Cox Architecture

The new Footscray Hospital is in and of its community — often affectionately referred to as ‘the People’s Hospital,’ it stands as a testament to human-centred design. Currently under construction, it is set for completion late this year. Delivered by Plenary Group in partnership with the Victorian Government and Western Health, the project was conceived as a campus of five buildings arranged around a central green space, rather than a single monolithic structure. Pedestrian connections weave through the site, with each building scaled to suit the precinct. The massing is designed to allow sunlight penetration while providing wind protection to outdoor areas. Highly commended in the Future Projects – Health category at the 2024 World Architecture Festival, the new hospital is poised to become a major act of placemaking. Read more on the project, featured in Hospital + Healthcare: https://lnkd.in/gkkaseW5

An ‘excellent example of retirement living design’, ‘a world-class cycling facility’ and a bridge that 'has redefined connectivity in Brisbane’s city centre.’ These were among the jury citations for three COX projects recognised at the Australian Institute of Architects Greater Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards last week. The Somerset Indooroopilly Retirement Community, delivered with Aura Holdings, received the Brisbane City Council’s Lord Mayor’s Buildings that Breathe Architecture Prize and was commended in the Residential Architecture category. The Brisbane International Cycle Park was commended for Public Architecture. The Kangaroo Point Bridge was commended for Urban Design Architecture. The concept and reference design were developed by Brisbane City Council with Arup and COX. All three projects now progress to the State Awards. Thank you to the jury, our partners, and collaborators who helped bring these projects to life—and congratulations to all awarded entries. 🔗Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFRpiJaz 📷 Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones --------------------------------------------------------- Led by Brisbane City Council, the large Kangaroo Pont Bridge team included: Client: Brisbane City Council Principal Contractor: BESIX Watpac Embedded Specialists: Rizzani de Eccher, Tensa Engineering: WSP, RWDI Architecture and Design: Blight Rayner Architecture, Dissing+Weitling, ASPECT Studios, Right Angle Studio, Blaklash, UAP | Urban Art Projects Communication and Stakeholder: Rowland Concept and Reference Design: Brisbane City Council with Arup and COX Architecture We thank the AIA jury and extend our congratulations to all awarded entries. We also acknowledge our partners, consultants and clients whose collaboration brought these projects to life.

COX’s expansion of the Capital Jet Facility at Canberra Airport builds on the legacy of the Canberra Medallion award-winning hangar.    The two-stage expansion enhances flexibility, accommodating larger aircraft while improving workplace circulation and accessibility. Designed for longevity, it reinforces the facility’s role within Canberra Airport and sets a benchmark for adaptable aviation infrastructure.    “The envelope acts as a formal extension of the facility, a piece of a greater whole, one reinforcing the other,” describes COX Associate Alexander Gorecki.    Read more: https://lnkd.in/gu5PbtQc     📷Photographer: Ben Wrigley

Construction is well underway for ISPT’s 270 Pitt Street.    Designed by COX and delivered in partnership with Built., the project sets a benchmark for the adaptive reuse of aging commercial assets in Sydney’s CBD. Originally a defence building, the structure has been completely reimagined - stripped of layers of ad hoc upgrades to reveal a bold, contemporary workplace anchored in sustainability, flexibility, and design clarity.     Key features include a dramatic 6m-high lobby, a street-facing café, flexible meeting spaces, rooftop terrace, end-of-trip facilities, and a façade that respects and elevates the adjacent heritage church. With exposed concrete floors and a “more with less” design approach, the interiors cater to a wide range of tenants—from tech startups to government agencies.     Targeting a 5-Star Green Star rating, 270 Pitt demonstrates how cities can evolve sustainably through smart, considered design. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eVd_cVwt

What if your ideas could directly influence the way our cities are designed and experienced? That’s exactly what the Churchill Fellowship can make possible.     Earlier this month, we hosted a powerful conversation in our Sydney studio with Committee for Sydney and Churchill Fellowship on how global research can drive local impact.     Our Principal Consultant, David Holm — a past Fellow — shared insights from his journey through some of the world’s densest cities, where he studied how public space is designed, distilling the lessons we can bring back to shape a more connected, equitable Sydney. As part of this research, David visited and drew over 200 public places, analysing their form, function and cultural meaning. As architects and urban designers, we have a responsibility to think boldly, act curiously, and share what we learn. The Churchill Fellowship empowers exactly that.    Thanks to the Committee for Sydney and the Churchill Trust for championing deep thinking in design, planning and public life. If you’re considering a Fellowship — we can’t recommend it enough. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eabZAbyM

