2024

Making Waves

Jordan Eustice

Front Image 1
Creating community through the integration of Sport and Nature

| Diving into Biophilic Design for South Auckland's Aquatic Centres

This thesis delves into the intersection of community, sport, and nature, investigating how these elements can synergistically regenerate both the environment and the social fabric of South Auckland, Te Puhinui. The enhancement of the human-nature connection is essential to this project as it highlights the transformative role of water in improving collective health and well-being in communities through sport and recreation.

Sport and nature are recognised as a vital component of community identity; the project aligns with New Zealand's cultural values, where physical activity is linked to community happiness and health. Leisure and aquatic centres serve as public social infrastructure, enhancing community engagement by providing spaces for gathering, teamwork, and exercise. The final proposal integrates natural swimming zones and nature-based design solutions with sports, aiming to improve well-being and foster a sense of belonging.

Puhinui D Omain
The Puhinui Domain
Collage 2 Creating community
The selected site, the Puhinui Domain, is strategically located to serve a growing community in Manukau City, addressing the lack of public leisure and social infrastructure. This project envisions transforming the neglected Puhinui Stream area into a vibrant community hub, enhancing green spaces, and fostering a deeper connection to the environment. In response, this thesis regenerates an existing park and expands it through the industrial and residential area of Puhinui, focusing on increasing green spaces in urban areas for sustainable development in communities. The space includes the revived Puhinui stream with native riparian plantings and bioswales, a public park that wraps around the new public sports facility, and both outdoor and indoor natural swimming pools that fully immerse users in nature while providing opportunities for recreation and exercise.
Entrance Render
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Public Spaces around site
Site Only
Site Plan including Puhinui Domain
Section A A Print
Section B B Print
Indside Pool Render
Indoor Sports Pool
Floor Plan Print
The facility is designed to accommodate for most water sports, a learn-to-swim pool, saunas, and hot tubs, all of which provide opportunities for both individual and communal activities.
Loop Render
Human Connection to the Puhinui Stream - Elevated views from the bridge loop and green roofs help deepen the community's sense of place and attachment to the landscape through visual connection.
Courtyard Render
Photograph 1