Architects involved in major works at Mangapapa Primary School in Gisborne have been recognised in the NZ Institute of Architects Regional Awards, presented tonight in Napier. Photo / Simon Devitt
Architects involved in major works at Mangapapa Primary School in Gisborne have been recognised in the NZ Institute of Architects Regional Awards, presented tonight in Napier. Photo / Simon Devitt
A Gisborne school rebuild was among the winners at an architecture awards event this evening.
DCA Architects of Transformation, which has offices in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua and Nelson, won the education category at Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Regional Awards.
The major works at Gisborne’s MangapapaSchool were one of eight architectural projects recognised as the best across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.
“The project involved a major rebuild of about two-thirds of the school,” an awards spokesman said.
“It was designed to bring all teaching spaces together, create a safe and modern learning environment, and provide safe pedestrian access to the sports field and pool.”
The judges, in their citation for the entry, said they were impressed by how well the project supported daily teaching, learning and staff life in a large, busy school.
“It transforms the campus into a safe, connected, and future-focused environment,” the citation reads.
“A flexible entry space serves as a threshold, gathering area and sheltered outdoor room. Inside, paired classrooms are carefully designed with good acoustics, clear separation of spaces and shared learning in mind.
“Central kitchen areas connect classrooms and outdoor spaces. Library nooks, a cafe-style staffroom and a clear admin layout support daily use. Timber details and a distinctive roof give the school warmth and identity.”
Judges say classrooms at Mangapapa School had been "carefully designed with good acoustics, clear separation of spaces and shared learning in mind". Photo / Simon Devitt
Te Wairoa e Whanake, Ahi Kōmau Gemmell’s on Parade and Wairoa Visitor Information Centre won the commercial architecture category.
The joint project, designed by Collaborative Projects Studio, was “praised” by the jury for “its ambition and its strong belief in Wairoa as a place to invest in socially, culturally, and economically”.
“It responds clearly and confidently to the brief, creating a lively civic space that respects the site’s history while supporting future use.”
Judges of the regional awards say the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne projects have created enduring, meaningful places. Photo / Simon Devitt
Judges said they were struck by the consistently high calibre of projects across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.
“These works reflect a refinement of design thinking, where careful material selection, craftsmanship and clarity of intent come together to create enduring, meaningful places,” jury convenor and architect Matt Edmonds of Designgroup Stapleton Elliott said.
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects is a membership-based professional organisation.
