Waitakere Library And UNITEC Facilities / Architectus & Athfield Architects

Architects: Architectus & Athfield Architects
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Project area: 8,000 sqm
Project year: 2006
Photographs: Simon Devitt

Designed by Architectus Auckland in conjunction with Athfield Architects, this project consists of the new Waitakere City Central Library, which also integrates the UNITEC collection and new teaching facilities for the UNITEC Institute of Technology.

Sited adjacent to the existing UNITEC building, the two buildings (and a third, attached car parking building) are arranged around a new pedestrian street and urban square to form a new civic precinct. Part of a building programme that includes the nearby Waitakere Civic Centre, the project is intended to act as a catalyst for the future development of the local CBD.

The Library is the largest in Auckland, with a depth of collection and a range of services greater than any of the city’s other libraries. The collections available include a specialist collection for the entire library system, an extensive New Zealand and Pacific collection and a developing corporate library service.

The new UNITEC building accommodates general teaching, laboratories, lecture and student facilities and administration.