News
Pod's pride of place at urban mall
Posted 12 11 2018
in News
Created by landscape architecture and urban design firm, Wraight + Associates
Inspired by the mangrove seed, Sylvia Park Plaza’s Pod is a flexible multi-purpose sculptural structure, which serves both to shelter adjoining and provide a performance space. The eye catching piece was created by landscape architecture and urban design firm, Wraight + Associates for the Auckland shopping mall.
The plaza side of the pod structure is hinged on either side and opens in a similar way to a double leaved hinged barn door, exposing a raised stage that can be used for small concerts. It’s made of bespoke stainless steel tube nodes with fin like connections. These connections are clamped together with simple timber elements. The timber is Accoya, a very stable cellularly modified timber made from NZ radiata pine. The structure is fully clad with polycarbonate shingles that are connected to the steel nodes.
One of those behind the design, landscape architect Diccon Round, says since it was finished last December the pod and the plaza have been well received by the public. “The plaza is well used by the public for everyday activities and provides a lush planted open space providing contrast to the centre’s retail experience,” Round says, “And the pod provides an inviting sculptural stage and backdrop for performances day & night.”