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The World Green Infrastructure Network Recognizes the Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery in New Zealand, Host Country of the World Green Infrastructure Congress, Sept 3-5, 2024
During the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2023 in Berlin, the Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery in Whangārei, New Zealand, received the prestigious Built Environment Green Roof Award. This accolade celebrates the innovative and sustainable design of the Centre, which houses Aotearoa New Zealand’s first and only Māori contemporary art gallery and features a biodiverse living roof.
Architectural and Green Infrastructure Excellence
Originally conceived by Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 1993, the living roof concept was realized through the efforts of a dedicated team, including Renee Davies, the Hundertwasser Non-Profit Foundation, Springmann Architecture, soil scientist Robyn Simcock, architect Grant Harris, HB Architecture, 4Sight Consulting (now SLR), and Tawapou Nursery. Completed in 2022, the roof exemplifies Hundertwasser’s vision of integrating nature into architecture.
Despite the project’s long journey, which began with an invitation from Whangārei’s Mayor Stan Semenoff, community support remained strong. A 2014 public referendum confirmed the decision to construct the Centre, resulting in a successful $33 million fundraising campaign driven by volunteers.
Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery Drone Aerial Photograph
Source: Richard Smart, NZ Representative, Hundertwasser Not-for-profit Foundation
Biodiversity and Biophilic Design
The 980m² living roof fosters a rich habitat for plants, insects, and birds, supporting urban biodiversity. Featuring a mix of New Zealand native and exotic plants, the roof creates a woodland effect with spontaneous vegetation. Fruiting trees enhance visitor engagement, allowing them to pick fruit while exploring the forest-like environment.
Water Sensitive and Climate Adaptation Urban Design
The living roof manages stormwater by absorbing and filtering rainwater, reducing runoff, and mitigating flood risks. It also helps counter urban heat islands through natural cooling and shading. The eco-friendly construction practices underline the project’s environmental responsibility.
Educational and Research Contributions
The Hundertwasser Art Centre serves as an educational resource, offering programs and tours that highlight green roofs and sustainable urban development. It aligns with Hundertwasser’s vision and te Ao Māori principles, providing interdisciplinary learning experiences in art, identity, architecture, and ecology.
Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery Living Roof
Source + copyright: Zoë Avery, The Urbanist + Design for Nature + University of Auckland
Join Us at the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand!
New Zealand will host the World Green Infrastructure Congress (WGIC) in Auckland from September 3-5, 2024. Organized by the University of Auckland, Design for Nature, and the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN), the event will feature discussions on urban nature-based solutions, green buildings, climate adaptation, and green infrastructure. Attendees can look forward to presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, a gala dinner, and an excursion day showcasing some of Auckland’s best green infrastructure projects.
Aimed at industry leaders, academics, and government officials, WGIC2024 seeks to foster cross-disciplinary dialogues and shape a sustainable urban future. Hear from over 100 international speakers, including 9 incredible keynotes! Don’t miss this opportunity to network with leading experts and influence the future of green infrastructure.
~ Zoë Avery
Zoë Avery is Director at The Urbanist Ltd, Associate Director of Design (Urban Planning) at the University of Auckland, and Chair of Design for Nature. She is also the Chair of the WGIC2024 Organising Committee.
