What if the materials we design with could live multiple lives? What if every element of a space was created with its next purpose already in mind?
That’s exactly the kaupapa behind Ngā Pakiaka: Like the Roots of a Tree—an interactive activity space at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki designed by Scott Parker, where sustainability isn't just a concept, but a fun experience.
This exhibition is built to inspire a deep connection to whenua and all its living creatures, engaging whānau through hands-on activities that encourage creativity, storytelling, and environmental stewardship.
Scott in this design embraced a truly circular approach, using:
🌿 Kererū Cleanstone – Made from 100% recycled plastic packaging and fishing nets, mimicking the canopy of a tree.
🥛 Milky Cleanstone – Crafted from 100% recycled plastic milk bottles, seamlessly integrated into inlays and pegboard elements.
And I love the fact that it is modular & waste-free. No glue, limited screw fixings—making disassembly and reuse easy.
Generally, exhibition elements are refreshed every 6 months to keep engagement fresh.
At the end of this project's lifespan, all Cleanstone elements will be returned to Critical. for reprocessing into new materials, closing the loop entirely.
🎨 One of the first interactive activities included a pegboard pepeha, where visitors created their own identity markers using a range of Autex Acoustics Australia cutouts inspired by Aotearoa’s landscapes—mountains, rivers, and beaches. These linked beautifully to the native species illustrations, featuring Ruru, Tui, and Kererū.
👀 If you're in Tāmaki Makaurau, go check it out! It's an incredible example of how exhibitions can be designed for impact—both creatively and environmentally.
Ngā mihi nui Scott Parker and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki team for bringing this vision to life.
♻️ Designing a fit-out or exhibition and want to integrate circular materials? Let’s kōrero. You can book a time with me here:
https://lnkd.in/gimyRZqB
Or visit criticaldesign.nz to explore how we’re closing the loop on waste.
hashtagSustainableDesign hashtagExhibitionDesign hashtagCircularEconomy hashtagRecycledMaterials hashtagDesignForChange hashtagGreenBuilding hashtagInteriorInnovation hashtagCleanstone hashtagArchitecturalCraftsmanship hashtagFutureOfDesign hashtagAotearoaSustainability
How Auckland Art Gallery is Redefining Sustainable Exhibitions with 100% Recycled Materials 🌱♻️
