HIWA Recreation Centre: Cultural Overlay

Environmental-Complete Environment Design - Single

2025

MJMA Architecture & Design, Toronto, ON
w: mjma.ca

Design Studio: MJMA Architecture & Design, Haumi NZ, Warren & Mahoney Architects Client: Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland

A whakapapa (connection logic), reflecting Māori culture was developed to inform the following design elements: 2.6-metre carving of a takarangi double spiral pattern, made from 35,000-year-old reclaimed swamp kauri wood; pohutukawa wood, repurposed from a removed tree onsite, carved into handrail cuffs; bespoke tukutuku-like (traditional latticework) patterns and typography applied to glazing at all programme spaces and routered into finishes; and interpretive graphics and didactics throughout.