PLACEnews April 2010 Issue 6
Lynne Hancock
BECA, Auckland
Lynne is the leader of Beca’s urban design business in New Zealand. As ‘working director’ she is responsible for establishing and growing BECA New Zealand's urban and landscape design team.
What is your favourite place?
"Usually the next holiday destination lined up! No one place but I like places that change with the season, the time, the level of activity – that are ‘containers for activity’ – anything from the Famous Spiegeltent to the Ramblas to King Street Newtown and Circular Quay in Sydney. Other favourites are the opposite of people-focussed – the mountains and rivers and valleys of New Zealand’s South Island."
In your opinion what is the world’s best place and why?
"I’m drawn to the diversity and richness of different cultures, geography, history, spaces and structures. For me Spain has all of that – and great food and wine! I’ve been fortunate to travel there on foot – all the way across from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela – as well as by car and train, and that’s given me a deeper appreciation of the place. Sense of place comes from that – from the time you take to watch, listen, walk, and talk to people (and of course eat and drink). I can’t ‘get’ a place in a fleeting visit."
What is the worst and why?
"Take any sprawling subdivision with giant houses on tiny lots, garages on the street, no footpaths, no trees: undistinguished, unwalkable, unwelcoming and unsustainable."
What place in the world has the most potential and why?
"Any new project in the office – because there’s everything to learn and lots to do. As designers, there is enormous satisfaction in trying to tap into the positives of a place, and in making a contribution to the communities that use it"
What place gives you that real sense of place?
"Probably my favourite place, Spain!"
What is your favourite building in the world?
"Although I trained as an architect – or maybe because – I’m less interested in buildings per se than their role in and relationship to the spaces they inhabit and design. I love the Sydney Harbour Bridge because it works as a connector, a landmark, a sculptural object, a great piece of engineering; for its conversation with the Opera House that creates a wonderful space between them and ‘presents’ Circular Quay to the water, for the foresight of its designers in providing generously for trains, cyclists and pedestrians; whether looking up at it, crossing over, or seeing it rise up on the skyline, it lifts my spirits every time."
At home, in your place, what is it you enjoy doing most?
"I'm assuming this means I can go out! In the city – music, art galleries, theatre, markets, good coffee and good newspapers. Getting away to the bach means walking, gardening, snorkeling, reading. And wherever home is, good food and (Spanish) wine."
