Maverick New Zealand architect Ian Athfield dies

New Zealand was mourning Friday the loss of one of its leading architects with the death of Ian Athfield at the age of 74.

The New Zealand Institute of Architects issued a brief statement, saying Athfield, "one of New Zealand's finest architects," had died in Wellington.

Christchurch-born Athfield was regarded as a maverick in his younger days, but came to be widely admired for his pioneering and provocative style, underpinned by a belief that a building's place in its natural environment was critical, said a Radio New Zealand report.

In 1976, Athfield gained international attention by winning a design competition run by the International Architecture Federation for a low-cost housing project in the Philippine capital of Manila, said the report.

He went on to win numerous awards and was also involved in the concept design of the rapid transport system in Bangkok, Thailand.

Athfield's designs can be seen the length of New Zealand in private homes and public landmarks such as the Wellington Central Library. Endi