Quarterly Edit: Ep08
Kia ora, yaama and welcome to the Summer Edition of our Quarterly Edit.
As we reach the end of the year, it provides the opportunity to reflect on what we've achieved together, how we've supported each other along the way, and what we want to achieve in the future.
Looking forward in this Edit, we share our ‘Go Zero – Low Carbon Design Guide’, as we know the time of climate action is now. This guide - without the jargon - provides a definitive and approachable reference to empower everyone through the entire sustainable building process.
Critically, doing the right thing doesn’t need to cost more, and we are proud to see Lincoln University’s Waimarie Science Facility win the top education award at the World Architecture Festival, as an exemplar in sustainable design. This project was truly a team effort between client, contractor, and design teams, and was delivered on time and under budget, illustrating the power of design and collaboration to unlock value.
We hope you enjoy this edition of our Quarterly Edit.
Introducing our 'Go Zero Guide'WAM's playbook to a lower carbon future
With the impacts of climate change now part of our lived reality, tomorrow is too late to decarbonise our built environment. In response, we have developed a Go Zero – Low Carbon Design Guide, which provides a practical roadmap to help reduce the carbon intensity of every project. It sets out why everyone should contemplate investing in sustainable design, what design strategies can be used in practice, and how to measure the results and impact. We’re excited to share this resource with you, with the hope that it empowers better ways of designing buildings, places, and spaces together. Download your copy.
Global recognition at the World Architecture Festival A celebration of design excellence
At the annual World Architecture Festival, the global architecture community celebrates design excellence. We’re proud to announce that the Waimarie Lincoln University Science Facility was crowned the best education project of 2024. WAM and Greenaway Architects also received the WAFX award for the University of Technology Sydney First Nations College, given to projects that address major global challenges. This year marks our third consecutive year of receiving both category and WAFX awards, reflecting the ambition of our clients and the growing impact of Pacific design. Read more.
Dual Purple Pins for authentic and culturally grounded Te Arikinui Pullman Hotel
Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel has received two of the highest honours at the 2024 Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Awards: two supreme Purple Pins, along with two Gold Pins for Spatial and Toitanga. Designed by WAM in collaboration with Tainui and Auckland Airport, this unprecedented double Purple Pin achievement highlights how culturally grounded design can inspire globally relevant outcomes. Read more.
Oran Park Leisure Centre - A vibrant new hub for connection and community
Oran Park Leisure Centre opened to the public last month, providing a civic heart for this rapidly growing, vibrant community in Sydney's southwest. This project is a community catalyst, providing world-class sport and recreation facilities for people of all backgrounds and physical abilities. We are immensely proud to have partnered with Camden Council to provide this amazing amenity for the local community. Read more.
'Best Architectural Design' at the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards
The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) is another facility that has delighted the community, gaining global recognition for its seamless integration of design, sustainability, and functionality. This project was celebrated this month, with the award for 'Best Architectural Design' at the prestigious Victorian Premier’s Design Awards - recognised not only for its exceptional architecture, but also how the community has responded, with visitation and memberships far exceeding expectations. Read more about the project here or click the links above to see the beauty in action. Watch here.
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Research: The evolution of the academic library
For many university graduates, their academic journey will have been punctuated by intense periods of study, research, and connection within campus libraries. However, with the rise of digital information, AI, e-learning, and even the proliferation of informal study spaces across campus, what role should the academic library play in the university experience of the future? This question, and more led to our study of the future of the academic library, where we spoke to senior leaders of 32 university library systems from across the globe. This report summarises our key findings, and presents frameworks to consider how libraries can better support the strategic vision of a university. Read more.
Beach House Build-to-Rent - Amenity | Identity | Experience
Across Australasia, Build-to-Rent is swiftly becoming a prominent housing solution and a dynamic asset class, providing a fresh alternative to traditional home ownership and private rentals. Sophisticated developers are not simply offering generic accommodation based on a Build-to-Sell template, but rather focusing on crafting thoughtfully designed, lifestyle-oriented living environments that appeal to a range of residents. Our approach to Beach House defines this strategy. Its identity is centred around St Kilda’s vibrant character, and we brought this to life through high quality amenity and an unmatched experience that supports true lifestyle living. Read more.
Maurice and I: The tale of an influential architectural partnership
All multi-generational firms have an interest in their founding story - the DNA from which the organisation has grown and evolved. So in 2022, when Jane Mahoney approached us with an interest in telling the story of her farther, Maurice Mahoney, and his unique partnership with Sir Miles Warren, we were delighted to support the ambition. However, what no one could have anticipated is how the story, Maurice and I, has captivated audiences across New Zealand and the globe. This is a story of creative partnership, and how good ideas and great architecture are worth fighting for. We're delighted to announce that this world-class feature-length documentary is now available to watch on demand via streaming service, DocPlay.
City Transformation Part 2: Let’s make our cities thrive
In its simplest form, we all aspire to live in a city that is desirable, prosperous, and connected. A city where commerce enables growth and where we are physically and emotionally connected to people, communities, and place. Rather than just focusing on roads and cycleways, let’s shift the conversation to how we want to live. In the second feature in our City Transformation Series, as published in The Post, WAM Principals Claire Sharpe and Simon Hardy discuss Pōneke Wellington's emerging transformation. Read more.
Live from BakuEmily Newmarch attends Cop29
To further our commitment to achieving a low-carbon future, it was significant to have our Low Carbon Design Specialist, Emily Newmarch, attend COP29 in Azerbaijan. Her attendance provided the opportunity to help align our operations, our project work, and the industry more broadly with the very latest trends in climate science and policy. If you would like to learn more about the impacts that global climate policy could have on your organisation, we welcome you to reach out to Emily to find out more. Alternatively, read her overview of COP29 and why it matters here.