SKYSCRAPER IDOL
Bold designs for city skyline
Five of the world’s best architects are facing off in a competition run by a Melbournebased property developer to transform Auckland’s skyline. ICD Property is set to build the city’s next landmark building, a hotel-residential building at 65 Federal St, a stone’s throw from the Sky Tower.
One of the designs includes a tower with a Sky Garden depicting the Auckland landscape and another’s design was inspired by a Ma¯ ori korowai cloak.
Local firm Warren and Mahoney, international firms Woods Bagot, Cox Architecture, Elenberg Fraser and London-based architect Zaha Hadid are all in the running.
Last night they put all their chips on the table, each having created two designs for the new building.
The first design was to be created following current city planning rules and the second showcasing what could be created with extended liberal planning parameters.
They were unveiled at the “What’s Next Auckland?” event which doubled as a forum to discuss the development of the city.
ICD managing director Michael Mai said the designs were impressive and will bring an international standard of high-rise living to Auckland.
“As ICD’s first international project outside of Australia, we chose Auckland because we see a strong future in continuing to work here”.
Warren and Mahoney’s entry was inspired by a korowai, a reference to the building’s connection to its city and its people.
ICD Property will select the winner next month, and later bring the design to life within four years on a budget of around $200 million.