NZIA Resene New Zealand Awards

MEDIA RELEASE

10 April 2008

Outstanding projects countrywide recognised in NZIA Resene New Zealand Awards for Architecture 2008

From bungy centre to bach, zoo building to clock tower, the New Zealand Institute of Architects Resene New Zealand Awards for Architecture 2008 recognise a wide range of outstanding new projects.

Twenty-two buildings across the country have been honoured in New Zealand’s premier competition for design and architecture.

Judging was carried out across three regions - Northern, Central and Southern by juries of five architects, including a convenor. Each category can have more than one winner. There were 13 winners in the Northern region, five in Central and four in Southern.

All will now go forward to compete in the Supreme Awards to be announced in Auckland on May 24.

Judges praised the high standard of entries across a wide range of disciplines from residential to hospitality and tourism and commercial.

Southern judging convenor Richard McGowan of Warren and Mahoney, Christchurch, said: “These are the premier awards for architecture and design in New Zealand and the standard of entries was very high.

“There has been plenty of building in New Zealand in recent years. Much of this has been fairly ordinary - but the good is very good and that comes about when those commissioning work understand that a good building influences the quality of life of the people who use it, whether it is to live in or work in.”

Winners included a new artists’ residence in the grounds of Colin McCahon’s former home in Titirangi, by Pete Bossley Architects, and Alfriston College, by Warren and Mahoney, one of the first two new state secondary schools to be built in Auckland in 25 years.

Wellington winners included a new amphitheatre for the city’s zoo, by Jasmax, and DOC’s Conservation House, by Architecture +, now regarded as one of New Zealand’s most environmentally friendly buildings.

Southern projects ranged from The A.J. Hackett Bungy Centre in Queenstown to Arrowtown’s high profile The Hills Clubhouse, both by Patterson Associates Ltd.

Residential winners across the regions ranged from a Lindale Bach, by Herbst Architects, to a Wellington home by Parsonson Architects.

Judges evaluated entries against criteria including the relationship of a building to its site and context, design quality, building form, structure and spatial qualities. User satisfaction and environmental aspects were also taken into account.

The main consideration for the judges in assessing projects is how well a building resolves key design issues and then builds on this solution to “contribute to the advancement of architecture.”

The NZIA Resene New Zealand Awards for Architecture were established by the NZIA to celebrate the innovation, creativity and excellence of projects nationwide.

ends

© Scoop Media