The University of Canberra joined Canberra Centre to stage the Ainslie Avenue bus shelter competition.

University of Canberra second year bachelor of architecture students were asked to design a new bus shelter for Ainslie Avenue. [Just in theory, there are no plans for one.]

The final 12 designs are now on display for eight weeks at the Canberra Centre on the glass floor on Level 1.

There were three joint winners, each group receiving $1500 from the Canberra Centre .

The first winners were Cedar Hernandez, Joshua Catanzariti and Aggie Rostagno, who did a joint entry (pictured) of a rounded, panelled wall that could be mass-produced.

Cedar, 32, said the group knew they were updating a design that had become much-loved in Canberra.

"In an iconic location, too, because it's in that grid lining up with Mount Ainslie," she said.

The second winners were Sage Tynan and Thomas Petersen, who were partly inspired by the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Sage, who grew up in Canberra, said he and Tom designed the bus shelter with the idea of constructing it with sand-formed panels.

"We didn't want to take away from the bus shelters around Canberra because they have that iconic look," he said.

The third winner was Stephanie Williamson, 26, originally from Bathurst, whose entry was almost ethereal, made from twisting metal, which she envisaged as steel rail rising up and down.

"I guess my inspiration came from it being on a major axis of Canberra, and using is as a thread," she said.

The Sustainability Prize went to Katrina Cachia, Tiarne Smith and Elizabeth McDonald.

Executive dean of the faculty of arts and design Professor Jason Bainbridge said the competition was an example of the real-world experiences that University of Canberra students are exposed to throughout their degrees.

"For the students, having their designs showcased in the Canberra Centre means that their family, friends, and the general public can see the terrific work they're doing," Professor Bainbridge said.