Turanga

Why architecture matters

Five reasons why architects make an invaluable contribution to our culture and society

Great architecture enriches our lives physically, psychologically, spiritually and emotionally – and leaves a legacy for generations to come.

The buildings on this page are all exemplars of great architecture and have been recognised with Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Architecture Awards. Click through to find out more about each project.

 

 

Architecture builds stronger communities

Well-designed urban areas, public facilities and shared spaces improve wellbeing, boost social cohesion and and grow more resilient communities.

The Waterview Connection

The Waterview Connection

Isthmus Group

Tūranga

Tūranga

Lesieli Tonga Auditorium

Lesieli Tonga Auditorium

Victoria on the River

Victoria on the River

Architecture makes healthier homes

Architects use modern materials and innovative design principles to create homes that suit their landscape and climate, and enrich the lives of their inhabitants.

Zavos Corner

Zavos Corner

Parsonson architects

Kōwhai house

Kōwhai house

Rafe Maclean architects

Red House

Red House

Cross on architects

Bach with Two Roofs

Bach with Two Roofs

Irving Smith architects

Architecture inspires

Architect-designed buildings that bring people together, such as theatres, places of worship and tertiary institutions, have the potential to uplift, inspire and imbue our towns and cities with unique identities.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Archimedia

The Blyth Performing Arts Centre

The Blyth Performing Arts Centre

Stevens Lawson

Bishop Selwyn Chapel

Bishop Selwyn Chapel

Fearon Hay

Lindis Lodge

Lindis Lodge

Architecture Workshop

Architecture endures

Good design produces homes and buildings that withstand the forces of nature, as well as the vagaries of changing tastes. Architects designed these buildings more than 25 years ago but they just improve with age.

Athfield House and Office

Athfield House and Office

Athfield Associates

151 Queen Street

151 Queen Street

Peddlethorp

St Andrew's Church

St Andrew's Church

Henry and Mitchener

Freyberg Pool

Freyberg Pool

King & Dawson

Architecture builds a better future

By supplying our tamariki and rangatahi with modern, healthy, inspiring school buildings, we invest in their confidence, health and belief in themselves. Research demonstrates the link between high-quality learning environments and improved achievement. The ability of an architect to incorporate effective lighting, ventilation and temperature control into a building that is also fun, functional and inspiring is crucial to the success of a school.

Remarkables Primary School

Remarkables Primary School

Babbage consultants

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Ngāti Kahurungu O Te Wairoa

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Ngāti Kahurungu O Te Wairoa

RTA Studio

Avondale College

Avondale College

Jasmax

Cathedral Grammar Junior School

Cathedral Grammar Junior School

Andrew Barrie Lab and Tezuka Architects

Find out more

Follow these links to discover more about the power and value of architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand

Explore our history

Explore our history

Discover the story of buildings and design in Aotearoa

Award winners

Award winners

See examples of New Zealand's best architecture

Architects on architecture

Architects on architecture

Interviews with architects from New Zealand and abroad

Case studies

Case studies

Real people tell how architecture enriches their lives

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