Auckland Aquatics

This design project encapsulates New Zealander’s cultural affinity to the harbour and presents a design solution to encourage interaction with Auckland’s water frontier. Situated on the former land of Bledisloe Wharf in the heart of Auckland City, the proposed design includes a series of Aquatic pools, recreational activities and event areas. The site is located in Auckland city on the edge of the Waitemata harbour, a natural abundant resource rich with historical and cultural interaction with water.

The proposed design comprises of a collective of architecture centred on a public promenade. The architectural form is characterised by a large counter levered gull-wing roof, this proposition draws upon inspiration from the “Kawau Tikitiki” (Spotted Shag) in order to produce a vernacular architectural form unique to Auckland. Although this may be interpreted by the user as the rippling waves of the Waitemata harbour. The angulated roof forms project out towards the harbour as the folded plate roof ‘hovers’ over the linear central walls of the building. This symbolic arrangement will give a unique individuality and image to the Aquatic centre, and draws upon the natural flora and fauna of the Waitemata harbour.

The former Bledisloe wharf has been re-modelled into a water arena, creating two peninsular. The bay created in the centre of the site allows for sheltered interaction with the harbour. This bay also assists in the cleansing of the storm water runoff though the use of natural wetlands. The site has been naturalised with the softening of the harsh wharf edges where suitable. The masterplan for the wharf makes the most of the post industrial site, and makes water in all its forms an accessible attraction. The material pallet of the building remains contemporary and elegant. The roof is made from precast concrete to juxtapose with the polished basalt walls of the central promenade. The external collective of spa’s and sauna’s are all to be clad in Yakisugi (Burnt Cedar). One hopes that the Auckland Aquatics development will add to the vernacular identity of Auckland and enhance the public’s interaction with the Waitemata harbour.

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