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Tiara Malota 2023 - Second year work Tiara Malota 2023 - Second year work Tiara Malota 2023 - Second year work

Spatial Design Awards -

Entries are now open for the Spatial Design Awards for year 9, 10 and 11 students in New Zealand secondary schools.

Entries close 10 December 2026 at 3pm.

Adaptive reuse is a key spatial design concept where existing spaces are repurposed for new functions. Spatial designers work within the constraints of the existing structure's footprint, considering aspects such as access, acoustics, heating, sustainability, furnishings, aesthetics and more to create a space that effectively supports its new purpose.

Students looking at spatial design concepts at exposure event at Massey University. Students looking at spatial design concepts at exposure event at Massey University.

Design brief

Repurpose – choose a space in your school that could be better utilised. Show us the space and tell us why it needs to be repurposed.

Reimagine – think of a new purpose for the space.

Redesign – create a design of the space with its new purpose.

Entry requirements

Entries may include:

  • photos and drawings of the existing space
  • floor plans
  • sketches
  • cross-section drawings
  • oblique or isometric drawings
  • digital models
  • feedback from other students on your idea
  • written notes to communicate your idea.

You can submit a maximum of 2 x A3 pages in PDF or JPEG format.

This competition is for year 9, 10 and 11 students in New Zealand secondary schools or kura.

Prizes

New Zealand Graphics & Technology Teachers Association (NZGTTA) Award

  • Year 10 Gold Award - $200
  • Year 9 Gold Award - $200
  • Year 11 Silver Award - $100
  • Year 10 Silver Award - $100
  • Year 9 Silver Award - $100

Year 11 All Access College of Creative Arts Award

The year 11 winner and their teacher will be flown to Wellington from anywhere in Aotearoa for a tour of Massey University's facilities.

Watch a preview of an All Access pass to the College of Creative Arts

All Access is Massey's student-run social media channel for answering questions about Massey University's facilities and qualifications.

Study spatial design at Massey

Spatial design at Massey explores how we imagine, form and construct spatio-temporal environments. We work with students to develop spatial design skills that can be applied across a range of practices from interior design to urban experiences, museum and exhibition design to landscape and temporary structures that support engagement te taiao to virtual environments and adaptive reuse for education and commercial uses.

Our students learn mapping and site analysis tools, foundational architectural drawing conventions, material and detail specifications alongside core spatial design understanding of space, light and bodies across physical and digital space.

They work on projects grounded in real contexts with organisations such as Wellington City Council, Te Papa and Greater Wellington Regional Council. This approach means that students can begin to apply their learning to current contexts and projects, to understand how spatial design can help support and foster thriving communities.

Proudly sponsored by

Massey University

Massey University is committed to innovation and design and is internationally recognised for excellence in design, ranking second in the Asia-Pacific region by the Red Dot Design Awards.

NZGTTA

The New Zealand Graphics & Technology Teachers Association is a professional subject association set up to promote and support teachers of Graphics and Technology education in New Zealand schools.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact Toni Tippett - NZGTTA President at President@nzgtta.co.nz.