Resene NZILA Pride of Place Landscape Architecture

SUPREME WINNERS

George Malcolm Award

Nick's Head Station Stewardship Master Plan
Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects

An artful and exemplary project evidence of the outstanding outcomes that can be achieved through the landscape architect collaborating with a range of professionals, stakeholders clients.

This is design for place and not of place.

Family is the heart of all farms and this is evidenced by the subtle reflection of the broader farm landscape within an intimate and beautifully detailed homestead area that has brought the immediate heart and soul of the farm and family into the garden.  In a playful manner the story of the farm is reflected in the journey around the homestead garden.

NZILA Award of Excellence Statement:  An exemplary project that successfully explores the integration of aesthetics and function.  Through this process the masterplan has transformed a once degraded rural landscape to combine both successful agricultural and horticultural productivity with hillside and coastal conservation while honouring cultural heritage connections.  The creation of the outstanding wetland illustrates best practice in catchment management while highlighting that landscape restoration can be beautiful as well as highly functional.  This portion of the work sets the greenprint for the rest of the farm. A comprehensive approach to management and stewardship of the landscape provides an enduring balance between production and conservation.  Design thinking has been interwoven into all aspects of the property from the colonial homestead design aesthetic respecting scale and sense of place for the family to the farm infrastructure.

Charlie Challenger Award

Earthquake Cities on the Pacific Rim
Martin Bryant and Associate Professor Penny Allan

Earthquake Cities on the Pacific Rim is a series of interlinked essays that describe findings of research work into the relationship between spatial structure and resilience. An extraordinary amount of work was undertaken in four continents around the Pacific Rim, over a period of 5 years, to research community uses of open space in the aftermath of earthquakes.

The result is four essays that have been published separately  in Journal of Landscape Architecture, International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Journal of Urban Design, and a book chapter being edited by Viktorija Zgela, entitled Approaches to Disaster Management – Examining the Implications of Hazards, Emergencies and Disasters.

The work puts landscape architecture at the forefront of disaster planning and management, investigating how the community relies on open space to take an important role in the process of recovery and underscores its potential to enhance resilience. The combined body of research also looks at different resilience attributes, their relationship with spatial morphologies, and  innovation in open space design, which in turn influences community and social well-being.

As a result the work provides a very significant contribution to landscape planning, research and sustainability, and provides creative ideas and solutions to complex urban issues. It also very effectively raises awareness of the profession of landscape architecture to an audience beyond landscape architects and beyond New Zealand.
 

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Daldy Street Linear Park
Architectus

An excellent vision for connectivity between the waterfront and Victoria Park. 

This project illustrates the power of conceptual masterplanning and integration of water sensitive design into public open space. 

The project blurrs boundaries between public/private/stormwater/urban design and recreation. 

It showcases the potential of landscape architecture to be a transformative and inspiring tool in City planning.

 

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Urban Estuaries
Jasmax

The judges commend the initiative of the entrant to undertaking this project which the ethic of landscape architecture practice to also provide a service to the profession while epitomising the intent of the visionary category.

This project highlights the importance of research and design relating to sedimentation and water issues.  It explores these issues in an integrated way with integrity.

The response to the problem being explored is an innovative and robust development of ideas and technical design to address very real environmental problems.

 

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Carbon and Environment Profiling of Hard Landscape Material
Craig Pocock, Kirsten O'Connor, Mike Barthelmeh, Dr Shannon Davis

This project exemplifies the role and importance of research for landscape architects, and the contribution our Universities can make to the profession. 

The study provides specialist information and knowledge about key aspects of sustainability, and the importance of sustainable design in landscape projects.

It provides an important and highly relevant tool for landscape designers and managers that will hopefully be developed further in the future.

 

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Nick's Head Station Stewardship Master Plan
Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects

This project has unraveled the key elements of custodianship and stewardship in farming  - this project responds to the multiple needs of rural landscapes - it is not only an industrial farming practice but has exemplified a responsibility to culture, local people, economy, biodiversity, family and in doing so creates an outstanding landscape legacy for all of New Zealand.

