A project combining contemporary digital fabrication techniques with traditional MÄori craft methods and design approaches has won James Durcan the 2015 Cadimage Group Student Design Awards.
It’s that time of year again where 12 architecture students from Auckland University, United and Victoria University get prepared and undertake their presentations for the Cadimage Group Student Design Awards .
As with previous years the level of design thinking and presentation levels increased.
This years winner James Duncan of Victoria Wellington had even created his own large format 3d printer that “combined contemporary digital fabrication techniques with traditional Maori craft methods and design approaches”
The project proposes both a building for a Maori community on the Poverty Bay coast and the off-grid technology that will enable its construction. The work is a most impressive fusion of contemporary digital fabrication and indigenous craft culture. It combines digital design, self-taught craft skills, material experimentation and inventive engineering, and was made possible by the author’s personal commitment and the support of the local Ngai Tamanuhuri iwi. The project is the product of huge engagement, and reveals a willingness, on all sides, to learn and collaborate to realise a meaningful outcome.
Judges citation
Tessa Ford of Auckland University and Unitec’s Hannah Broatch received Highly Commended Awards.
I continue to be immensely proud to support these awards – the effort put in by the students is immense – and the results are outstanding.
