Beca & LandLAB – GOLD, 2025 Lighting Design for Te Rimutahi. BRAVO!
Te Rimutahi is just six months old this month, yet has already been recognised by the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards, with the GOLD award 2025 Lighting Design!
The Best Design Awards is an annual showcase of excellence (Whakamana Te Toi) from graphic, spatial, industrial design, digital, animation and film, along with three special awards – Value of Design, Social Good, and Toitanga (our indigenous award).
We were particularly delighted with the judge's comments:
"An important piece of public architecture and placemaking. Amazing use of lighting design to highlight the structure of the pavilion as well as shape the landscape around it. It brings so much magic to the street after hours.
Description:
Te Rimutahi, a name gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, reimagines a former car park and retail site on Ponsonby Road into an inspiring urban oasis. Rooted in cultural identity and local heritage, this space invites both locals and visitors to connect, relax and reflect.
This transformation was the result of over a decade of community advocacy and a collaborative design process. Auckland Council sought to return the space to the people of Ponsonby, creating a sanctuary that honours the area’s cultural heritage, diverse community and lively urban character.
Sustainability guided every decision, with a focus on reuse, waste reduction and environmental care, ensuring the site serves both current and future generations.
Lighting became a key element in shaping the identity of Te Rimutahi, enhancing cultural narratives while supporting Ponsonby’s nightlife. Each zone was given its own lighting language, aligning with its purpose:
• The Canopy: The vibrant 'living room', where bright lighting fosters connection and energy.
• The Urban Plaza: A transitional ‘veranda' with softer lighting that welcomes natural darkness and slows the pace.
• Green Discovery & Passive Park: Spaces where shadows are embraced, encouraging quiet reflection and stargazing.
The design incorporates seamless transitions in mounting heights, colour temperatures (3000K to 2700K) and brightness levels to guide movement through the space without disrupting its calm and inclusive atmosphere.
A striking vertical marker inspired by the native rimu tree anchors the site with cultural meaning, while softly lit textures, gobo projections and star-like ceiling lights further enhance the narrative of connection between earth and sky.
Te Rimutahi’s lighting design balances innovation with sensitivity, integrating light and shadow to create a space that feels welcoming, safe and human. It’s not just a public place – it’s a symbol of cultural collaboration, environmental care and community belonging, setting new standards for thoughtful urban lighting in Auckland.
Credits:
Pou Taketake / Cultural Lead
Graham Tipene
Ringatoi Matua / Design Directors
Johanna Spaeth, Alix Abanda
Ngā Kaimahi / Team Members
Jeremiah Rogaivosa, Jennifer Dubowitz, Sam Gould, Jeremy Thompson
Kaitautoko / Contributors
LandLAB, Beca Lighting, Beca Building Services, Beca Civil, Cassidy Construction, Noshock Electrical, Intelligent Environments
Client
Auckland Council
Our thanks to EVERYONE involved in creating this magical taonga for Ponsonby.
For more information or to contact the Friends of Te Rimutahi (formerly the Community-Led Design Group), please see our website: 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz Facebook: Te Rimutahi and 254 Ponsonby Road, or our Instagram te_rimutahi_
(Jennifer Ward)
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