RESENE COLOUR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Te Wero Island and the Eastern Viaduct
Boffa Miskell Ltd

This project illustrates how a fun and innovative use of colour can provide the lynchpin to an entire urban design response. 

An extremely clever approach to pedestrian circulation and how colour can be an uplifting contributor to public space. Our urban spaces are often devoid of such vibrant colour insertions and the judges believe this project highlights the potential of a less restrained approach to colour in the City.

Landscape Design - Residential

NZILA Award of Excellence
Government House Conservation Project
Isthmus with Athfield Architects

Well considered and well rounded approach to a heritage garden that also requires flexible space for large events both formal and informal.

Use of an appropriately simple palette of materials that compliments the heritage house while providing an updated and modern aesthetic is excellent - respecting both the formality of the space and symbolism of the site history.

Planting design has created a passive New Zealand flavour throughout - subtle and beautiful in its execution.

Choice of features such as the reflection pool have added interest and the detailing is exemplary in achieving stunning clean lines and defined edges and spatial definition.

Introduction of exotic plants interspersed with natives provides a depth of colour and interest that does not detract from the overarching native theme.

A stunning upgrade and addition that showcases the outstanding quality and beauty of both New Zealand plants and design.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Waiwhero
Wraight + Associates

The charm of this rural garden is its simplicity and the strength of the relationship between house and broader landscape.

The blurred boundary between house garden and rural landscape has been achieved in an innovative way and creates great vistas and interest from the variety of internal home spaces while from a distance grounds the building within its hillside location.

The design has responded to its physical context by nestling respectfully into the hillside concurrently responding to the clients need for flexibility and ease of maintenance.

The associated broader revegetation and masterplanning for the gully and farm has been achieved to a high standard and contributes to the overall strength of the design.

Introduction of a small but appropriate range of native plant species for site conditions and context have been used to create bold planting schemes that enhance and compliment the landscape and house.

 

Landscape Design - Commercial / Industrial / Institutional

NZILA Award of Excellence
University Plaza
Jasmax

Classic clean lines and well defined spaces create a multiplicity of functional social areas appropriate to the intended users of University students.

A disciplined restraint achieves a well executed and high quality space.  This project has achieved variety with simplicity – a reduced palette of materials creates a cohesive solution that works well with the strong architecture.

Well resolved approach to levels shelter from prevailing harbour winds.  The plant palette is appropriate for such a challenging site.

Excellent construction and detailing of seating and walls was aesthetically effective.  The simplicity of the design has carried seamlessly through to design details. 

Forecourt issues have been dealt with well in terms of the large numbers of people that will circulate through the shared space.   Design will mature into a great forecourt space with gravitas.

NZILA Award of Excellence
Remarkables Primary School
Baxter Design Group

This school project pays homage to the landscape while adding significantly to the environment of learning.

A sensitive response to context and understated but engaging exploration into cutting edge thinking in design for education.

The landscape provides a nurturing environment for life-long learning.  Clever use of landform results in an enclosed, sheltered yet interesting space for children to explore.

Variety in experience is achieved through contour and levels integrating building and landscape.  The space provides opportunities but does not dictate and as such allows for innovative and interrogative use of the space by students.

A contemporary response to the landscape and style of the building does not detract from the powerful natural character of the surrounding environment – at all times acknowledging the grandeur of the surrounding mountainscape.

The client should be complimented on having a response to management that enhances the innovative student use of space – with no ‘out of bounds’ areas.

A design that exemplifies the powerful outcomes that can be achieved with true collaboration between architect,  landscape architect and client.

NZILA Distinction Award
Freeman's Bay School Courtyard
Boffa Miskell Ltd

A beautifully simple and highly functional outdoor courtyard that acts as the heart of the school.

The space has effectively connected with the heritage of the area by using old wharf piles discovered in the excavation of the nearby Victoria Park tunnel and these provide a tactile and interesting vertical element within the courtyard.

