Winners for the 2020 Design Institute of New Zealand Best Awards, New Zealand’s premier design awards, were announced at an awards ceremony in Auckland on Friday 13 November. Jasmax projects were shortlisted across twelve categories and taking home nine awards.

Jasmax’s Brand Design team had a strong showing with the Jasmax Brand Identity taking home a Gold Pin in the Large Brand Identity/Commercial category, Jasmax Manifesto Film won Silver in the Long Form category and Jasmax website winning Bronze for Large Scale Websites/Corporate & Enterprise. The design elements showcase the practice’s three strategic pillars of biculturalism, sustainability, and digital innovation.

The Brand Design Team also received recognition for their work on Western Springs College, Ngā Puna O Waiōrea Signage System, which won Silver in the Environmental Graphics category. Designed for flexible learning, the signage system can be easily changed and adapted over time as spaces change. The poutama pattern is adapted from tukutuku panels which express the story of consistent learning and intellectual achievement, while bold colour and clear directory information allow students to navigate an adaptive and ever-changing learning environment.

Te Hau-Ora, a taonga developed by Jasmax in partnership with leading Māori cultural development specialist, Karl Johnstone, founder, and director of Haumi won Bronze in the Toitanga category. The kōauau, made with reclaimed purple heart timber from the Queens Wharf redevelopment project completed by Jasmax in 2011, symbolises the practice’s collective values and the power of human agency. The timber has been processed into printable filament, hand dyed and 3D printed to create this form, a Taonga unique to Jasmax.

The built environment was also celebrated, with the new UBS Workplace, ANZCO Foods Headquarters and The University of Auckland B405 Faculty of Engineering Te Herenga Mātai Pūkaha won Silver in their categories, respectively. B405’s Visible Engineering approach enables students and visitors to understand its construction and the forces that act upon it.
The Best Design Awards are an annual showcase of excellence in design.