Penguins Plus

Penguins Plus is a highly site-specific project on Phillip Island’s spectacular coast, in which the visitor experience is dominated by the quality of the environment and the appeal of the fauna. A contoured structure with a curved boardwalk and stepped viewing area sits sympathetically in the coastal landscape, providing a wide range of visitor viewing options, while the improved lighting system reduces the impact on the penguin habitat.

This project has clearly been informed by the comprehensive Summer land Peninsula Master Plan as well as a design guideline manual.

The work is beautifully detailed and provides a replicable prototype for the development of other components of this fragile landscape in the future. This project successfully demonstrates the way a well-structured and values-driven design process can transform organisational thinking and practice for public agencies.

Winner of 2016 United Nations Association World Environment Day Infrastructure Innovation Award and 2061 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Tourism Award of Excellence.