Jury citation
Te Taumata o Kupe Nuku exemplifies a masterful blend of contemporary architecture with a deep cultural resonance that employs design as a transformative force. The aspiration and influence of this project reaches far beyond its walls as it seeks to elevate not only a community but inspire a people. TOA’s masterful orchestration of the interplay of light, shadow and reflection within Te Taumata o Kupe Nuku creates more than a visual spectacle, it dynamically presents deeper narratives of voyaging and cultural heritage, and in doing so projects a story of hope for the future. In conferring Te Taumata o Kupe Nuku with this award, we celebrate a project that navigates the intersection of innovation and tradition with finesse, putting wind in the sails on the journey of indigenous architectural exploration and community building.
