AUT Te Āhuru Supergraphics
Supergraphics that use bold colour and intricate patterning to promote health and wellbeing to digital natives.
Project Details
| Client | Auckland University of Technology |
| Sector | Education |
| Location | Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland |
| Discipline | Brand Design |
| Status | Completed 2021 |
| Design Collaborators | MuirMcNeil |
Super bright, super sized, supergraphics
AUT’s new recreation centre Te Āhuru on the city campus, provides space for students to socialise, relax, and exercise. The Jasmax Brand Design team, in collaboration with MuirMcNeil, has created a suite of supergraphics that integrate clear wayfinding and placemaking systems into the interior design of the building.
High impact colour fields, layered in vivid detail, provide a sharp contrast to stripped back architectural elements comprised of raw concrete. The ubiquitous influence of digital forms of leisure and recreation on contemporary student life is reflected in this vibrant and immersive design response.
Synthesizing tradition and technology
The graphics are produced by working with letters adapted from MuirMcNeil’s Intersect type system with multiple patterns overlaid to create a pixelated effect reminiscent of the display on an arcade game or LED sports scoreboard. When viewed from a distance, the legible, colour themed typeface identifies each space. Viewed more closely, the space names dissolve into playful, graphic patterns.
The patterns are inspired by traditional Māori design elements, found in tukutuku panels, carving and flax weaving such as poutama, triangles, and chevrons. The colours within the graphic compositions draw the eye, adding depth and energy to the spaces they occupy, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all students.
“A strong display of graphic design seamlessly integrated into the structural fabric of its environment.”
— Arnya Karaitiana, AGDA Design Awards Juror
Awards
| 2021 | AGDA Design Award - Spatial/Environmental Graphics - Distinction |
| 2021 | AGDA Design Award - Crafts/Typography for Design - Distinction |
| 2021 | Best Awards - Silver - Environmental Graphics |