The new Sylvia Park Plaza is a flexible town square comprising a series of diverse, well-connected spaces. The space is a relaxing outdoor reprieve, offering both an opportunity to rest or engage in a range of activities. A simple palette of high-quality paving, trees, fixed and freestanding furniture, and lighting create a consistent and unified place with a ‘Pacific Grove’ character. The plaza will be activated from all sides by the new office building, existing dining lane, Dining pavilion and the ‘Pod’. Inspired by the mangrove seed, the Pod is a flexible multi-purpose sculptural structure to be used both as a sheltered public space and performance space.

The timber benches and sculptural seating are conceptually linked with the Pod and complimented by the tables and chairs alongside the layered planting to encourage outdoor eating and relaxing in the space. These street trees, plaza trees, pod and screening elements also assist with wind mitigation. A retained mature Pohutukawa provides another focus and a counterbalance to the ‘Pod’. New trees provide a range of shaded and sunny conditions across the plaza to improve the relationship of the office with the street and contribute to the Pacifica theme. The flowering trees will enhance and diversify the green visual amenity provided to the overlooking office and provide colour in the lead up to the Sylvia Parks busy Christmas period.

Location: Auckland