour.
The return of the Audio Visual Industry Awards (AVIAs) had been eagerly anticipated after a three-year Covid induced hiatus, and this year’s entries covered a wide range of projects completed during the “missing years” of 2020, 2021 and 2022. They represented a staggeringly diverse array of undertakings from operating theatres to outdoor cinemas and from cutting edge corporate office suites to revolutionary immersive teaching spaces. With clients ranging from Museums to AFL Football clubs, the short-listed entries embody excellence and innovation across budgets ranging from just a few hundred thousand dollars to well over $10 million.
The Judges, nominated by industry bodies AVIXA and AETM, presented AVIA Awards in five categories and also presented Commendations of Excellence to entrants in two categories.
THE WINNERS
WINNER: BEST APPLICATION OF AV IN COMMERCIAL OR GOVERNMENT (BUDGET EXCEEDING $2M)
The Victorian Heart Hospital
Citadel Technology Solutions
The Judges found that Citadel Technology’s installation for the Heart hospital demonstrates how AV Systems have advanced to where they are a key component in clinical care.
They were particularly impressed by the complexity of the AV installed within the operating theatres and the degree to which they have been integrated with the key clinical equipment.
They gave weight to comments from the end users who emphasised that for certain heart operations, procedures cannot occur without the AV system, as all X-ray and vascular mapping systems are connected to it.
WINNER: BEST APPLICATION OF AV IN COMMERCIAL OR GOVERNMENT (BUDGET UNDER $2M)
Meredith Connell Headquarters (Auckland)
ProVision Technologies
The judges praised ProVision for their high installation standards and the thoughtful placement of technology within this unique office environment. They also noted the success of the integration between AV and IT, including the dual Teams and Zoom ecosystem.
The client couldn’t be happier reporting: “The ability to transition seamlessly between desk, collaboration room and meeting rooms has redefined how our staff work.”
WINNER: BEST APPLICATION OF AV EDUCATION
North Melbourne Football Club “The Huddle”
Mott MacDonald
The Judges praised the community engagement aspects of this project as well as the way it enabled a new and immersive approach to teaching STEM.
The impact of the project has been an experience for Grade 5 and 6 students that re-engages their thinking and creativity towards STEM-based learning.
They commented that this is the kind of project that can put Audio Visual on a world stage.
WINNER: BEST APPLICATION OF AV IN AN EXHIBITION OR DISPLAY
The Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip
Diversified
The Judges were impressed by the degree of interaction Diversified’s AV installation enabled – including the novel uses of small-scale projection mapping on walls, floors, cornices and artifacts.
In the Client’s words: “The goals of increasing visitor engagement; expanding audience reach; and creating an unforgettable journey through Western Australia’s history have been successfully realised through AV”.
WINNER: BEST APPLICATION OF AV IN DIGITAL SIGNAGE
Heritage Lanes (Brisbane)
Ci Group
The Judges commended both the sheer ambition of the Ci Group project, and the skill with which the video elements were integrated with the many other services in the ceiling.
They were also impressed that the display was not just “stuck on” to the architecture but instead was key to the whole design. Here, AV has added real value to the building.
COMMENDATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE
Judges’ Commendation for Excellence in the application of AV in a Commercial or Government Installation
Suncorp Brisbane Headquarters (Heritage Lanes)
Pro AV Solutions QLD
While acknowledging the scale of this project, the Judges principally applauded ProAV Solutions Queensland for creating AV systems that could be used from the first day, without any instruction.
The Client praised their achievements saying:
“ProAV’s dedication to excel shone bright during this project”.
Judges’ Commendation for Excellence in the application of AV in an Exhibition or Display
Old Perth Gaol permanent projection system
The Electric Canvas
The Judges were impressed by the imagination and innovation The Electric Canvas applied to overcome the multiple challenges posed by the Heritage listed jail building and the severe limitations imposed by Covid restrictions.
This was reinforced by the Museum’s staff who noted: “The Electric Canvas team navigated this project, during a very difficult time, with professionalism and grace”.
