Photographer Andy Spain awarded the Ath Cup
Andy Spain receiving the Ath Cup from Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA’s Wellington branch on Thursday 23 May at the St James Theatre in Wellington.
Mt Vic Dairy from Spain’s Urban stages, human tapestries series.
Images to be exhibited during the 2024 NZIA Festival of Architecture at the Thistle Hall Gallery.
Every Building on Cuba Street, a pull-out concertina panorama with a unique print from Spain’s Cuba People series.
From the NZIA 2023 Festival of Architecture, polaroid emulsion lifts using water from the hidden awa of Pōneke to separate out the emulsion of the image.
The Ath Cup, named after renowned architect Ian Athfield, was awarded to Andy Spain by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Wellington branch for his work in architectural photography, including his recent series documenting the buildings along Wellington’s famous Cuba Street.
Described by Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA’s Wellington branch as “dear to its heart,” this accolade recognises those who have done work outside of the practice of architecture who have advocated for, and enriched, our built environment.
In its official citation regarding the 2024 recipient, Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA states:
“Andy Spain has made a significant contribution through his photographic work, enlivening the many lives of Wellington’s beautiful buildings. In many instances, his photographs hold the memories of buildings now past, and moments of fleeting, understated beauty, forming an invaluable record of this place we call home. An example of this was the series of photos over a day on Cuba Street.
“More than a mere archive though, his photography illuminates and provokes a multitude of issues relevant to the architectural discourse, last year around the awa of Pōneke.
“We thank him for his service, enthusiasm and his ongoing generosity to our profession and our city.”
On receiving the accolade, Spain said that Ian Athfield’s influence had transformed New Zealand’s buildings and receiving an award in his name was truly humbling. “The list of previous recipients does nothing for my imposter syndrome”.
Spain said that as a freelance photographer, he had the copportunity to work with many amazing architects and professionals, capturing the structures that shape the city of Wellington. “Besides my commercial projects, I create personal art projects that explore and document the urban landscape. This personal work is crucial in enhancing my professional practice and bringing new perspectives.”
Spain has collaborated on three Wellington Festivals of Architecture for the NZIA, which resulted in the book Every Building on Cuba Street.* He has also worked on a project about the streams running under the city and has an upcoming exhibition in September focusing on saving, reusing and remembering buildings.
To find out more about Andy Spain’s work, head to www.asvisual.nz
* Spain’s pull-out concertina panorama photo book, Every Building on Cuba Street, will be released in August and available to view/purchase at the Photobook/NZ Festival at Te Papa, Wellington from 8–11 August 2024. Every book will include a unique print from Spain’s Humans of Cuba Street series.
List of past Ath Cup winners
2023 - Elizabeth Cox
2022 - Rangi Kipa
2021 - Ben Schrader
2020 - (no recipient)
2019 - Paul McCredie
2018 - Martin Hanley & Anna Kemble-Welch
2017 - Wraight Associates (Megan Wraight and Nicole Thompson)
2016 - Maurice Clark, heritage developer
2015 - Andrew Charleson, structural lecturer (VuW)
2014 - Mark McGuinness, developer (Willis Bond)
2013 - Allistair Cattenach, engineer
2012 - Ian Cassels, developer
2011 - Bill Allington, architect, lecturer
2010 - Susan Price, heritage building-owner and strengthener
2009 - Bill Toomath, architect
2008 - Ian and Clare Athfield (inaugural)
