B201 and The Pā shortlisted in the World Architecture Festival Awards 2024

We are delighted to announce that two Jasmax projects, B201 for University of Auckland, and The Pā for University of Waikato, have been shortlisted in the World Architecture Festival Awards for 2024. WAF is described as the architectural equivalent of the Olympic Games, where designs from around the world compete in over 30 categories to secure a prestigious award.

One of two Aotearoa New Zealand-designed projects from a shortlist of twelve in the WAF Completed Buildings – Retrofit category, B201 is an example of a 50-year-old building that had been ear-marked for demolition, and which has been transformed into a state-of-the-art and low-carbon academic building, ready for another 50 years of life. Through re-use of the existing concrete structure, B201 has become one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most sustainable developments and has achieved world-leading status, receiving 6 Green Stars for Design. 

Alongside the reused and refurbished elements, B201 includes a spectacular timber-roofed atrium, providing a new front door into the University of Auckland’s City Campus and has enhanced a significant connection with the University’s cultural precinct. This is the second year the retrofit category has been included in the Festival, indicative of the importance of reusing existing structures to reduce environmental impacts associated with construction. B201 will compete with projects from China, Iran, Bulgaria, Turkey and the UK.

The Pā is the only project of nine shortlisted in the WAF Completed Buildings – Higher Education and Research Category from New Zealand. An outstanding example of collaboration, the Pā was designed and delivered by Architectus, Jasmax, designTRIBE and Wraight & Associates, each firm bringing unique expertise to deliver the most ambitious project in University of Waikato’s history. Establishing a spectacular place of welcome onto the Hamilton campus, The Pā is a bicultural gateway to the University of Waikato’s Hamilton campus, designed to transform the experience of campus life for students, staff and visitors to the University of Waikato. 

Bringing together a wharenui (ceremonial meeting house), the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, a student hub, and Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao — Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies under one roof. Over 30 artists contributed to carved and woven works adorning The Pā under the mantle of the Kīngitanga, who provided support and guidance to the University throughout the project, including the commissioning of the artistic teams. The Pā will compete with projects from the US, India, Japan, Germany, UK and Indonesia. Judging is live, taking place in Singapore from the 6 – 8 November 2024.

For an overview of shortlisted projects from around New Zealand, read Colleen Hawkes’ article in Stuff.