Hiwa Recreation Centre: Gamify Movement
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
In Collaboration with Warren & Mahoney and Haumi
-
Aquatic Centre (Lap Pool, Leisure Pool, Spa Pool, Sauna, Diving Tower, Wet Classroom), Gymnasium, Racquet Sports Courts, Fitness Space, Weight Rooms, Circuit Studio, Immersive Spin Studio, Dance Studio, Yoga Studio, Boxing Studio, Events Sports Hall, Practice Sports Hall, Indoor Track, Bouldering Wall, Lounge, Cafe, Retail, Student Plaza, Rooftop Pitch, Rooftop Fitness and Track
-
2026 Society for College & University Planning (SCUP): SCUP/AIA-CAE Excellence in Architecture Award
2025 Graphic Design USA (GDUSA): Design Award
2025 Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) Branding Award: Environmental / Experiential
2025 Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) Branding Award: Social Good Award
2025 D&AD Pencil Award: Graphic Design (Environmental)
2025 Applied Arts Design Award (Cultural Overlay)
2025 Applied Arts Design Award (Gamify Movement)
2025 New Zealand Architecture Award: Education
2025 New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA): Auckland Architecture Award
2025 New Zealand Property Industry Award: Supreme Award
2025 New Zealand Property Industry Award: Education Property Award
2025 World Architecture Festival (WAF) Award: Completed Buildings (Sport)
2025 International Olympic Committee (IOC) / International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS): Architecture Prize
2025 Designers Institute of New Zealand: Best Design Award (Private, Public & Institutional Spaces)
The Hiwa Recreation Centre at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, is situated in a dense urban precinct, and stacks 232,000-sf of program over eight-storeys. With more program than available site, this stacked facility aims to connect to and reflect: a sense of place, vertical circulation, wellness, and culture.
Vibrant and vertical movement is the building’s fitness and social animator. Two 3-metre-wide stairs positioned at opposite ends of the central core serve as emergency exits, social conveners, and daylight providers. Also designed as a 1-kilometer fitness circuit, the staircases span the complex’s eight-storeys — from the below-grade aquatic hall to the accessible rooftop running track. At each level the elevation height is indicated, while floor markings denote hīkoi (walk) or oma (run) lanes as well as path lines that connect the facility’s many leisure and wellness spaces into the continuous ‘gamified’ circuit. Windows at the staircase landings offer views of Auckland’s steep topography, the Harbour, and the iconic Rangitoto Volcanic Island.
A vibrant colour core wall of varying aluminum battens symbolizes a journey from sea to sky, enriching the user experience and reinforcing a sense of place.
On the lower level, blue battens interspersed with greens mark the first stage of transition from grotto to the climb above.
On level 2, the colour scheme lightens to yellows and greens — interspersed like early autumn leaves — as yoga and dance studios nestle among the treetops.
At Level 3, the central core becomes almost entirely green, marking a transition through the forest canopy.
Upon arrival at level 5, the central colour core completes the transition to yellow, bringing visitors closer to the sky.
The last stop on level 6 provides access to the rooftop, where the jogging loop continues alongside spaces for leisure and relaxation. Here, pink battens reflect the sunset views over Auckland’s majestic harbour.
