Porirua CBD-Cobham Green

This otherwise leftover space, separating car parks at the edge of a mall, punches well above its weight as visitors arriving at the central Porirua carpark are treated to a sophisticated urban aesthetic.

A comforting human scale has been achieved in this island park contained by a composition of solid granite blocks forming twisted planes of lawns and plantings. Roughly defining a line to a light timber-clad kiosk of the same material creates an enlivening entry to the Porirua Mall where further work is planned. Strong use of colour applied to skate stops and platform seating lift the park, texturing it with a vibrancy that bring joy into the setting. Mature pohutukawa have been cared for and made more valuable by being integrated into platforms and raised garden beds.

This inspiring piece of public landscape architecture has lifted the bar to new heights.