AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

4 October 2007

Architecture’s role in a design-led city

Urban design, affordable housing and sustainability are features of this year’s Auckland Architecture Week from 15 to 19 October.

Supported by sponsorship from Auckland City Council, the week’s official opening (12.30pm, Monday, 15 October at the Britomart Pavilion) is followed by lectures, debates, creative workshops, artistic exhibitions and informative “talk ‘n’ tours” of the city.

The council’s urban design group manager, Ludo Campbell-Reid, said the exhibition is a great opportunity for the public to see how the design profession works and the influence it has on the city.

“Architecture Week celebrates design and architectural excellence, and engages the wider community in the debate on urban design in our city,” says Mr Campbell-Reid.

“Successful towns and cities do not happen by chance – they are design-led. Events such as this highlight the importance of urban design and architecture in helping to shape a distinctive, more beautiful city. In turn, this reflects our identity and is sustainable, accessible and liveable.” 

The event aims to get architects, designers, urban planners and the public involved in celebrating the diversity and excitement of architecture.

“With 38 per cent of national employment in architecture based in Auckland city, it is an opportunity for architects and the general public to come together, discuss the city and become involved in its history and its future,” says Mr Campbell-Reid.

Architecture Week activities will take place in the Britomart area and Takutai Square with most events open to the public and free of charge (excluding the Steven Erhlich lecture and the Dick Toy exhibition).

Major highlights include the CBD engineering heritage site tour and a train tour to New Lynn and Waitakere city. Both tours will discuss landmark, heritage and urban and environmental design features.

Keynote speaker, Californian architect Steven Erhlich, will discuss forms, spaces and the use of texture and materials in design. Other featured speakers include Australian architect Richard Johnston and South African architect Lance Herbst, who will be discussing the Britomart masterplan and architecture for beach houses, respectively.

Students from the schools of architecture at The University of Auckland, UNITEC, and AUT will design and build a series of groundbreaking pavilions, which will be on display throughout the week.

For a full programme, please visit www.architectureweek.co.nz

Ends

© Scoop Media