The Viaduct Basin's open spaces won an urban design award for Architectus CHS, which designed the paving, lighting and open-air squares that transformed the former wharf into the public areas.
Architectus CHS worked on the stretch from Maritime Square around the Waitemata Plaza to the area in front of the two apartment blocks - The Point and Latitude 37 - and to the bottom of the Lighter Basin and through to the sections with the arches that connect the basin with Fanshawe St and Halsey St.
"The complexity of the Viaduct areas and water's edge has been transformed into accessible and vibrant public spaces and promenades," said the judges.
"Subtle yet easily understood references to Maori and European heritage and culture combine with high-quality materials and detailing to provide Auckland with a quality urban space able to provide opportunities for different uses in the future."
In the commercial and industrial category, two monolithic concrete commercial buildings took top honours.
The winners were the Ford Motor Co Building at 70 Plunket Ave in Manukau, designed by Jasmax Architects, and the Farmers Deka Support Centre in Laidlaw Way, East Tamaki, designed by TSE Group.
The judges said the Ford building was a "strong, modern aesthetic building, well-detailed, with clean and simple decor."
The Farmers building was "a thoroughly competent project, beautifully built, which delivers a quality building using top-class materials."
Awards for colour and heritage architecture went to the Civic Theatre in Queen St. The restoration, conservation and adaptation of the building involved design architects Jasmax Architects, City Design, Smythe Grant and heritage consultants Salmond Architects.
The judges said the charm of the original architecture had been retained and the colour choice and lighting effects suited and enhanced the many functions of the building.
Deutsche Bank's reception area on level six of the building at 66 Wyndham St won the interior design award. It was designed by Jasmax Architects.
Prize for wharf makeover
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