Fast Forward lecture series continues
The University of Auckland’s Fast Forward lecture series, presented by Te Herenga Auaha Faculty of Engineering and Design, aims to foster debate, discussion and development within architecture, urban design and urban planning. Last week, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medal-winning architect Pete Bossley launched the series with his talk on the hunt for a good idea.
Supported by the Italian Embassy in Wellington, tonight’s lecture forms part of the celebration of international Italian Design Day, the theme being ‘Community design: How to mend the fractures of humanity’.
Speakers from two practices, Ana Heremaia and Jo Walsh for ĀKAU and Nick Officer and Ben Jagersma for First Light Studio, will talk about how thoughtful design and committed activism — as demonstrated in their projects — can foster stronger, more connected communities.
ĀKAU are committed to collaboration and community engagement from their Te Tai Tokerau, Kaikohe office. Their work seeks to transform the lives of tamariki and whānau through a workshop process which connects people with their tūpuna stories and provides hands on learning through architecture and design. Across 10 years the company has moved from furniture design to contributing toward the new sports hub Papa Hawaiki and new ongoing library project for Kaikohe.
Nick and Ben will present two transformative projects, each addressing community needs at different scales and stages of development: a small Wellington church that used seismic strengthening as an opportunity to redefine its role and relevance to a portfolio of public housing solutions for Te Āhuru Mōwai, New Zealand’s largest Māori-owned community housing provider. These projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can foster stronger, more connected communities.
Supported by the Italian Embassy in Wellington, this lecture forms part of the celebration of international Italian Design Day, the theme being ‘community design’.
How to Mend the Fractures of Humanity: ĀKAU | First Light Architects
Wednesday 19 March 2025, 6.30pm
Lecture Theatre 342, Conference Centre Building 423, University of Auckland
Register here for your ticket.
Other speakers in the series are PAC Studio (Wednesday 26 March), Isthmus (Wednesday 2 April) and Parlour (Wednesday 9 April). For more information, and to register, click here.
The Fast Forward lecture series is generously sponsored by GIB® and supported by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects. 10 NZRAB CPD points are available at each lecture. Attendance is free and all are welcome.
