The Wave: Nohonga Toru Challenge 2024, Auckland

In line with our vision that the most successful outdoor spaces place user-centric design at their core, a talented team of landscape architects from Boffa Miskell – Zak White, Jo Kearney and Alfred Chan, collaborated with Urban Effects to be their manufacturing partner to bring a unique bench to life— the Wave. Designed to enhance public enjoyment and interaction, this special bench introduces a gentle wave-like motion when in use, creating a tactile and engaging experience.

As one of the finalists in the 2024 NZILA Nohonga Toru Seat Design Challenge, the Wave draws inspiration from the Cycle of Te Rakaunui (the Moon), reflecting the rhythms of nature and time. Its intricate design combines durable Accoya timber supplied by ITI NZ, with a steel pivot structure allowing the seat’s graceful curves to undulate, mirroring natural cycles.

At the heart of the Wave lies the idea of renewal and balance, inviting users to connect with it in an intuitive, organic way. Guided by Boffa Miskell’s conceptual and detailed design, plus working alongside other project partners, the skilled team at Urban Effects expertly handled the fabrication and construction, bringing this exceptional piece of street furniture to life.

The Nohonga Toru Seat Design Challenge is an initiative of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora (NZILA) and sponsors Britomart, Resene and JFC.

Curious about how this extraordinary bench was brought to life? Watch the behind scenes of our team making The Wave.