Showcase
- NZILA Award of Excellence Civic and Urban Design — 2024
Invercargill City Council are on a journey, redefining its city streets as places for people and reconnecting the city with te mana o te wai; the health of the estuary on which Invercargill sits. Working with Council, Waihōpai Rūnaka, stakeholders and community, design of the first two streets has drawn on the qualities of this place and deep local knowledge to create warm and vibrant streetscapes. Familiar, recycled and repurposed items and a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail have created engaging streets for all ages, with new aspects to be discovered with each visit. Time was of the essence through design and construction, with buildings and streets to open together. COVID-19 impacted both design and construction phases but a great process and solid, open and trusting relationships between client, partners, designers and contractors allowed us to deliver an outstanding result through this global event. The project has been a catalyst for Rūnaka, encouraged to reflect their past, present and future in this place where previously vital stories were untold. This project has influenced well outside its physical boundaries. Rūnaka involvement has been kick-started in projects across Southland, drawing on the learnings and confidence built here. The proof is in the pudding. Where cars previously dominated, community are enthusiastically engaging with their city and local conversation is now focused on limiting vehicles to enliven the city’s streets - venues for public life. Word is out and Invercargill’s re-energised centre is getting noticed across the country.
This high-quality considered urban streetscape shone bright. Isthmus, working closely with Invercargill City Council and Waihōpai Rūnaka, have produced beautifully landscaped spaces that are evident of a compelling design story - a clear visceral response to the uniqueness that makes Invercargill. In addition to the well-considered design, the judging panel were impressed with the excellence in the detailing; from the bespoke timber furnishings and the rich planting palettes, through to the laser-cut cloaked pou, the clever paving patterning, and the intricate bronze species scattered throughout. This striking design is a joy to experience, with a strong design language that is reflective and responsive to both the natural environment and the surrounding built and developing civic frame.
Isthmus with Invercargill City Council and Waihōpai Rūnaka. With support from Bonisch, Paetoi, James York, TBIG and WT Partnership. Constructed by Downer.
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