Helping Vanuatu reach its tourism potential scores Beca an award
Beca Ltd’s work on the Vanuatu Infrastructure Tourism Project has won the Community Design category in this year’s Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards.
The judges said at the core of this unique project was a “renewed and resilient expression of cultural values and sense of place”.
Vanuatu’s rejuvenated seafront and portside precinct is full of amenities for tourists and locals alike to enjoy, including improved access to the sea.
“In addition to responding to the technical engineering focus of addressing coastal interface issues and creating a resilient public space (post Cyclone Pam), the design response required a deep understanding of the local people and culture,” the judges citation read.
“With three languages to contend with (Bislama, French, and English), this was a challenging endeavour, but was successfully achieved through a landscape architectural-led design and engagement process.”
Vanuatu is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Pacific, with tourism a vital contributor to the local economy.
The success of the project has fuelled other local initiatives which are assisting with the ongoing resilience of this proud nation. It was a clear winner as an “excellent exemplar” in the category, the judges said.
You can read more about the project here and see a video on the project below.
