Spatial

Beca 2 Tapuwae - Northcote Pedestrian Bridges

2024 Lighting Design
Credits
  • Pou Taketake / Cultural Lead
    Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki - Reuben Kirkwood
  • Ringatoi Matua / Design Directors
    Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki - Reuben Kirkwood, Martin Granese
  • Ngā Kaimahi / Team Member
    Qistina Ahmad Ali
  • Kaitautoko / Contributors
    Beca, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki - Reuben Kirkwood, SRS Group, Dempsey Wood
  • Client
    Auckland Transport & Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency
Judge's comments:

Tapuwae is a classic example of bringing a te ao Māori design and narrative to life through lighting and colour. The lighting enhances the raranga(interwoven) design and artwork, creating an incredible depth without overwhelming the overall design and natural surroundings. Tapuwae is truly a taonga(treasure) for the community of the North Shore and a deserving Gold Pin winner in 2024

Description:

Tapuwae are two pedestrian bridges over State Highway 1 (SH1) that form part of the Northcote Safe Cycle Route connect large schools on the North Shore, Smales Farm Bus Station, Smales Farm Business Park, sports facilities and North Shore Hospital.

The functional design and artwork overlay were interwoven to tell the story of the Maori deities, Mataaho (keeper of Earth's secrets), Mahuika (deity of fire), and Rūamoko (deity of volcanoes) by depicting power, distortion, seismic upheaval, and the resulting creation of Pupuke.

Lighting and colour are used to create restrained amenity and inspired interpretation of one of the view bridge overpasses along SH1 as it leaves Auckland CBD towards northland.