A range of shaded seating areas and large expanses of multi-functional space are well used by students and provide flexibility for a range of uses both for the school and local community (including markets).

NZILA Distinction Award
Onewa Interchange
Opus International Consultants Ltd

Highly effective and ecologically appropriate response to a demanding road interchange.

The mass planting of wetland and harbour edge species, placement of stormwater ponds and associated earth mounding to integrate the road network into the landscape has achieved a dramatic planted feature that compliments the fun concrete textures and patterns.

The overall effect appears natural and effortless which belies the difficult nature of such a site.  An excellent and highly successful example of an extremely high quality transport corridor landscape response.

NZILA Distinction Award
Tranquil Garden, Rangitoto College
Jill Rice of Get Outside Ltd in association with Adams De La Mare Ltd

A clean and crisp design creates a deceptively large array of seating and conversation opportunities within a secondary school environment.

The design responds to the brief to encourage personal relationships and discussion amongst the students in a tranquil setting.

A robust range of materials appropriate to the setting and budget have been chosen to compliment the design and use of natural and constructed materials reflects the school principles well.

Level changes have been incorporated into the design to further enhance the flexible opportunities for pupils and staff to use the courtyard for social, contemplative and educational purposes.

Landscape Design  Urban Design

NZILA Award of Excellence
Elliott & Darby Street Area Upgrade
Boffa Miskell Ltd

An elegant and constrained response to the difficult task of mixing traffic and pedestrians. 

Pedestrians are assured a safe and equitable realm to use in a variety of ways.  Limited use of controlling devices means the definition of space fully allows for the concept of shared space to be realised.

Design is sufficiently robust to slow cars and integrates existing mature trees and has linked well to the streetscape elements of the adjacent Queen Street.

An excellent showcase of the potential of shared space in the NZ context.

NZILA Award of Excellence
Taranaki Wharf West
Wraight and Associates with Athfield Architects


Appropriate use of symbolism and pattern in the paving and steps to reflect the adjacent built forms is the strong feature of this project.

This space has achieved an excellent link between the disparate spaces of the Wellington waterfront and provides a genteel connection with the wharf.

Introduction of a softness is achieved with the grass area and the robust yet accessible terracing into the water.

Choice of materials links beautifully to the surrounding waterfront developments of the bridge and broader waterfront spaces and provides an appropriate transition to the more hard and industrial spaces of the broader wharf and waterfront edge.

NZILA Award of Excellence
Jellicoe Street, North Wharf + Silo Park
Wraight & Associates + Taylor Cullity Lethlean

This is one of the larger components of the Auckland waterfront development that effectively realises the vision of the masterplan and creates a vibrant space that connects people with the wharf environment and provides a range of distinct spaces for social gathering and activity.

The integration of existing industrial wharf materials and features such as barnacle encrusted concrete and rail tracks adds to the industrial aesthetic and creates a robust and tactile environment.

The use of low large-scale timbers as informal seating and edge barrier along the wharf edge is an effective solution while not distracting or over-complicating the historic wharf edge.

The Jellicoe Street frontage contrasts beautifully with a dramatic inner city forest that adds a sense of tranquility and softness to the otherwise hard spaces.

Another excellent component in the vision for re-engagement with Auckland's maritime environment.

NZILA Award of Excellence
Newmarket Street Scapes
Isthmus

The upgrade of Newmarket streetscape utilises a clean and sophisticated palette of materials that compliments rather than distracts from the re-vitalised retail outlets.

This projects beauty lies in its simplicity and the minimisation of street clutter.

What there is provides highly functional spaces where shoppers can rest and observe street life.

Incorporation of art work at key locations builds on the theme and provides visual interest for pedestrians and passing motorists.

This project exemplifies a modern streetscape approach that recognises the landscape as a connector and foil for surrounding urban activities.

