Onehunga Library & Community Centre

31 Dec

This thoughtfully designed complex is now the hub of the Onehunga community, where local events happen in and around the town square. A competition in 2001, won by ASC architects, aimed to reinforce the heart of the suburb by providing a new public square together with a community centre and library. In designing this civic building, we were sensitive to the history, culture and climate of Onehunga - one of the oldest settlements in the Auckland region, occupying a special place in its history and home to a large Polynesian population.

The complex faces Church Street, with the entry configuration forming a public square. The double height facade and lobby create an extension to the square, reflecting the Pacific vernacular of the community that uses it. The square's civic nature is enhanced by the landscape design and, with the assistance of Auckland City Council's artwork coordinator, a series of commissioned works.

Internally, the community centre has four flexible meeting rooms that suit large or small groups, plus three activity rooms, with sprung wooden floors, and an internal courtyard. The library provides more space for its growing collection, and there is also a Citizens Advice Bureau, kitchen, cafe and shared offices for other community groups to use.

Location
Auckland

Date Completed
2003

Client
Auckland Council

Project Contact
John Sofo

Photography
Simon Devitt