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The 21-storey over station development sets out a plan for bringing in Auckland’s mid-town to life, with an innovative, mixed use, transport orientated development where urban design is inherently linked to world class architectural outcomes.
The scheme proposes a variety of experiences and uses for multiple audiences: a ‘Cultural Stack’. Assimilating cultural narratives of the local iwi (Indigenous people), it signifies the collision of diverse audiences and cultures that will use this destination in varying ways.
Blurring the lines between inside and outside, created a valuable public space in the form of lane between it and its neighbour, Bledisloe House. Providing an urban, pedestrian-friendly, and fresh space for active and passive enjoyment, and supporting retail opportunities, the lane is a key component for a coherent and high quality urban civic precinct which embraces sustainability and culture.
Talk to Bruno Mendes about Mixed Use
Other radical ground level design moves are double height spaces in retail tenancies to invite plenty of natural light and visual amenity through the lower building (the striking design ensures sunlight requirements into nearby Aotea Square are met) and for the generous laneway to encourage people from Myers Park along a lush pedestrian path through to Aotea Square and into Aotea Central.
The team also acknowledges the invaluable contribution from Panuku’s Mana Whenua Forum in the application of Te Aranga Māori design principles. The forum’s collaborative input will continue during design development which is planned to start next year. Construction will begin after completion of the City Rail Link’s Aotea Station, due in 2024.