Point Resolution Taurarua Footbridge, Auckland

Award:  Monte Craven Architectural Building Award

Project:  Point Resolution Taurarua Footbridge, Auckland

Entrant:  Warren & Mahoney Architects Ltd

Owner:  Auckland Council Parks

Architect: Warren & Mahoney Architects Ltd

Consulting Engineer:  Peters & Cheung

Contractor:  Hawkins Infrastructure

Other Firms:  Wilson Precast / Jackson Electrical / Henriata Nicholas

What the judges said

The Point Resolution Taurarua Footbridge's main structural element comprises a bridge deck cast in concrete, threaded through a painted steel exoskeleton reflecting the International Moderne style of the adjoining Parnell Baths, and its waterfront location.

It is an elegant, clever and unobtrusive solution.  The architecture and integration of structure and environment works perfectly - and showcases what can be achieved when value is placed on building structures that are highly functional and in sync with the environment.

The twin-cell, post-tensioned concrete bridge deck achieves the large spans, provides for low maintenance and offers a palette for incorporating the pungarungaru (ripples on the water) design reflected throughout other parts of the structure.

The footbridge is a striking and memorable landmark structure that enhances the waterfront perspective - it is a poster child for concrete, and the public will spend as much time admiring the bridge as they will the beauty of the Auckland landscape that surrounds it.