PHOTO: Winner – John Scott Award for Public Architecture: Hihiaua Cultural Centre by Moller Architects. Image: Simon Devitt
The New Zealand Architecture Awards jury, led by Auckland architect Michael Thomson and including fellow architects Lynda Simmons, Fiona Short and Anthony Hoete, hit the road in September, shortly after the Auckland region came out of its second COVID-19 lockdown. Travelling from Whangārei to Wanaka, the jury visited the 46 projects short-listed in the 2020 iteration of the annual awards programme, run by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) announced the winners of this year’s New Zealand Architecture Awards with a celebration in Christchurch, along with satellite events in each of the Institute’s regional branches.
Jury convenor Thomson said, “The jury was impressed by the standard of work presented to us. Many of the projects we visited seem particularly relevant in a year in which we’ve all had time to consider what’s important in our own lives, what matters in our communities, and what is special about our country.”
“On our tour,” he continued, “we encountered a determination to realise the potential of architectural projects, whether the jobs are big or small, and whether the clients are individuals or organisations.”
Adaptive reuse of existing buildings was an encouraging theme, according to the judges. “It was great to see clients and architects making use of existing buildings as well as making the most of spectacular sites,” Thomson said. “There was plenty of innovation and imagination on display, and an evident commitment to often-lengthy engagement with clients and communities.”
“Projects also revealed considerable wit, and a sheer enjoyment in the art and craft of making buildings.”
See the full list of winning projects below…..
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