The space has highly visible street frontages, so the opportunity exists to create a meaningful and impactful public art installation to help us reflect on our past, present, and future selves.

Design competition entries will be assessed on their creative vision, their ability to embed Matauranga Māori and celebrate Matariki, with the winner to bring their vision to life in collaboration with the Warren and Mahoney team, and a student internship (for students that would value this opportunity). 

Full details are provided below. Whether you are using crayons or CAD, W+M would love to see your creative interpretations of this brief.

THE ASPIRATION

The rise of Matariki and Puanga enables us to learn and preserve the traditions of our ancestors. The stars played a major role in guiding the first waka to Aotearoa, and today they continue to guide us, reaffirming our relationship with each other and our surrounding environment. Design responses should celebrate Matariki, what it means to you, and all the possibilities that our future brings.

ASSESSMENT AND PRIZES

One winning response will be selected based on an aspirational design narrative and its ability to be realised within the space. The winning design will be constructed and displayed to the public, providing a unique and high-profile opportunity to showcase your skills and creativity. A $1000 cash prize or donation to a charity of your choice will also be offered, along with a Student Internship in the Christchurch studio (if desirable for student entries) and the opportunity to publicise your work through the Warren and Mahoney social media channels.

A second prize will also be offered to the response that has the most unique interpretation of the aspiration. Second prize consists of a $500 cash prize or donation to a charity of your choice, along with a Student Internship in the Christchurch studio (if desirable for student entries) and the opportunity to publicise your work through the Warren and Mahoney social media channels. 

FUNCTIONAL BRIEF AND DELIVERABLES

Design responses will be assessed on the richness of the design narrative and their ability to be realised in the space. Owing to functional requirements of the space as a thoroughfare and egress point, lighting instillations or built form responses with a small footprint will function better and this should be considered within the responses.

Responses should be restricted to one A1 Board — in horizontal format, that conveys the design narrative and intent. It is recommended to include assets such as a general plan, elevation, and section diagrams of the installation, and 3D interpretations of the space. Abstract entries are also welcome, alongside your A1 Board, if you believe this better conveys your design intent.

Full details of the space and planning considerations are provided here.

Please register your interest here.

KEY DATES

• Registrations close: 31 May 2023
• Submission deadline: 11 June 2023
• Jury evaluation: 12 June 2023
• Winners announcement: 14 June 2023
• Construction: 19 June 2023
• Installation: 14 July 2023

For more info on Warren and Mahoney, go to warrenandmahoney.com

^Disclaimer:

^{The Warren and Mahoney team will work with the competition winner to help bring their vision to life. While every effort will be made to reflect the design intent, the constructability of the installation in a safe and functional way before 14 July 2023 and within a viable construction budget will take precedence.}

^{The response IP is owned by the entrant – and they would love to publish this with attribution. If you don’t want your work republished by Warren and Mahoney, please make this clear in your response. Please also respect others’ IP when developing your response.}

^{The judge’s decision is final and Warren and Mahoney reserve the right to amend the competition through the process.}