Otago Polytechnic has multiple finalists in Best Design Awards

Twelve Otago Polytechnic projects have been named finalists for the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards 2023.

Seven visionary projects by Dunedin School of Architecture ākonga are among those shortlisted for the finals event, regarded as the annual showcase of excellence in graphic, spatial, product, interactive and motion design in New Zealand.

These include two separate concepts for contemporary art buildings named after celebrated artist Ralph Hotere, to repurposing St Dominic’s Priory, to combining a gin distillery with a dance studio in central Dunedin, to a project that aims to stimulate a deeper connection to Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi.

Otago Polytechnic’s School of Design also features strongly, boasting five projects among the Best Design Awards finalists.

These include a bespoke furniture project, a 2D mobile video game, branding and installations for a food event, as well as two music video projects for Dunedin bands.

“To have 12 finalists at New Zealand’s most prestigious design awards is an outstanding achievement,” says Chris Williamson, Executive Director, Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga.

“The latest nominations continue Otago Polytechnic’s strong representation over many years at the Best Design Awards.

“Previous Best Awards finalists and winners have gone on to launch their design careers in New Zealand and overseas.”

The Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards 2023 will be held in Auckland on 6 October.

Otago Polytechnic’s Best Design Awards finalists:

School of Architecture

Eden Rose-Yon, Student and Academic Spatial: Te whare tongarewa o hetere (The Museum of Hotere). Similar to Ralph Hotere’s artistic approach, a use of industrial materials not only compliments the artist's work, but also reflects the nature of the site.

Omea Hall, Student and Academic Spatial: Ralph Hotere Museum of Contemporary Art. Vision for museum includes highlighting and enhancing experience through varying scales in contrast to raw materials.

Lauren Arthur, Student and Academic Spatial: St Dominic’s Priory. Proposes to regenerate St Dominic’s Priory in central Dunedin/Ōtepoti into a mixed-use development comprising 20 residential apartments, leased commercial spaces and a living learning centre.

Nicholas Sharp, Student and Academic Spatial: Mātakitaki. Envisages a new contemporary lodge facility aimed at continuing Otago Boys High School’s outdoor education legacy in the Matukituki Valley.

Marissa Tresslor, Student and Academic Spatial: Te Wairua o Te Piopiotahi. Project explores what place means for Tāngata Whenua of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi

Georgia Pope, Student and Academic Spatial: Harmony In Motion. Combines a dance studio and a gin distillery on a central Dunedin site.

Hunter Dale, Student and Academic Spatial: The Grid, A Lattice of Place and People. Vision involves a revitalization of the historic function of commercial and residential in Filleul St.

School of Design

Product Design

Alice Wassell, Student and Academic Product: Nestle. A bespoke, mid-century modern-inspired window seat that can be lounged on, it features self-contained sheetmetal stools that provide extra seating when required and a pop of colour when stored away.

Communication Design

Hina Macmaster and Sam Lindsey, Student Digital: Ghostduku. A 2D mobile game in which you play as an old woman visiting her husband's grave and discovers that she can communicate with the ghosts in the graveyard.

Meara Acheson-Kappely, Student and Academic Graphics: Hakari. Celebrating a collaborative event which showcased the stories of Otago food producers, it combined videography and design installations.

Jacob Burnet and Ryan Dombroski, Student Moving Image: Sunflower Scent. Interpreting a Dunedin band’s music video for the song “Hallways”.

Trelise Wadsworth, Student Moving Image: Black-Sale House. Teaming up with Dunedin band Black-Sale House to create and produce a music video for the song, “Place I Want to Be”.