What's been going on at Auckland Architecture Week?

Auckland is a region where tradition and modernism collide. The most populous city in New Zealand is steeped in traditional Maori heritage and the contemporary touches that make its architecture both modern and proudly Kiwi. 

There's much to celebrate, which is why 22 to 27 September signals Auckland Architecture Week – a collection of events to salute the past, present and future of New Zealand architecture, particularly in the City of Sails.

So, what's been going on? Here's a rundown:
Public building and innovation at Aotea Square
With homeowners and businesses raising their game in the realm of eye-catching architecture, it's up to the NZ government and local councils to keep up. 

Aotea Square is an area that has been a hub of innovation, and is often seen as a blank canvas for designers to show what they can do, right in the heart of the city. It also held a conversation on how public spaces and buildings can inspire and innovate.

Marshall Day Acoustics' Chris Day and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel discussed what it took to create the stunning Philharmonie de Paris in France, all in a setting that continues to represent New Zealand's own expertise and innovation.

The lowdown on bungalows
Midweek saw the conversation turn to one of Auckland's most popular living spaces: the bungalow. Much of the city's suburban regions are populated by single-storey housing of exceptional quality, and a number of speakers gave their insight on the topics of bungalows, heritage, architecture and design.

Graeme Burgess, Patrick Reynolds, Jeremy Salmond, Megan Edwards, Tony Van Raat, Jade Kake, Tony Barnes and artist Jacqueline Fahey were all there to share their first-hand experiences and deliver their knowledge for this free event at Mount Eden Bowling Club.

Green Architecture Walking Tour
The New Zealand Institute of Architects and The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) were both involved in the event's weekend schedule, with a walking tour of downtown Auckland – a region that has 30 Green Star rated buildings.

From sustainable offices to low-impact homes and the architecture products that make them possible, the NZGBC explained what's gone into creating sustainable architectural designs in the Big Smoke. From there, guests were invited to continue the experience with a similar guided walk around the Bungalow Festival Open Home Tour, starting at NOMAD in Pt Chevalier.