We spend a lot of time talking about festivals and new arts and cultural projects, but the memorable and enduring urban design and architecture that makes up much of the city is often overlooked.

At this year’s 2013 Sydney Design Awards, the City took home three major prizes:

• Prince Alfred Park and Pool at Surry Hills – Architecture Mixed Use Constructed category (Neeson Murcutt Architects with Sue Barnsley Design)

• Five inner-city laneways: Angel Place and Ash Street in Central Sydney, and Little Hay Street, Factory Street and Kimber Lane in Chinatown – Urban Design category (ASPECT Studios, with public artworks by Jason Wing and Michael Hill)

• Walla Mulla and Bourke Street parks in Woolloomooloo – Landscape Design Commercial prize (Chris Elliott Architects with Terragram)

The City also took out the Design Champion Award, which recognises the courage to commission a significant body of work. We work with leading architects and designers to create beautiful, functional and importantly, sustainable buildings. You can also check out our past design awards.