Waterview Connection scoops an International Award

Senior principal Peter Whiting travelled to Los Angeles to accept the award with a contingent of Well-Connected Alliance representatives from NZTA and Warren + Mahoney Architects.

“The partners in the Well-Connected Alliance sought for the project to deliver world-class infrastructure, along with good community and ecological outcomes, and Boffa Miskell is proud of our role in this landmark project,” says Peter.

“The landscape and urban design works, which Boffa Miskell led, were significantly less than 5% of the total project budget; yet these spaces have had a profound impact on the perception of the project from the public.”

As a result of the severance caused by five-plus years of above-ground works associated with the tunnel project, the Board of Enquiry determined that the large open space areas within the motorway alignment were able to be revitalised.

“The project is a great example of how to bridge the gap between infrastructure and creating a great place for people," says Sam Bourne, Transport Agency Principal Urban Design and Landscape Advisor.

Boffa Miskell led the design and installation of passive and active public recreation assets, including Valonia Reserve and Waterview Reserve Skateparks, the Waterview Shared Path, and Waterview Playground.

Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek was required to be relocated as it sat directly over the motorway alignment. The stream had been channelised into a drain in the 1930s and this was an opportunity to restore and naturalise one of Auckland’s longest urban streams, while providing community amenities throughout the surrounding reserves.

“The Tripartite Award acknowledges the Waterview Connection project was about so much more than the twin 2.4km long road tunnels deep underground. It celebrates significant community amenities and landscape features above ground and the role of infrastructure in supporting good urban design,” says Brett Gliddon, NZ Transport Agency General Manager System Design and Delivery.

“The walking and cycling path network, public open space and environmental design features together with the stunning structures - including the pedestrian bridges, ventilation stacks and maintenance buildings - create a place the local community can enjoy and be proud of.”

Aspects of Waterview have been recognised by the NZIA, the World Architecture Festival, the Designers Institute of New Zealand, and have been short-listed for NZILA Awards.

The project partners credit Waterview Connection’s success to the close and enduring relationships with the local community, mana whenua, Auckland Council, Local Boards and Auckland Transport.

The Well-Connected Alliance includes the Transport Agency, Fletcher Construction, McConnell Dowell, WSP, Beca Infrastructure, Tonkin & Taylor and Japanese construction company Obayashi Corporation.

Photo: Representatives from Well-Connected Alliance, Boffa Miskell and Warren and Mahoney at the LABC Architecture Awards ceremony. L-R : Peter Whiting (Boffa Miskell), Graham Darlow, & Peter Spies (Well-Connected Alliance), Tom Locke (Warren & Mahoney)