WINNER: The Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre has won two prizes at the 2010 Auckland Architecture Awards.
THE Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre is among top winners in the 2010 Auckland Architecture Awards.
It won both the Public Architecture and Sustainable Architecture awards and was praised for the “control and manipulation of its natural light and air flow”.
Judges also praised the way the library has successfully reinvigorated community library use by offering a “warm expansive space that neither intimidates its users nor trivialises its function”.
“The role of libraries is changing and this really expresses the varied uses and different qualities of the modern library, including a drive-through book return,” architect and judging panel convener Daniel Marshall says.
The awards organised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects attracted a high number of entries, with 120 submissions.
Mr Marshall says the standard of entries shows that very high quality and exciting architect-designed buildings are being built across Auckland despite the economic recession.
“Through 10 years’ involvement in the awards, I have seen a considerable improvement in the quality of architecture in New Zealand,” Mr Marshall says.
“Part of the reason for that is economic and part is down to a wider understanding among clients of the importance of quality design.”
He says media and the internet also provide opportunities for wider and faster exposure to global ideas.
Mr Marshall was joined on the jury by Auckland architects Andrew Lister and Kate Rogan, University of Auckland School of Architecture and Planning head Sarah Treadwell and architectural photographer Patrick Reynolds.
Credits
Written by: JODEAL CADACIO
Photo/s by: BEN WATSON
Reprinted with permission: Auckland Now – North Shore Times