‘Landscape’ of Engagement - Terrain for Experience

Our concept centres around reclamation both conceptually and literally, to reclaim important elements in our city and our history.  The intention is to re-activate these & energise Te Wero Island and the Viaduct Harbour.  The scheme engages in the wider context of the city & urban environment, linking People, City, Sea, Landscape and Bridge in one sensuous continuous gesture.

Our initial generator is the Historic Bascule Bridge, the first reclamation: relocated, extended and brought back into purposeful use. This will become the focal point and 'gateway' into Viaduct Harbour.

Te Wero island forms the second point of focus for our proposal, also a reclamation. The island is a crucial indicator of its context. Auckland’s unique geography is strongly defined by extinct volcanic cones, valleys, steams and harbours - land meeting water, edge conditions. Our scheme reflects Auckland’s inherent character in its distinctive landforms, the island becomes a manifestation of this for the people that inhabit and experience it.

Te Wero island becomes a cohesive urban landscape, a sculpture park with a focus on intimate pedestrian activity. It is the connection between both bridges - the conduit. The island formally appears as a homogeneous landscape, bringing green spaces back to the urban environment stitching together the city and the waters edge.

Urban Design thumbnails >