SUMMER 2017 19 contains a hybrid space for cycling , exploration , discovery and occupation at the human scale .
Episodic experience and movement is reinforced through the expansion and compression of the wider landscape by the surrounding network of motorway bridges and structures .
Three hundred individual LED light bars are distributed along the path creating a living and breathing interactive urban light sculpture that responds to varying patterns and intensities of user movement .
JF : What does it mean to win at WAF ? HC : In the transport category we were competing against very shiny , billion dollar airports and train stations .
So we tried to pitch our project the opposite way – as a simple , human and fun project that highlights walking and cycling as transport also . Light Path has been a bit of a catalyst and flagship for cycling in
Auckland , so to have the judges recognise the importance of that was great .
It ’ s also recognition for everyone who helped make the project happen in a very short timeframe and who supported an idea that challenged convention .
JF : Other than picking up an award , what was the best thing about being at WAF ? HC : Watching other designers preparing for and presenting their work , in a variety of ways , was pretty fascinating — the good , the bad and the ugly .
The best projects had simple yet strong ideas , addressed something rigorously and innovatively and were backed up by great presentations . Also , hats off to Isthmus for winning the Landscape Category — it ’ s good for all of us .
JF : What is the cultural significance of Te Ara I Whiti – Light Path ?