University of Auckland shows support for young architects

Architects in New Zealand are shining as of late. Not only are they making the projects that adorn our skylines, they're producing some exquisite homes all over the country.

Never one to slow the pace when on a roll, the next generation of architects are being trained as we speak.

Architecture is rarely a blanket term, composed of various disciplines and skills. The University of Auckland wants to encourage this diversity, and has created six new Masters programs to help budding architects find their niche.

Six new Masters for Auckland architecture students
Starting next year, the century-old School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland will open its doors more widely to students wanting to learn the tricks and tools of the trade. 

One of the new degrees will also be a first in Aotearoa, with a Master of Heritage Conservation (MHerCons) course developed to help meet New Zealand's desire to balance new developments with the country's rich natural and social heritage.

The remaining five degrees combine the disciplines of this brand-new architecture course with other areas of study fresh to the University of Auckland's syllabus, including:
Master of Architecture (professional)
Master of Urban Design
Master of Urban Planning curriculum
Acting Head of the School of Architecture and Planning Dr Julia Gatley showed her excitement for the expanded offerings to New Zealand's next generation of architecture professionals.

"I am particularly excited about the combined Masters degrees which include heritage conservation," she explained. "The heritage industry is very diverse and with these degrees, both architecture and planning postgraduates will have the option of also learning about heritage processes and working on heritage buildings as part of their selected program."

The news is also a good example of New Zealand's close relationship with architecture in general, with the industry really hitting its stride as of late.

New Zealand's growing architecture market
In many ways, the course expansion by the University is a reflection of the diversifying nature of New Zealand's architecture industry. With conservation top of mind for many homeowners, investors and businesses, such requirements need to be met, while also giving architects the freedom to build stunning 21st-century homes.

At the same time, urban environments are under pressure to keep developing in a bid to cope with swelling population rates. For this, New Zealand's architects are becoming more integral in 

the smart and effective expansion of towns and cities – again, while preserving our cultural heritage.

Such is the quality of work undertaken by NZ architects that 14 Kiwi projects from eight architecture practices have recently reached the final of the World Architecture Festival Awards this November. With the support our young architects are receiving, we can say with some confidence that our incredible architecture relationship is only going to continue growing, on both a local and global stage.