[EVENT] + EARTH FROM ABOVE | YANN ARTHUS-BERTRAND

World-renowned French environmentalist, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, has brought his incredible aerial photography to Auckland. The exhibition is entitled [EARTH FROM ABOVE] and is part of the inaugural Auckland Art Week from 5 - 14 November 2010 at Aotea Square. It is well worth the visit and makes for some great reading. The new speaker system also comes in handy with informative commentary regarding the art works. The beautiful music sets the mood for the exhibition. We also love the new gateway "Welcome to Auckland's big little City" it is unexpected and adds a lot to the square. 

[PROJECT] + AOTEA SQUARE @ NIGHT

We returned to [AOTEA SQUARE] after nightfall and this is when the square comes to life. The lighting is truly beautiful and we have been told that the LED lighting will change colour throughout the night. Definitely worth the trip to watch the the square transform as the sun sets and the light invades the space.

[PROJECT] + AOTEA SQUARE

Today was the official opening of the refurbished [AOTEA SQUARE] and we went along to see how the heart of Auckland has evolved. We can report that the square lacks the imaginative design of Federation Square and the quaint sophistication of St Mark's Square - as can be predicted the design of the square is very "safe" and no bold initiatives have been taken at all. However, it must be stated that it is a huge improvement when you consider what was there before.

The highlight of the square is the new cafe and ticket box office. The design is contemporary and very tasteful. We also love the various materials used for the paving, the seating on the grass, the variation of levels on the staircases (which double up as seating areas) and the refreshed Gateway art feature. We look forward to the installation of the mega big screen which will beam images from afar for our viewing pleasure.

We don't like the distinct lack of colour, the out-dated graphics | signage, the lack of water features and the barren flower beds - flowers would be a welcome addition. It is possible that this will be remedied in time for the Rugby World Cup and we look forward to providing you with updates as the square evolves once more. All in all it was a good day out with lots of entertainment to suit everybody's taste. 

[PROJECT] + ST PATRICK'S SQUARE [PART B]

The long awaited upgrade of [ST PATRICK'S SQUARE - PART A] is complete and what a revelation it is - Hallelujah ! What was a depressing patch of lawn and rocks is now an example of good urban design. We love the artworks by Steve Woodward and Mary-Louise Brown, the water features, the public seating that can also be used as a table top, the paving, the lights and all the different textures. The upgrade covers the entire area between Albert, Hobson, Swanson and Wyndham Streets, and also complements the 2007 restoration of St Patrick's Cathedral. All that is needed now is for the [SAFFRON TOWER] to be built, more pavement cafe's spilling onto the square and for the lazy landlords in the area to clean up their buildings and restore some pride. Praise be to the Auckland City Council for having some foresight.

[PROJECT] + AOTEA SQUARE

It is no Federation Square but it is an improvement, the Auckland City Council have just released new and updated renders for the [AOTEA SQUARE] upgrade which will be ready for The Rugby World Cup 2011. They propose to give the square a distinct and contemporary identity as well as providing a safer, family-friendly environment for residents and visitors to enjoy. A report endorsing the procurement of a permanent big screen within [AOTEA SQUARE] recommends that a permanent screen be located on the south face of the SkyCity Metro building to enhance or promote events, performing arts and city centre activities. We cannot agree more and we believe that this decision is long overdue. It is the way things are moving in the 21st century.

[STAGING + EVENTS]

[AOTEA SQUARE] will be a much better venue for a wide range of outdoor events - formal and informal, large and small. The main paved area will be widened and levelled, which means crowds of up to 20,000 can gather comfortably. The surrounding steps can double as seats or staging. Unifying the paved and grassed areas improves the square for events and everyday use. The new car park roof will raise [AOTEA SQUARE's] level by an average of one metre, which will improve connections with surrounding buildings.

[TREES + GRASS TERRACES]

A healthy stock of about 63 trees will be introduced in the new landscape mainly at the southern end of the square. These include a range of ten native species: nikau, kowhai, pohutukawa, puriri, kauri, kohekohe, karaka, putaputaweta, taraire and totara, in addition to the three pin oaks, which will be retained at the Queen Street entrance. Ten pohutukawa will be planted in two rows of five in the hard paved area at the northern end of the square. Pohutukawa were specially selected as they are hardy and can withstand tree pit constraints and heat. The grassed areas will be terraced, stepping down towards the paved area with better views for staged events. The terraces will provide sunny and shaded spots for people to relax and watch events or enjoy a lunch break in the fringe areas. The steps between terraces provide extra seating. The layout of the terraces is designed to reflect the architectural lines of the Auckland Town Hall.

[PAVING + SEATING + LIGHTING]

The paving is mostly granite, with honed concrete on the stairs and terraces. A pattern representing Auckland's volcanic map is proposed for the main paved area. The proposed seating is tailor-made to suit [AOTEA SQUARE]. Long bench seats, in strategic spots, will be wide enough for people to sit on both sides. Square seats will be clustered to suit groups or individuals, with good views of the main staging areas. Steps and terraces also provide informal seating.A series of pole lights, designed to echo the styling of Auckland's Sky Tower, will light the pathways, trees and seats at night. Uplights will illuminate the Town Hall façade, while low glare dome fittings will provide subtle lighting in the paving and lawn areas.

Now that the City Council have come to their senses and endorsed a permanent Big Screen, it would be great if Sky City can join the party and change the facade of their Metro Building. Something that will be compliment a party atmosphere and 21st Century meeting place, something like the Rundle Lantern in Adelaide: