The District at Auckland Airport
Auckland International Airport Ltd.
2013

The Esplanade & Outdoor Gallery
In the design of The Esplanade, Bespoke were engaged by Auckland International Airport to work in conjunction with Surface Design Inc. – this in tandem with the concurrent development of The Outdoor Gallery. The Esplanade is a newly completed pedestrian avenue that forms a prominent landscape link between the Quad and the Common precincts including connections to Abbeville Estate, the Outdoor Gallery, the Golf Course and the Marae.  It allows visitors, tourists and workers alike access to greater amenity and the opportunity to enjoy the environment created. The design is in essence an allée, that utilises the tree lined link to form a line of site and focus from the end of John Goulter Drive through to the Abbeville Estate chapel (the relocated Westney Methodist Church), climbing up to this point through a series of bold grass terraces. The framework of the allee is established with formal tree lined paths (both gravel and grass) with intersecting shell bands that provide sections to be planted with wild flowers and bulbs.  This together with the deciduous and flowering tree species creates an ever changing, seasonal landscape. Intrinsic to this network is the Outdoor Gallery which celebrates and supports the trail network with a series of unique and engaging public artworks.  Central to the project is a large existing stormwater pond where users can interface through  the use of jetty structures, promontories and beach areas.  Interpretation and directional signage has been designed and integrated throughout.  Sustainable design outcomes have been addressed through careful selection of materials, management of stormwater and limiting the degree and extent of earthworks. Throughout The Esplanade several sculptures have been incorporated providing a strong connection to the Outdoor Gallery that sits adjacent.