Nohonga challenge finalists found
The five finalists have been found for the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora/Brick Bay Nohonga design challenge.
In early March the call went out to challenge students and all levels of graduated landscape architects to design and construct creative nohonga (seats) for the citizens of Tāmaki Makaurau … and then Covid happened.
Last night 11 teams presented their design plans at a special event run by the Auckland Branch of the NZILA - many spoke of taking on the design process during lockdown - with some designs clearly reflecting the concepts of social distancing and Covid bubbles.
Teams presented their design concepts at a special function last night in Auckland.
The Judges for the competition are Brick Bay owner Richard Didsbury, Jacky Bowring, an NZILA Fellow, Jeremy Hansen from Britomart and Viva editor Amanda Linnell.
Here are the finalists in no particular order. 1. Bella Grimsdale, Luke Veldhuizen and Sam Gould for Te Whakatohenehene - The Disruption, which explores tensions between the built and natural environment through Te Ao, Maori principles.
Te Whakatohenehene - The Disruption.
2. Topsy Steele and Anna Li of Boffa Miskell for Bioluminescence - which incorporates design elements reflecting our coastal landscape and the shape of shells found there.
Bioluminescence by a Boffa Miskell team.
3. An Isthmus team for Titiro, a design which finds form for the quiet practices of being still, dwelling and observing.
The Isthmus “Titiro” design.
4. The Wilkins twins, Anne and Rose, for their entry “Connection versus Isolation” which plays with the new spatial awareness which developed during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“Connection versus Isolation”
5. Team Tenax from Boffa Miskell for “Whiria” which references the weaving of Harekeke and its resonance in the weaving together of people.
The “Whiria” design from another Boffa Miskell team.
The team for each of the five finalists will be paid a minimum of $2,000 to support the further design, construction and implementation of their proposal.
The site for the initial, temporary, public install will be at Britomart in Auckland during November / December and some or all nohonga may be transferred to Brick Bay sculpture trail outdoor gallery for a further install of up to 12 months.
The event is sponsored by Brick Bay, Britomart, NZILA (Auckland Branch), Resene and the New Zealand Herald’s Viva.
Brick Bay owner and competition sponsor Richard Didsbury speaking at last night’s function.