NZILA Distinction Award
Te Wero Island and the Eastern Viaduct
Boffa Miskell Ltd

A bold and deceptively complex resolution to addressing a temporary circulation outcome.

The design provides a cohesive connection between waterfront spaces and effectively identifies a clear movement route through to the newly created waterfront spaces to the west of the City.

It is great to see a bit of fun and frivolity incorporated into an urban landscape.

The judges suspect that despite the temporary nature of the project, it's appeal will ensure an ongoing legacy.
 

NZILA Distinction Award
Te Puke Walkway, Heritage Courtyard and Jubilee Park Destination Playground Development
Boffa Miskell Ltd

Quality of materials and strong use of vertical elements assists in creating a destination space that draws people from the main street to a heritage open space.

With maturity spatial definition will further enhance the vibrancy of the area.

An innovative and fun stage area provides for a multiplicity of uses and will be a great event space for the community.

A strong design that will hold its own against the developments occurring adjacent and retain a sense of destination and public ownership.

Use of water creates a sense of frivolity within the predominantly hard space.

NZILA Distinction Award
Lorne Street: Cultural Precinct
Architectus

A successful manipulation of street edge to create not only an interesting entry to the public building but a usable kerb edge for socialisation.

Innovative and creative solution to two spaces- use of a single element within a difficult contour to link separate spaces is applauded.

NZILA Distinction Award
Karanga Plaza and Halsey Wharf
Architectus

Bold and fun solution to a linking space and for opening up access to the water of the harbour.

The use of over-scale seating adds a dimension and presence.  Elevated seats have created a destination and eddy point within the boulevard walk of Wynyard Quarter.

Landscape Design - Rural / Park / Recreational

NZILA Award of Excellence
Nick's Head Station Stewardship Master Plan
Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects

An exemplary project that successfully explores the integration of aesthetics and function. 

Through this process the masterplan has transformed a once degraded rural landscape to combine both successful agricultural and horticultural productivity with hillside and coastal conservation while honoring cultural heritage connections. 

The creation of the outstanding wetland illustrates best practice in catchment management while highlighting that landscape restoration can be beautiful as well as highly functional. 

This portion of the work sets the greenprint for the rest of the farm.

A comprehensive approach to management and stewardship of the landscape provides an enduring balance between production and conservation. 

Design thinking has been interwoven into all aspects of the property from the colonial homestead design aesthetic respecting scale and sense of place for the family to the farm infrastructure.

NZILA Award of Excellence
Wynyard Playspace
Isthmus

Use of levels and variable styles of play opportunity, from mounds and hard court to a sea-themed play area creates a highly usable area responding well to the brief of activating this transitional landscape within the broader Wyndham concept.

The design provides for seamless integration of all ages and opportunities for caregiver participation. 

Sensory exploration is provided by different ground surface textures and sculptural themed play equipment. 

Playful use of existing materials and palette are used to add to the play dimension and ground the design. 

The temporary nature of the project has not limited the designers creativity and the resulting outcome has a strong sense of place and has eluded a temporary feel.

NZILA Award of Excellence
Cliff Face Park
Natural Habitats in collaboration with Auckland Council

This project illustrates how effective planting design can be in public open space areas and the use of native plants is exemplary.

The design has a very strong theme which allows for a fun and innovative approach the command of three dimensional space is outstanding and the overall area is a drawcard for users while also providing a tranquil setting for the surrounding townhouses. 

Circulation through the site and use of cohesive materials enhances the theme. 

This is high quality transition of concept through to detail that results in a cheerful and interesting public park with a strong sense of place.

NZILA Award of Excellence
Taurarua Judges Bay
Reset Urban Design

A stunning example of coastal restoration that provides for extensive public re-engagement with the water. 

Design detailing throughout is excellent with some highly innovative approaches to level changes and water access creating a cohesive and subtle design response appropriate to the site. 

The extension of the landscape from the shoreline out into the water through a variety of mechanisms is outstanding and has allowed for the entire transformation of a once degraded area.

