JOY studios up for award

New studios at Melbourne’s gay and lesbian radio station JOY 94.9FM have been shortlisted for an Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) award.

The architecture awards are organised by the AIA each year and run in each state and nationally.

The studio project, which has shaped the community station’s new look, was entered into the Victorian -˜Small Architecture’ category.

Designed by Brunswick architecture firm Harrison and White, there was a strong emphasis on sustainability by using environmentally-friendly materials.

Medium-density fibreboard materials, which often use glue, were avoided in favour of plywood sealed with boiled linseed oil. New painting was kept to a minimum.

Durra-Wall acoustic panelling, made from compacted straw and finished in waxed kraft paper, was used for acoustic, environmental and design reasons.

JOY moved from its cramped South Melbourne headquarters into the Melbourne City Council’s City Village in mid-2008.

JOY station manager Stephen Hahn said one of the reasons the firm was chosen, apart from quoting the best community rates, was because one of the architects involved in the project hosts a radio show.

He was one of the few architects in Melbourne who makes a radio show -” they do a show on another station so it was a unique viewpoint to have.

Architect Stuart Harrison is one of three hosts of The Architects which broadcasts on independent radio station Triple R.

Harrison said one of the keys to the design was keeping the radio studios upfront of the space to  maintain a community radio vibe and make it clear from the busy lift area that the station is alive and functioning.

In deciding the project’s overall quality, judges will look at how well the project meets its original intentions, the client’s satisfaction with the project, environmental performance, use of energy and creativity and the advancement of overall design.

The award presentation for the Victorian division is July 10.