Kenilworth has its ‘dunny’ design winner
The search is over. The winner of the Kenilworth Designer Dunny competition has been decided and was revealed to locals last night in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland town.
The search is over. The winner of the Kenilworth Designer Dunny competition has been decided and was revealed to locals last night in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland town.
Selected from a field of almost 200 entrants from around Australia, and even one from the UK, the winning entry was Canistrum from Maleny-based designer Michael Lennie who receives an acquisitive prize of $10,000.
Mr Lennie said his entry was designed to be both art and a functional public toilet for Isaac Moore Park at the gateway to the town.
He describes Canistrum as “an unfinished basket reflecting an unfinished history”. The word “canistrum” is Latin for wicker basket.
“It brings ancient craft into the future public domain,” Mr Lennie said in his entry’s artistic statement.
“Its bold and vibrant colours create a striking effect against the Kenilworth Conondale Ranges’ tree line.”
Council will now work with the winner to develop detailed construction plans on the winning concept plan.
“We will undertake a detailed feasibility analysis to investigate costs, budget availability and forecasted timing for the construction of Canistrum,” Infrastructure Services acting director Tom Jamieson said.
“Our thanks go to all of the entrants who used their imagination, creativity and design skills to come up with an outstanding range of entries.”
The winning entry was selected by a judging panel that included well-respected architect John Mainwaring, Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson, South Australian sculptor Greg Johns, Sandy Conte and Shirley Moreland, President of Kenilworth Arts Council.
It came from a shortlist of 12 entries that were on display for public comment at the Kenilworth Hotel.
Mr Mainwaring said the winning entrant delivered on the competition’s goal of producing an iconic, innovative and functional public artwork.
“In an abstract sense, the work celebrates both the indigenous and European cultures as well as the unique natural environment of Kenilworth,” he said.
“It provides a strong gateway statement reflecting the creative identity and character of the Kenilworth community.
“Not only will it be an eye-catching welcoming statement for the town, it will be a much-needed facility for people who use the park.”
BIO: THE WINNING DESIGNER
Michael Lennie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland where he trained as an architectural technician.
With the introduction of Macintosh computers in the early 1980s, he became involved in computer graphics and 3D modelling.
He worked for one of Scotland’s largest architectural practices for more than 19 years and was associate for graphic design for five years.
Michael and his family moved to Australia in 1993 and following a period of employment with various architects on the Sunshine Coast, he began operating his own architectural illustration business in Maleny in 2004.