Join us in our Sydney Studio for the RENEW Symposium and explore collaborative and sustainable practices for multi-unit housing renovation.    Led by the University of Sydney and funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), the RENEW project brings together key partners including UNSW, COX, GANSW, AJC, Lannock Strata Finance, and MaxBuild Ltd to explore how we can renew, rather than demolish, Australia’s ageing apartment buildings in the face of social, economic, and environmental change.   As a founding partner, COX has been involved in the project from the start — contributing to research and co-authoring the RENEW Co-Design Guide.   COX's Sharaan Muruvan, Joe Agius and Dr Matthias Irger are participating in the symposium program — joining panels and conversations that will explore the future of housing, decarbonisation, and the role of design in a circular economy.     When: Thu, 1 May, 9am - 5pm AEST  Where: COX Architecture, 70 George Street, The Rocks  For more information and tickets, visit: https://lnkd.in/g4kcjbFk  

An intimate retail fitout, atmospheric hospitality venues, and forward-thinking workplaces - five COX projects have been shortlisted in this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards. We are honoured to be recognised amongst a cohort of incredible projects. COX’s Adelaide Studio and Macquarie Group Global Headquarters are shortlisted in the Workplace Design category. In the Hospitality Design category, Sol Bread & Wine and Genzo have both made the list. And shortlisted in the Retail Design category is Una Providore. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gWcW3B4S ------- Una Providore, Sol Bread & Wine, and Genzo were designed in collaboration with H&E Architects for ETYMON PROJECTS, with branding and signage by Studio Ongarato. Photography by Steven Woodburn Macquarie Group Global Headquarters was designed in partnership with Architectus and Hecker Guthrie for Macquarie Group. At 44,000m², the large-scale workplace involved a broad team of collaborators including Lendlease, JPW,Rapt Studio, Yerrabingin Pty Ltd, BALARINJI, THERE, The Big Group, Steensen Varming, and Electrolight. Photography by Brett Boardman. Our Adelaide Studio, designed by us, for us – we thank our key consultants SHAPE Australia, Bestec, and WGA. Photography by TRIM PHOTOGRAPHY .

In this episode of Talking Architecture & Design (Australia), our National Head of Sustainability, Dr Matthias Irger, joins host Branko M. to discuss how architecture can – and must – address the challenges of climate change through regenerative and circular design. With a background in climate-responsive planning and a deep commitment to evidence-based sustainability, Matthias shares how COX is approaching both embodied and operational carbon across our portfolio. He talks through the importance of moving beyond compliance, championing low-carbon design strategies, and embracing a whole-of-practice approach to carbon literacy. The conversation covers: – The urgency of regenerative design – How circularity is informing our project and material choices – The evolving role of architects in carbon-conscious city-making – What it means to truly embed sustainability at every scale 🎧 Listen to the episode now: https://lnkd.in/gEQvHNP8

The Queensland Government’s recent announcement of the Delivering 2032 and Beyond Plan signals a shift—from ambition to legacy. COX’s involvement in past and future Olympic Games, from Sydney 2000 to Brisbane 2032 and beyond to Ahmedabad 2036, has shown us the power of considered legacy planning versus white elephant dreaming.  COX Director Richard Coulson shares his perspective: “While the commitment to regional Queensland is clear, the transformation unfolding in Brisbane will redefine the city for generations. The consolidation of key venues—the Athletes Village, Stadium, Arena, and Aquatic Centre with Suncorp Stadium creates a powerful civic piece. Anchored by the Brisbane River, South Bank, and the city’s bridges, this framework will define how the city moves, connects, and grows. There is much to be done. Greenspace, walkability, and connectivity must sit at the heart of this work. Upcoming announcements on procurement methodology and the assignment of sports to venues will be key next steps. This repositioning represents a significant departure from the previous government’s plan. Understanding and resolving the relationships between each precinct, venue, and piece of infrastructure will be fundamental—and the complexity of that task cannot be understated. The image below outlines the disposition of the major venues and the Athletes Village within the city’s urban frame, illustrating their proximity to the river, the bay, and the islands that define Brisbane’s identity. Together, these elements will shape an experience that welcomes the world—and leaves a legacy for those who call this place home.”    The journey to 2032 is well underway—now comes the challenge of shaping a city and state for generations to come. 

Often overlooked, balconies can offer more than just a view. At On Hills Central, we set out to unlock their potential. Guided by the ‘prospect-refuge’ principle, we balanced comfort, privacy and climate to create balconies that feel both open and protected. In summer, the harsh sun is filtered with hit-and-miss brickwork, allowing for airflow and seclusion. In winter, open balustrades welcome low sun, warming the interior naturally. By responding directly to weather and orientation, the balconies offer shelter without sacrificing outlook – creating a space that residents can truly enjoy. Read more about our project here: https://lnkd.in/gtkwczrC