20
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AOTEAROA
HC : The project re-establishes a connection through a part of Auckland that prior to the intervention of the motorway had supported a series of important walking connections across the isthmus .
Artist Katz Mahi provided a series of works that reference this journey through the landscape . The hot pink colour is both a tactical and whimsical reference to the diversity and vitality of the surrounding Karangahape Road community . But , it ’ s more about having fun and celebrating movement than being deep and meaningful .
I think that there are lots of opportunities in the city for similar projects that are simple , tactical and that can seed change in terms of the way the city looks and functions – either quickly or strategically over time .
JF : How does the project contribute to the built environment of Auckland ? HC : At a basic level it ’ s about connection but we like to think it has also provided some momentum for Auckland ’ s current cycling revolution . It makes its contribution by day as a form and as an important piece of infrastructure but it comes alive at night . The lighting component was always conceived as providing a framework that can support adaptation and curation by others . It ’ s a dynamic and constantly evolving piece of urban art for the city . what other opportunities do you believe exist ? HC : Auckland ’ s motorway network severs the city from the surrounding fringe suburbs that can best support walking and cycling .
There are issues with connectivity and scale that need to be addressed to repair this . I think that there are lots of opportunities in the city for similar projects that are simple , tactical and that can seed change in terms of the way the city looks and functions - either quickly or strategically over time . Bigger things can be built around these interventions . But really we ’ ve just got to stop building more roads and embrace public transport , walking , cycling and people through the lens of design .
JF : How do you see the future of landscape architecture in Auckland and New Zealand ? HC : I hope landscape architects are continuing to expand the breadth of their scope and skills to take on projects outside the traditional definitions of landscape .
It ’ s important to have opinions about design , to collaborate with and challenge other disciplines . If Auckland is to be the world ’ s most liveable city then we need to understand and work with it as a field , an ecology and as our biggest designed landscape .
Landscape Architects are best placed to lead and make this happen .
JF : Which local / national projects from 2016 are particular stand-outs in your opinion ? HC : All of ours are quite good !
I think NZTA and the council ’ s work on the Auckland Cycle Network is exciting in terms of the range of projects coming through . It ’ s one big project being delivered in lots of interesting pieces .
JF : What one message would you hope that users of your created spaces take away from their experience ? HC : Have fun . �
JF : Revitalisation of redundant infrastructure is obviously win-win . Do you think , as a city , we ’ re doing enough to transform our built environment , and ,