4 – 27 March 2022
Unified Peaks
‘Unified Peaks’ is a representation of the New Zealand construction industry involving designers, engineers, project management, and suppliers, seeking to use this sculpture as a platform for discussion around the future of sustainable practice.
The Avant-Garde nature of the sculpture captures the calm and violent behaviour of the moana surrounding Waiheke Island, with its distinctive materiality and form expressing a combination of smooth turns and aggressive points. The lightweight structure comprises of materials found on the fringe of construction sites, utilising up-cycled scaffolding poles to shape the rigid framing and weaved plastic strapping to create perforated screens for shading,.
This union of art and architecture creates an opportunity for innovative thinking, free from the typical institutionalised limitations of an architectural project. The practical form of the sculpture behaves as a shelter, returning to the fundamental purpose of architecture while communicating an important philosophy and artistic expression.
The idea of neglected materials brought together to create a work of art symbolises how up-cycled construction waste can be used innovatively and inspire a circular approach to materials. This raises the question: ‘To what extent should a project consider the potential of up-cycled materials, and could this be standard practice in the future?’
100% of the sculptures proceeds will develop an architectural tool essential for carbon calculating projects to encourage climate-conscious design within New Zealand.
Designer: FNC Designs
Engineer: ProConsult
Project Management: Vertus Construction