Architects' work focus of talk series

Urban Futures Research Lab director Anthony Vile has organised a free lecture series with prominent architects to be rolled out once a week for the next four weeks. Photo/Glenn Taylor

An inaugural lecture series, featuring luminaries of the architecture and design world, will showcase some of Hawke's Bay's exciting contemporary projects.

Free talks will be held once a week over four consecutive weeks in the Paris Magdalinos Room at Havelock Community Centre from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, the first being last Wednesday.

Hawke's Bay has a varied history of innovation dating back to some of the oldest pa sites in the country; it's also home to nationally recognised works by architects such as Louis Hay, John Scott, Len Hoogerbrug, Guy Natusch, Malcolm Sweet, Paris Magdalinos and Peter Holland. "I think generally there's lots of interesting architecture through the years, even pre deco, there's still plenty happening now - I think it's an important part of the region's identity - it needs to be celebrated and brought to people's attention," director at Urban Futures Research Lab, Anthony Vile said.

In association with the New Zealand Institute of Architects he has organised the inaugural Hawke's Bay Innovation in Architecture Lecture Series - run by award-winning practitioners, presenting on local projects in the design or build phase.

"They have all been extremely generous with their time and participating gratis, they understand the potential and are all passionate about architecture."

If the public responded with a positive turnout, the talks may be secured as a regular event on the local calendar. "The interest is out there we have got good feedback from sponsors - this year it's free - I don't know if that's sustainable but we thought for the first one we would make it easy for everyone to get along.

"We want to make it annual or biennial in the hope Hawke's Bay might become a hub of contemporary architecture."

The series was something people were obviously hungry for as local sponsors and architects were quick to come on board. Three projects to be discussed were selected for their public nature and the fact that they were being headed by prominent names in the industry, he said.

"Architecture is very slow to go from concept design to a finished building is a long and sometimes arduous road - it's not just about the finished product, there's a lot of processes involved."

The series will also launch - Hawke's Bay Block - a map produced in association with Auckland University Architecture Archive, highlighting the region's architectural gems.

Dress like an architect and you may even be in to win a spot prize for the best interpretation.