Catenary lighting on Tiramarama Way celebrates Maori astronomy

The catenary lighting installation above the Tiramarama Way on the Auckland waterfront creates a purposeful, welcoming and safe public space for residents and visitors.

Ronstan Tensile Architecture provided all the components for the installation including custom wall connections, a modified ACS2 structural cable system with shackles into eyes instead of toggles, and a Carl Stahl mesh sock for electrical flex onto the structural cables. Ronstan also provided design and installation services.

Commissioned by Panuku Development Auckland, the catenary lighting project was executed in 2018 by a team of professionals including Wraight and Associates (landscape architect), BECA Ronstan (engineer), Tensys Engineers (structural engineer), eCubed (lighting designer), and Downer NZ (general constructor/builder).

The Wynyard Quarter of Auckland, New Zealand is being transformed from its former exclusively industrial use on the waterfront into a hub of shops, restaurants, cafes, public gathering spaces, offices, and future residences. The laneway, Tiramarama Way, which opened in June 2018, is one of the new mixed-use public spaces in this area.

An east-by-west walkway, Tiramarama Way integrates design features that represent an ‘interpretation of the original shoreline of Waitemata Harbour in 1841’, according to the designers. Some of the features include pools designed to rise and fall with the tides as well as flourishing gardens and greenery.

The catenary lighting installation suspended above the laneway is one of the most stunning features of Tiramarama Way. In addition to safety in a public space, the installation at Tiramarama Way serves to celebrate constellations specific to Maori astronomy including Te Puanga (The Southern Cross) and Matariki.

The inspiration for Tiramarama Way came from the success of the existing laneways in Melbourne, where catenary lighting has proven to successfully create a sense of welcome and safety for visitors and residents.

Image: Mark Scowen Photography