Best art in the workplace collaboration (sponsored by Aruga)

This award recognises collaborations between an organisation and one or more creatives that occurred within the organisation’s workplace or space. Judges considered collaborations that utilised visual or performance art to improve workplace culture and experience.

WINNER: Arup Brisbane headquarters,nominated by Arup, in collaboration with Hassell, Five Mile Radius, Blaklash and Keisha Leon

This collaboration set out to connect the workspace to the sky.

A multidisciplinary team started its creative journey with shared aspirations and a strong desire to shape an uplifting environment that was rich in biophilic design linked to nature, integrated art and connection to sky and place.

Arup’s workplace in the CBD’s Albert Street spans three, high-level floors in a concrete-and-glass building, so the collaboration needed to create a strong connection to Country and Sky, despite being removed from the ground plane and natural landscapes.

Day-long workshops with Blaklash informed a bespoke ceiling artwork and, in parallel, biophilic strategies required by the Living Building Challenge were developed through co-design workshops and expressed in about 1,900 plants and “winter garden” greenhouse-style rooms that operate with openable elements to support natural ventilation and comfort.

Upon entry to the workplace, artist-led arrival pieces embed First Nations narratives at the studio’s heart.

Looking up, through the use of integrated visual art and environmental cues as primary design tools, a textured mirrored ceiling by Waanyi/Kalkadoon artist Keisha Leon reflects light and references local waterways, provides a cultural touchpoint and supports intuitive wayfinding - a living dialogue that honours the relationship between land, sky and people.

A key challenge for the collaboration was pursuing Living Building Challenge certification and a strong WELL rating within a typical, refurbished commercial tower—an ambitious standard that demanded rigorous material, health and performance outcomes beyond business-as-usual fitouts.

Designed by Hassell and using materials supplied by Five Mile Radius, the artist commissions were framed and integrated across shared spaces to foster connection, orientation and pride.

The result is a culturally resonant workplace that elevates wellbeing and community for staff and visitors - Arup staff report higher activation and pride than in their previous office.

The judges said the collaboration represents an exemplary integration of art within the workplace, where creative practice is embedded seamlessly into the built environment.

Rather than functioning as an addition to the space, the artwork is deeply integrated into the workplace experience, shaping how staff and visitors engage with the environment.

The judges said the result is a living artwork and architectural achievement; one that not only elevates the workplace experience but stands as a contribution of which Brisbane can be proud.