Ara Architecture EXIT exhibition celebrates innovation and connection

The opening of this year’s EXIT exhibition marked the end of study for Ara's Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) ākonga and provided a night to celebrate a year of achievement and connection. 

The final projects were a stunning display of knowledge and talent – with engaging, innovative and, thanks to Ara's groundbreaking partnership with developers of the Actually online tool, carbon-costed designs. 

Head of Ara’s Engineering and Architectural Studies Department Robert de Roo described 2024 as “an incredible year of milestones for our ākonga, our team and the larger architecture community, full of trailblazing new initiatives and collaborative projects”.

“A highlight for me this year’s been the level of engagement we’ve had from around Aotearoa and internationally. Visitors seeking to connect with our school speak highly of our BAS programme,” he shared with the ākonga, kaimahi, friends and whānau gathered for EXIT. 

Of note for de Roo was the invitation for Ara to join the the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia (AASA) which he said demonstrated “the respect for both our programme and the quality of our graduating ākonga”.” 

Manager of Architectural Studies and Interior Design Dr Adam Khan said new initiatives and collaborative projects in 2024 continued to position Ara strongly in the architecture community. 

He said a Pasifika-inspired vertical learning studio project involving all three BAS year groups earlier in the year had been particularly memorable. 

“Routes and Roots enriched the cultural experience for our ākonga, and the connection with Dr Albert Refiti and Dr Fleur Palmer from AUT cemented our progressive partnership with this world-class university,” Khan said. 

“Our Māori and Pasifika team here at Ara supported this landmark project entirely and uniquely, including both a mihi whakatau and a kava ceremony to respect the custodians of this land,” he said. 

Khan said the inspiring “State of Practice” symposium held at Ara earlier in the year had underpinned the responsibility of architects in shaping the built environment sustainably. He thanked local president Huia Reriti and the wider New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) team for their contribution to the success of the event. 

Several ākonga were recognised at EXIT for their stellar work in 2024.  Those with top marks in the Routes to Roots project, receiving the Te Puna Wānaka Community Engagement Award, included Nathan Moore, Jessiely Vibandor, Liam Dunn, Mia Thew, Annie Swain, Anne Baril and Bella McLachlan. 

_{Eke Panuku Award winner Nathan Moore received the Design Technology Award}  

Moore, who earlier in the week received an Eke Pānuku Māori achievement award, also took out the Architectural Designers New Zealand Design Technology Award at EXIT.   

Working up until an hour before the exhibition, Moore said he felt honoured to be recognised and to have completed the work which he hoped to build on in his master's study at AUT. 

“I'm so proud of the class and grateful to our tutors for providing learning opportunities embracing mātauranga Māori,” he said, recalling the impact of a class visit to Rāpaki marae earlier in the year. “Something really clicked in my head in terms of use of land and community in that visit. Incorporating kaitiakitanga over the land as part of our project was special for me.” 

_{Joshua Stenberg Eke Panuku and Sustainable Design Award winner} 

Joshua Stenberg, another Eke Panuku award recipient with plans to head to RMIT Melbourne to complete his master’s degree, was quick to pay tribute to his classmates. “We’re in a collaborative environment and everyone's doing a really good job and pushing each other.  We're trying to meet each other’s levels,” he said.  

He said Ara and architecture had provided the opportunity to explore innovative ways of using materials and how to be culturally responsive in his work. 

“I am of Māori descent, but I haven't connected with it so much as my dad was among those who did not have the opportunity to be taught Māori.  This has been a time for me to learn about it and embrace it. Architecture has been a great pathway to find that expression.” 

Ten awards, many sponsored by industry partners of the architecture programme, were handed out throughout the evening.   

MC and Principal Academic in Architecture Bernadette Muir thanked the sponsors for their continued support in terms of mentoring, studio critiques, site visits, guest lectures and internships. 

“We really value these relationships and thank you all for enabling us to recognise outstanding achievement in the degree,” she said. 

Full list of EXIT awardees: 

• Warren and Mahoney Design Award - Enzo Welch 
• a+urban Urban Design Award - Anitra Thomas 
• Jasmax Sustainable Design Award - Joshua Stenberg  
• Architectural Designers NZ Design Technology Award - Nathan Moore  
• Te Puna Wānaka Community Engagement Award - Nathan Moore, Jessiely Vibandor, Liam Dunn, Mia Thew, Annie Swain, Anne Baril, Bella McLachlan  
• Ara Institute of Canterbury Design Award, Design Excellence - Will Coughlan  
• Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA Canterbury Branch Award, Highest Academic Achievement - Joshua Stenberg