Contemporary Water Sculptures - Recently Completed portfolio

A new water sculpture at the entrance to the Māori Land Court on Lichfield St has been blessed by kaumatua of Te Taumata Tapu o Ngāi Tūāhuriri, who described the water sculpture as a taonga for the people of Ōtautahi.

The new water sculpture ensures visitors to the court can again observe the tikanga of whakanoa – the clearing of tapu and returning to a state of noa after leaving a sacred or significant space.

The water sculpture was designed and constructed by Geoff McConnell of Contemporary Water Sculptures in collaboration with artist Morgan Darlison (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Tainui) of Kaitiaki Studios.

Morgan explains “the design represents the taurapa (sternpost) of a waka and is symbolic of a journey of connection, identity and belonging. Details on the water feature design include the Huia bird as kaitiaki, a poutama pattern that symbolises growth, and tāniko weaving patterns as reference to tīpuna and the whakapapa of Mana Whenua”.

At night, internal colour changing LED lighting shines through the perforated surface, illuminating the sculpture and emphasising the poutama and tāniko patterns.

The previous water feature had a large surface of shallow water that attracted birds and debris, creating an unsightly mess and ongoing maintenance issues. The replacement with its vertical form and flowing water with no pond, makes it less attractive to birdlife and easier to maintain.

Planter design by WSP. Structural engineering by WSP.

Mirror stainless steel 'Schwarzkopf' water sculpture. Refer to Stainless Steel portfolio for further examples.

Wāhi Whakanoa - a custom 1050mm dia. stainless steel Rippledish on a rimu bench. Refer to 'Rippledish' page for further details.

Custom stainless with gunmetal patina Rippledish - Bull O'Sullivan Architecture, Lyttelton Studio. Refer to 'Rippledish' page for further details.

Mirror stainless steel Schwarzkopf water sculpture with bluestone pavers. Refer to Stainless Steel portfolio for further examples.

A stainless steel with gunmetal patina Rippledish. Available in a range of sizes and materials. Made with with the same uncompromising dedication to quality and craftsmanship that we apply to our bespoke sculptures. Refer to 'Rippledish' page for options and pricing.

Another feature tested and ready for dispatch. This one is heading to Texas. Refer to Black portfolios for further examples.

Perforated copper column with internal lighting. Refer to Copper portfolio for further examples.

A black stainless water sculpture on the wall with a bronzed copper and stainless water sculpture in the foreground. Refer to Black and Copper Portfolios for further examples.

A simple corten steel pond with a shelf for birds to settle. Refer to Corten Steel portfolio for further examples.

A stainless steel with gunmetal patina Rippledish. Available in a range of sizes and materials. Made with with the same uncompromising dedication to quality and craftsmanship that we apply to our bespoke sculptures. Refer to 'Rippledish' page for options and pricing.

Copper with bronze patina. Refer to Copper portfolio for further examples.

Wāhi Whakanoa - The pounamu touchstone is mounted in a custom Rippledish. Refer to 'Rippledish' page for further examples.

SkyCity 'Chrysalis' a sculpture of shimmering light and water.

Copper and brass. Refer to Copper portfolio for further examples.

'Beacon' a column of shimmering light and water. See Woven Mesh portfolio for further examples.

'Beacon' See Woven Mesh portfolio for further examples.

A mirror stainless water wall sculpture in the foreground with a stainless wall sculptural in the background. Refer to Stainless Steel portfolio and Wall Art and Architectural Elements portfolio for further examples.

Refer to Wall Art and Architectural Elements portfolio for further examples.

Bronzed copper columns in a gunmetal patinaed stainless pond. Refer to Copper portfolio for further examples.

Bronzed copper column. Refer to Copper portfolio for further examples.