Vodafone Events Centre celebrating Manukau's diverse heritage
At a glance
The brief was to create an iconic and recognisable public presence for the Vodafone Events Centre that celebrates the diverse culture of the Manukau community, while fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.
The challenge
Before its construction, the area lacked a versatile facility that could provide a combination of a theater, indoor arena, outdoor plaza and events space. This multifunctional hub now serves as a vibrant center for community activities, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Our response
The Vodafone Events Centre was designed with a deep appreciation for the diverse cultural heritage of the local community. The design process involved extensive consultation with Māori and Pacific Island communities so that the centre reflected their unique architectural traditions and performance styles. This collaborative effort resulted in the creation of stunning artwork, which was incorporated throughout the facility.
As part of a joint venture with Cox Architects, we played a key role in the planning and architectural design of the centre, taking the lead on multiple aspects such as the theatre, indoor arena, outdoor plaza and events space, car parking and landscaping.
The centre’s design is a reflection of the interplay between Māori and Pacific Island architectural styles. The giant truss, spanning from end to end, resembles the tauhuhu of a whare, while the lightweight ‘leaves’ of the roof suggest the lightly framed roof of a fale (traditional Samoan house). The centre’s design was informed by discussions with iwi and the Pacific Island community of South Auckland, resulting in a unique and harmonious interplay of styles.
To cater to the diverse functional requirements of the centre, particular attention was given to its planning, which took into account the distinct ways in which these communities inhabit space.
The Genesis Theatre, for instance, was planned to accommodate the Pacific Island people’s preference for the periphery, while also allowing for axial, symmetrical performances, in keeping with Māori traditions.
The facility features a 700-seat theatre and a 3,000-seat indoor arena, both of which can be reconfigured to accommodate a wide variety of cultural, sporting and entertainment events.
The impact
The outcome is a functional and visually captivating design that not only reflects the multicultural nature of Auckland’s population but also contributes to a sense of belonging for the community.