AUT Te Āhuru Recreation Centre
Understanding the importance of health and wellbeing to academic performance, Te Āhuru brings the physical, social and intellectual aspects of learning together at AUT's City Campus, bringing new meaning to the phrase ‘fit-for-purpose’
Project Details
| Client | Auckland University of Technology |
| Sector | Education |
| Location | Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland |
| Discipline | Interior Architecture |
| Status | Completed 2021 |
| Size | 5,000 sqm |
A destination for sports, relaxation and social connection
Located in Unilodge’s new student accommodation building in the heart of Auckland’s education quarter, AUT’s five-storey Te Āhuru Recreation Centre is a compelling destination for sports, relaxation and social connection at the Auckland City Campus.
Accessible to all AUT students, the centre operates as a place of respite - somewhere for students to exercise, as well as hang out between studies, and has been designed to meld fitness and leisure in one easily accessible location, a stone’s throw from academic activities.
Inside, there are a range of purpose-built, bookable fitness facilities, which become livelier in nature as users of the centre move down the levels.
These include a double-height multi-use court for futsal, basketball and other group activities at basement level and a cardio room, movement and dance studios at the mid-level. Open kitchen facilities and break-out spaces for informal meetings, club activities, and socialising are located on the upper, street entry level.
A relaxing atmosphere with fun at the centre
The recreation centre is an important part of AUT’s enduring commitment to enriching the student experience. The project called for a design response that created a calming but fun environment which would chime with a student’s understanding of the changing nature and meaning of leisure in an increasingly digital world.
The spaces have been enhanced by supergraphics that seamlessly integrate with the interior design, uniting wayfinding with placemaking. When combined with the bold colours throughout the recreation centre, the stylised supergraphics provide a playful levity that marks this space out for a completely different kind of academic activity.
Awards
| 2021 | AGDA Design Award - Spatial/Environmental Graphics - Distinction |
| 2021 | AGDA Design Award - Crafts/Typography for Design - Distinction |
| 2021 | Best Awards - Silver - Environmental Graphics |