International and local designers joined mana whenua and ward councillors for a tour of two car parks in Henderson this week, as part of a global design competition.
The Falls and Alderman car parks were nominated last year for Reinventing Cities, an international contest to inspire world-leading sustainable design run by C40, a group of cities working together on combating climate change.
Five successful development teams have been selected and were given a chance to visit the sites to learn more about their environmental and cultural significance.
Project Sponsor for Henderson from Panuku Development Auckland Angelika Cutler says the visit was a hugely valuable exercise which will help shape the bidders’ design thinking.
“Being clear about the local and cultural context of these sites is key to ensuring quality outcomes that connect to in the Henderson community.”
Waitākere Ward Councillor and Chair of the Environment and Community Committee Penny Hulse says it’s another exciting step towards realising Henderson’s future.
“The urban eco-centre strategy puts families and the environment at the very heart of how Henderson is developed. Both of these prominent sites offer so much potential and it’s great to be able to capture world-leading expertise to create resilient, future-focused neighbourhoods. It was great to meet the teams this week and I’m looking forward to seeing how the designs evolve from here.”
As part of the visit, students from University of Auckland’s architectural school also presented their ideas.
Submissions for Reinventing Cities close February 2019.
Further detail about the sites
The Falls and Alderman car parks are neighbouring sites in Henderson, divided by Edmonton Road. The Alderman site borders the Oratia Stream with a proposed cycle route along one edge. The larger Falls car park is next to the historic Falls Hotel.
Names of design teams:
- Te Tira Ngakauiwi – led by Ockham Development
- Taupae Commons – led by Australian based Central Element
- Te Kopua – led by Province Developments
- Te Tiriwa – led by international design collective AHHA Studio
- Falls Collaboration – led by Isthmus
