Detailed Queens Wharf designs on show

Retaining the cargo sheds, even in skeletal form, is a shared theme among the eight finalists in the design contest for Queens Wharf.

The two 1912 sheds have been adapted, extended and reclad in a variety of architectural forms to act as shelter during the Rugby World Cup and provide a cruise ship terminal.

The finalists, restricted to a $47 million budget, have also come up with floating roof structures and canopies, public spaces and a ramp to "touch the water" at the end of Queen St.

They were asked to consider public feedback and important factors identified by an advisory panel.

These include opening up and protecting harbour views, providing shelter for all-weather use of the wharf and dealing with the scale and challenge of empty space on the large wharf.

Another requirement was creating a "destination" at the northern end of the wharf.

The finalised designs for the "Opening the Red Gates" design competition go on show today, and the winner will be chosen in about three weeks.

Five of the eight finalists were chosen last month from 237 entries in a public design contest.

Three teams of architectural and design professionals were also chosen for their expertise and ability to meet the tight deadline of redeveloping the wharf for the Rugby World Cup.

The contest has attracted criticism. Maori and Pacific leaders were miffed at having no input and some architects were unimpressed by the brief.

After looking at the five finalist designs, Mike Austin, professor of architecture at Auckland's Unitec, said: "It's odd that you arrive in Auckland and you've got no idea this is the largest Polynesian city in the world."

Architect Kevin Clarke, whose entry did not make the final cut, said the contest was a "hoax" and the winner would be chosen from one of the three teams.

Architectural sources are picking the Tasman Studio team to win because two of the partners, Warren and Mahoney, and Moller Architects, are flavour of the month with the Government and Auckland City Council.

The team also includes the planning and design consultancy Boffa Miskell and leading engineers Beca.

The winner, to be determined by Rugby World Cup ministers Murray McCully and Gerry Brownlee, Auckland City Mayor John Banks and Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee on the recommendation of senior central and local government chief executives, will be judged on competency as well as design.

The Government and the Auckland Regional Council have each paid $20 million to buy the wharf from Ports of Auckland.

Prime Minister John Key announced it would be turned into "party central" for the cup in 2011.

* queenswharf.org.nz