Anna says, “Growing up in Inland China meant that I did not get to experience the sea a lot. I remember the first time I really became immersed in that environment, the power and movement is something magical”
Topsy says, “Snorkelling for the first time on the East Coast opened my eyes to a new world, teaming with life, colour, and the sunlight playing with reflections through the water”
Memories of the time spent near the ocean often offer a mental space of reflection and calm. The design became a physical reflection of that, emulating the movement and light of the ocean, ultimately immersing the audience within.
The nohonga is comprised of a spiral concrete seat surrounded by upright timber beams. Steel beams connected to the timber gradually increase in height as the concrete seat coils inward drawing the audience in to find shelter and reflection within. The beams are supported by a woven tapestry of cord, creating shadows echoing the oceans changing movements.
As part of Britomart’s sponsorship of the Nohonga Design Competition, all the finalist designs would be displayed in the Britomart Precinct in November 2020. However, during the months that ‘Bioluminescence’ was constructed, it became clear that the size and weight of the concrete seating element were beyond original estimations.
Just before the nohonga was due to be installed, Anna and Topsy were told that the weight of the completed 'Bioluminescence' was too large and overweight to be installed in Britomart Square. Despite their best efforts, they could not find a spot in Britomart Square that was suitable for their design.
Although this was unexpected, the team at Brick Bay were able to find a suitable spot for ‘Bioluminescence’ and the nohonga was installed there resulting in the completion of Anna and Topsy's Nohonga design challenge. Project collaborators Jagas and Streetscape were incredibly supportive during this unexpected turn of events. For Anna and Topsy, as graduate landscape architects just starting their careers, this was a fantastic learning experience and an opportunity to put into practice problem-solving and teamwork.