NZILA Award of Excellence
Ocean View Road Pocket Park
Reset Urban Design

This project illustrates the power of landscape (whether large or small) and was a judges favourite. 

The simplicity, clarity and exemplary detailing of this small coastal pocket park is outstanding. 

The resulting space is one that you just don't want to leave.  Links with existing heritage coastal walls and the broader landscape have been seamlessly achieved. 

The use of adjacent residential planting as an integrating component is inspired. 

A range of facilities have been incorporated well within a small area and the restrained choice of materials enhances the overall design.

NZILA Distinction Award
Cobblestone Park
Wraight + Associates

A lot of variety of spaces artfully achieved within a constrained site. 

Use of level changes and strong edges and boundaries help to facilitate good movement and integration yet separation between more intimate spaces and public open areas. 

Circulation was well resolved without dominating the site.

The integration of highly active spaces such as the basketball 1/2 court within a dense urban environment is excellent. 

The park is a pleasant relief from the intensity of Cuba Street and the planting choice is interesting, tactile and appropriate to achievement of privacy, shelter and drama.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Taranaki Jump Platform
Wraight + Associates

A lot of variety of spaces artfully achieved within a constrained site. 

Use of level changes and strong edges and boundaries help to facilitate good movement and integration yet separation between more intimate spaces and public open areas. 

Circulation was well resolved without dominating the site.

The integration of highly active spaces such as the basketball 1/2 court within a dense urban environment is excellent. 

The park is a pleasant relief from the intensity of Cuba Street and the planting choice is interesting, tactile and appropriate to achievement of privacy, shelter and drama.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Hobsonville Point Park
Isthmus

A complex and extensive play space that successfully explores the relationship between play and native streamside planting. 

Sculptural forms add interest, but the real success of this project is its innovative use of circulation for children and the variety of spaces available for a range of play opportunities. 

A soft approach to planting which links to the downstream stream restoration is effective and ensures a cohesive feel to the park. 

The tall black branch sculpture insertions are a fun element that lifts the restoration planting into a new realm.

NZILA Distinction Award
Victoria Skate Park
Isthmus

A very technically competent skate facility providing equal opportunity with all levels and styles of skate/scooter/bike movement. 

Design is robust for both its context and function. 

The open feel makes the space visually accessible and integrates with the surrounding park creating a safe environment for users. 

Multiplicity of age groups, and opportunities for socialisation is highly successful.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Maungarei Springs
Natural Habitats in collaboration with Auckland Council and Surface Design

A design which has fun with the link to broader quarry landscape. 

Although the space is a stormwater detention and treatment area the park design has successfully provided innovative and variable spaces that are interesting to explore and entirely appropriate to the needs of the users. 

Stormwater techincalities are intgrated throughout the design in an aesthetically pleasing way and the overall sense of place is very evident.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Waiuku River Lane, Waiuku
Reset Urban Design

This project facilitates the potential to activate a space economically with exciting possibilities. 

The transformation of the river to result in an attractive esplanade space has been achieved well and sets a pattern for the remainder of the degraded river. 

Furniture detailing and vertical features provide interest and have a simplicity that allows for easy maintenance in a public space.

NZILA Distinction Award
Oruaiti Reserve Pa Site
WCC Architects - Wellington City Council

An excellent, evocative and low key response to conveying the cultural stories of the site while also providing a point of interest. 

It creates a space that builds onto

and complements the historical story

The journey to the site and interpretation along the way is appropriate to the rugged coastal setting and builds anticipation to this key stopping point along a wider coastal walkway concept. 

The design is restrained so that it doesn't dominate the headland and provides a contemplative destination for those using the walkway.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Raglan Skatepark Extension
Rich Landscapes & Premium Skatepark Designer

An innovative and creative expansion to an existing facility that caters to a wide range of users. 

The space accommodates a new mode of skating for surf skaters with the intricate curved wave-like patterns of the ribbon along the extension edge.  A no frills yet seamless addition. 

