But Otago Polytechnic Te Pūkenga master of architecture (professional) student Georgia Pope has managed to design a "vibrant multipurpose space" centred on both, and in the process, she has won a national award for it.
The 22-year-old said she was "ecstatic" after receiving a gold medal in the student spatial category of the 2023 Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards, for her project titled Harmony in Motion.
"The whole idea is rooted in the essence of movement and process observation.
"The design creates a harmonious space where artistry and alchemy co-exist."
She said the win followed a silver medal in last year’s awards for her concept "Kaituna", which examined restoring a wetland in South Dunedin.
Miss Pope was one of half a dozen medal-winners from Otago Polytechnic Te Pūkenga at this year’s awards.
Bachelor of architectural studies student Marissa Tresslor claimed a silver medal in the student spatial category for her project Te Wairua o Te Piopiotahi, which aims to stimulate a deeper connection to Milford Sound.
Master of architecture student Hunter Dale won a bronze medal for The Grid, A Lattice of People and Place, which proposes a multipurpose, vibrant space in Filleul St, combining a market and residential apartments.
And bachelor of architectural studies student Eden Rose-Yon also won a bronze medal for Te Whare Tongarewa o Hotere (The Museum of Hotere) — a contemporary art gallery named after celebrated Dunedin artist Ralph Hotere.
Bachelor of design (product) graduate Alice Wassell claimed a bronze medal in the student and academic product section for her bespoke wooden window seat; and bachelor of design (communication) students Jacob Burnet and Ryan Dombroski also earned a bronze medal in the student moving-image category for a music video created for Dunedin band Sunflower Scent.
Otago Polytechnic Te Pūkenga executive director Chris Williamson said having 12 finalists at what was "New Zealand’s most prestigious design awards" was an "outstanding achievement".
"The latest success continues Otago Polytechnic’s strong representation over many years at the Best Design Awards.
"Previous Best Awards finalists and winners have gone on to launch their design careers in New Zealand and overseas."
