Set in Stone documents the evolution of Wellington’s Cuba Street through the heritage lettering found on its buildings, using architectural typography as a way to connect the street’s past with its present. The project highlights the often-overlooked cultural significance of Cuba Street amid rapid urban development.

Thirteen buildings were selected for their distinctive lettering, each marking a different moment in the street’s social and architectural history. Archival research, including photographs, articles and historical records underpinned the narrative, grounding the project in a clear historical context.

The final outcome is a 220-page publication created in collaboration with an architectural photographer. Detailed documentation of each building is paired with archival material and typographic studies, creating an immersive visual record of Cuba Street’s shifting identity.

Set in Stone serves as both preservation and storytelling, celebrating the resilience of an iconic urban space and demonstrating how design can make local history visible, accessible and valued.

DINZ Best Awards Finalist