Council projects take honours at NZ Best Design Awards
A project commissioned by the Waitematā Local Board won three awards at this year’s national Best Design Awards.
The sculpture-led identity for Studio One – Toi Tū (the refurbished Artstation) took the Gold Pin for Small Brand
Identity, as well as Best Environmental Graphics. Studio One – Toi Tū was also awarded the Purple Pin for Graphic
Design, one of the event’s supreme awards for a project that raises the bar of New Zealand design. The project was
developed and produced by multi-award winning Alt Group .
Winners were announced at a special event on Friday 10 October.
Waitematā Local Board Chair Shale Chambers says he is delighted the board’s innovative approach to providing for its
communities has been so significantly recognised.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved, especially Alt's Creative Director Dean Poole who has been such an integral
part of this project,” says Mr Chambers.
Studio One – Toi Tū is a collection of collaborative spaces for artists, creative businesses, individuals and community
organisations to meet, make, learn, listen, practise and exhibit. Alt Group created the new name and identity to signal
the idea of creative energy and enterprise, and invite new people to explore and be part of the precinct and its spaces,
says Mr Chambers.
“We wanted to respect the history of the land, the place and the people who have come before us. We wanted an ‘open’
name and identity – one that indicates we are a community precinct, a place for many purposes, many people and every
possibility.”
While accepting the awards, Mr Poole thanked the Waitematā Local Board and Auckland Council teams, adding he was
extremely proud to see Studio One – Toi Tū being recognised at such a high level.
“The Purple Pin for Studio One – Toi Tū is a great honour and acknowledgement for a project championing the creative
arts in Auckland.”
The work was described by the judges as ‘breaking down the barrier between the art world and the rest of the world’.
“It rescued the building. It created accessibility for the community space, welcoming people in. It doesn’t overpower
the work that’s going on inside of it,” said convenor of judges, Peter Roband.
Mr Chambers says one of the main drivers for the project was the board’s awareness of central Auckland’s changing
demographic, both residential and business, and the need to provide places, spaces and experiences that were flexible
and versatile.
“We pride ourselves on putting our communities at the heart of our decision-making. It’s an exciting, sometimes
challenging way to work. Winning these awards is great acknowledgement for everyone involved,” says Mr Chambers.
POP (www.pop.org.nz), a series of interactive artist-led projects initiated by the Waitematā Local Board and developed
by Alt Group, was also a finalist for the small brand identity category.
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