Architecture week focuses on urban design

From City Scene, published on 14 October, 2007

Architecture week - A great opportunity to better understand the importance of urban design and architecture in shaping our city and reflecting our identity.

Architecture Week (15 to 19 October) focuses on how urban design, affordable housing and sustainability relate to our city. This year's event, which officially kicks off at the Britomart Pavilion on Monday, 15 October, features lectures, debates, exhibitions, creative workshops and tours of the city.

Most events are free, open to the public, and take place in the Britomart area and Takutai Square. Highlights include a CBD heritage site tour and a display of pavilions designed and built by architecture students from The University of Auckland, Unitec and AUT University.

Several notable architects will give speeches during the week, including:

Australian Richard Johnston - who will discuss the Britomart master plan
Californian Steven Erhlich - whose recent commissions include Arizona's Walter Cronkite school of journalism
South African Lance Herbst - talking about beach houses and professional inspirations.

Planned exhibitions at the Britomart Pavilion feature the work of Te Wero Bridge design competition finalists, Habitat for Humanity, Architecture on Show, and New Zealand Institute of Architecture/Resene New Zealand award winners.

Auckland City Council's urban design group manager, Ludo Campbell-Reid, says Architecture Week offers a great opportunity for people to better understand how the design profession works. "Such events highlight the importance of urban design and architecture in helping to shape a distinctive, more beautiful city which in turn reflects our identity," he says.

Following recommendations from the mayoral task force on urban design, the council is contributing to events such as Architecture Week to encourage people to learn more about urban design in the city. Visit www.architectureweek.co.nz for more information.