The skate park addition adds a new dynamic to the existing space and appropriately  talks the language of the kids - who have named the features.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Pekapeka Wetlands
Shannon Bray Landscape Architect in association with Titchener Monzingo Aitken Ltd and Hawke's Bay Regional Council

A high quality interpretive site for wetland restoration that integrates public accessibility with educational features through use of local materials and stories. 

The design of walkways and carparking within the broader planting and wetland restoration provide a range of experience opportunities for users. 

Once mature, these spaces will be further enhanced.  An excellent design interpretation of community desires for wetland education and restoration.

Acknowledgements:
1. Titchener Monzingo Aitken Ltd,  Preliminary Consultants.
2.  Kaitiaki: Waa Harris, Kaitiaki mo Pakipaki o Hinetemoa.

Landscape Design - Visionary Landscapes

NZILA Award of Excellence
Daldy Street Linear Park
Architectus

An excellent vision for connectivity between the waterfront and Victoria Park. 

This project illustrates the power of conceptual masterplanning and integration of water sensitive design into public open space. 

The project blurrs boundaries between public/private/stormwater/urban design and recreation.

It showcases the potential of landscape architecture to be a transformative and inspiring tool in City planning.

 

NZILA Award of Excellence
Urban Estuaries
Jasmax

The judges commend the initiative of the entrant to undertaking this project which the ethic of landscape architecture practice to also provide a service to the profession while epitomising the intent of the visionary category.

This project highlights the importance of research and design relating to sedimentation and water issues.  It explores these issues in an integrated way with integrity. 

The response to the problem being explored is an innovative and robust development of ideas and technical design to address very real environmental problems.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Retrieving Shoal Bay Waterfront
Reset Urban Design

An important exploration of landscape opportunities for coastal restoration. 

This is another project that highlights the contribution practice can make to the profession through exploration and research outside of client-driven projects.

NZILA Distinction Award
"She'll Be Right" vertical floral wall
Pocock Design Environment

A fun, innovative and articulate exploration of issues surrounding the recent Christchurch events and use of landscape to respond to those.

Landscape Planning – Research

NZILA Award of Excellence
Earthquake Cities on the Pacific Rim
Martin Bryant and Associate Professor Penny Allan

This work represents cutting edge research in the field of landscape architecture, sustainability, and urban design.

It is an outstanding example of the relevance of landscape architecture to disaster management and recovery and is expected to be of national and international interest.

Combining theoretical and practical field research, the multiple opportunities that landscape architecture offers is expertly explored and demonstrated.

 

NZILA Award of Excellence
Moved to Design
Associate Professor Penny Allan

This is an outstanding example of the valuable contribution our landscape institutions can make to the profession.

The publication provides a “reader” on climate change and uses studio work to further research and test scenarios.

The project displays originality at all levels and has the ability to be a strong communication tool on sustainable design for the profession and others, in New Zealand and internationally.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Carbon and Environment Profiling of Hard Landscape Material
Craig Pocock, Kirsten O'Connor, Mike Barthelmeh, Dr Shannon Davis

This project exemplifies the role and importance of research for landscape architects, and the contribution our Universities can make to the profession.  The study provides specialist information and knowledge about key aspects of sustainability, and the importance of sustainable design in landscape projects. It provides an important and highly relevant tool for landscape designers and managers that will hopefully be developed further in the future.

Landscape Planning - Communication and Promotion

NZILA Distinction Award
Banks Peninsula Rural Landscape Development Guidelines
Christchurch City Council, Strategy and Planning Group

The Guidelines provide an effective tool to explain the relationship between landscape planning and design within the regulatory framework of the district plan. The judges were particularly impressed with the presentation and the clarity of information for the target audience.

Landscape Planning and Environmental Studies

NZILA Award of Excellence
Christchurch Blueprint
Boffa Miskell Ltd

This is a unique project that has received international recognition and advances the standing of landscape architecture, as a result of the role that Boffa Miskell played in its development.

