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The Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards 2022 shortlist is out and judging panel chair Dr Jacky Bowring says she was “uplifted” by the standard of entries this year which she says demonstrates the landscape architecture profession in Aotearoa is going from strength to strength.

She says what is shining through is the increasing understanding of the need to engage and partner with mana whenua which is resulting in a style of work demonstrating who we are as New Zealanders.

“I find that really exciting. It’s really rewarding to see that come out in the kinds of projects that are coming through that we have this great sense of who we are as a place and not just kind of copying others, but coming up with things that are quite unique.”

Fellow judge, Dr Diane Menzies agrees and believes this year’s Te Aranga Design Principles requirement made a real difference in the scope and type of entries received.

“Many entries really demonstrated that the teams had engaged with mana whenua and that has made a huge difference, it’s added richness.”

Dr Menzies is also struck by the increase in collaboration between different studios demonstrated in the awards entries.

“Some firms have worked closely together on integrated projects” she says, “and that is a big step. There’s a lot more collaboration amongst designers and I think that’s a huge leap forward.”

Dr Bowring believes the awards programme is vital for the profession here in Aotearoa, not only to celebrate excellence but also to see projects that might not always be seen widely.

“Our shortlist demonstrates a good geographical spread. It’s great for New Zealand to get on the map and show the kind of work that we do because, you know, it’s pretty unique.”

Dr Menzies thinks the awards are important as a way of encouraging Māori values within Aoteraoa’s landscape design. “I think the awards encourage the consideration of treaty principles which will lead to a very special design philosophy that is truly Aotearoa New Zealand rather than trying to emulate design from overseas.”

Dr Bowring says the one free entry per company initiative has had a really positive impact on the number and types of projects making the shortlist.

“I think that there are a lot of smaller practices in there that might not have had the opportunity to submit before. So it’s something that was really notable is that we’re seeing some of the projects that might have been a bit under the radar before.”

You can find the full shortlist here and images of the projects, plus some judges’ comments, are in the video below.

First published 10 March 2022 on Landscape Architecture New Zealand.