Ten proposals. Four Judges. One city.
The world’s top architects compete to design an icon.
Designs by five of the world’s leading architects for a landmark high-rise tower in Auckland were revealed in September 2018, with the winning design by Woods Bagot announced in October.
The architects each created two designs for the competition, with the first design following current city planning rules and the second showcasing what could be built with more liberal planning parameters.
The challenge was to design an urban icon that balanced Auckland’s rich and unique heritage with its identity as a growing, vibrant and future-ready city.
With the help of a panel of expert judges across a range of fields, the competition unleashed the talents of world class architects on Federal Street. Now the Woods Bagot design is set to put Auckland on the world stage.
The competition that's the talk of the town
“It will be a landmark for the city and provides much needed residential and hotel accommodation. It is a huge investment, which is a statement of investor confidence in Auckland. It will provide hundreds of jobs during and beyond construction.”
The competitors. A class of their own.
The world's leading architects, together on a single stage.
Cox is an integrated practice, taking a project from conception all the way through to the finer details. Their experts anticipate the moment where place, design and people come together to create a truly memorable experience.
Elenberg Fraser is an integrated design practice operating across Asia-Pacific. The firm’s experimental approach is a testament to how exceptional design can produce economic, social and cultural benefits for urban spaces.
A team of 300 working as one integrated studio across seven locations. Warren and Mahoney is an international team of designers and architects who create experiences that connect people and enhance belonging.
Winning design
A design and consulting firm working across 15 studios in 6 regions, Woods Bagot places human experience at the centre of design. The results are future-oriented projects that respond to the way people use cities.
Receiving the highest honours from civic, professional and academic institutions worldwide, Zaha Hadid Architects is one of the world’s most consistently inventive architectural studios in the world – and has been for four decades.
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The jury. Experts in their field.
A trusted panel of judges covering every angle.
Graeme Scott
Consultant, ASC Architects
With a decorated career spanning decades, Graeme is a respected authority both in New Zealand and abroad. He is currently the chair of the Urban Design Forum NZ and oversees urban design panels for central Auckland, Hobsonville Point and Tamaki.
Julie Stout
Distinguished Fellow, NZIA
Julie has practised architecture for over 30 years in New Zealand and Hong Kong. Since 2011 she has been President of Urban Auckland, working for better urban design outcomes on significant urban planning challenges in Auckland.
Alice Smith
Acting Development Director, ICD
Attracted to the energy, dynamism and complexity of development work, Alice joined ICD Property in 2010 where she has since become known for the pride she takes in seeing communities respond enthusiastically and passionately to ICD projects.
Phil Eaton
MD, Greenstone Group
Phil Eaton is the Managing Director of independent property consultancy firm, Greenstone Group. For 25 years, he has been a passionate advocate for the property industry, combined with a background in investment banking and business development.
The 'What’s Next Auckland’ event
The designs were revealed in September 2018
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Partner organisations
Brought to you by ICD
ICD is a leading Australian private property developer with a passion for creating developments that stand the test of time. ICD has developed landmarks such as EQ Tower, standing at 65 levels in Melbourne, Australia. Federal Street will be ICD’s first New Zealand development.