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.