It's been one of the best year's ever for architecture in Auckland, according to Auckland Architecture Awards judge, Blair Farquhar. A panel of pros have picked 28 projects to feature in the top designs of 2012. Check them out.

A Napier artist's studio, a handful of schools, a cliff-side cafe and a chapel are amongst the winners in this year's New Zealand Architecture Awards. The convener of the five-person jury, Hugh Tennant, says this year he's seen a greater effort to improve urban environments and architecture, with a more sophisticated approach. One project will be selected for the 2012 NZ Architecture Medal on May 25.

Opinions may be divided, but Wellington Airport's so-called Rock terminal continues to rake in accolades.

The Finnish capital has been named 2012's World Design Capital.