The plan’s ambition and strong conceptual approach makes it an outstanding contribution to Christchurch and the profession.

The team was tasked with delivering a strong, achievable and economically sustainable outcome and the spatial plan provides an exciting and eloquent landscape and urban design response.

NZILA Award of Excellence
Tauhara II
Isthmus

In addition to being technically proficient, this project exemplifies the significant role of landscape architects in the planning of nationally important infrastructure.

The judges were particularly impressed with the rigour and expression of the analytic and design process, as well as the robust research.

The involvement of Iwi and the role of Isthmus in liaison and consultation was also noted.

NZILA Distinction Award
Canterbury Regional Landscape Study Review
Boffa Miskell Ltd

This work continues previous award winning work analysing and evaluating landscape values in a sensitive environment.

The submission is an excellent example of a robust process that is clearly articulated and attractively presented.

NZILA Distinction Award
Auckland's Greenways: A Green Vision For The City
Dave Little, Stephen Quin, Amy Wright, Liz Clarke, Esther Hjelmstrom, Trina Jashari, Sarah Finlayson

This project provides an excellent example of the way landscape planning can be used to engage Council and communities.

The judges particularly commended the project for the process of coordinating the funding streams and Council departments, including the adoption of ‘champions’.

NZILA Distinction Award
Kaukapakapa Design and Development Guideline
Kaipara Coast Landscape Architecture and Calyx Design

This work exemplified how landscape architects can assist communities in developing a vision that responds to their aspirations for protection and enhancement of local character as well as implementing grass roots landscape enhancement.

The transparency and inclusiveness of the process and the method of presentation to the community were excellent.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Landscape Evaluations of Geological Sites and Landforms of Auckland and the Identification of Outstanding Natural Features
Brown NZ Ltd

This project is awarded for its strong technical merit based on theoretical and applied knowledge in the field of landscape planning.

The judges were particularly impressed with the robust methodology as well as the clarity of presentation verbally and in images.

 

STUDENT DIVISION WINNERS

NZILA Award of Excellence
Ksenia (Kess) Aleksandrova
Major Design 2012, Sumner Village

A comprehensive and well-presented scheme, which provides an achievable, contemporary solution across a range of landscape types and scales.

The design achieves a respectful yet functional response that cleverly acknowledges and integrates with the unique and strong landscape setting of Sumner. The scheme grasps the urban context of Sumner, understands the urban building blocks and designs new urban places in keeping with the place that is Sumner. Judges would have liked to have seen how ‘resilience for the future’ could have been incorporated into the design.

NZILA Distinction Award
Brad Leigh Dobson
Lake Waiorongomai - People Fade Away But The Land Remains

A very simple, elegant and ‘light’ on the landscape intervention.  This design illustrated an excellent understanding of a challenging brief aiming to ‘place make’ and reinstate tangible and intangible connections to the land and included some well-considered interventions to explore these ideas.  A little more effort on the restoration suggestions in this proposal and in the accompanying text and presentation would have lifted this entry.

 

NZILA Distinction Award
Jaime Macfarlane
The Ecological Touchstones of Our Identity

Professionally presented entry showing a good understanding of landscape timelines and of the challenging importance of ecological connections.  Brilliant idea to weave back our lost ecosystems and engage this topic with the NZ public by focusing and challenging their viewpoint.

NZILA Distinction Award
James Fischer
Birdscaping the Horowhenua

A bold and effective retrofit solution whereby nature takes something back from the human induced landscape for the benefit of our birdlife.  A sensitive intervention with excellent, seductive graphics and landscape advocacy.

NZILA Distinction Award
Anna Bish
Revealing the Cryptic

An excellent idea involving bold and simple interventions into our urban landscape. 

The retrofitting of an existing urban landscape challenges general assumptions of landscape by highlighting a layer of the ecosystem that is often over looked.  The design could be difficult to detail and maintain where ecological connectivity is required, however this idea is one that could certainly be explored in reality.