During the 2023 World Green Infrastructure Congress in Berlin, the Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery was awarded the prestigious Built Environment Green Roof Award. This recognition highlights the innovative and sustainable design of the Hundertwasser Art Centre, which features Aotearoa New Zealand’s first and only Māori contemporary art gallery and a biodiverse living roof.

Architecture + green infrastructure

The living roof concept, originally envisioned by Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 1993, was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team, including Renee Davies, the Hundertwasser Non-Profit Foundation, Springmann Architecture, soil scientist Robyn Simcock, architect Grant Harris of HB Architecture, 4Sight Consulting (now SLR) and Tawapou nursery. Completed in 2022, the afforested roof integrates nature into the built environment, reflecting Hundertwasser’s belief in a more human architecture.

The design process involved extensive interdisciplinary collaboration, with significant input from the community. Despite the project’s lengthy journey, beginning with an invitation from Whangārei’s Mayor Stan Semenoff in 1993, community support remained unwavering. In 2014, a public referendum solidified the decision to construct the Hundertwasser Art Centre, leading to a successful $33 million fundraising campaign driven by community volunteers.

Biodiversity and biophilic design

The living roof, spanning approximately 980m², fosters a rich habitat for plants, insects, and birds, supporting biodiversity in an urban setting. The design includes a mix of New Zealand native and exotic plants, creating a woodland effect with spontaneous vegetation. Fruiting trees allow visitors to engage with the environment, picking fruit as they wander through the forest-like roof.

The plant palette includes threatened species and those endemic to the Northland region, highlighting the unique character of the Hundertwasser Art Centre. Paths made from natural materials enhance permeability and maintain an organic aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Water Sensitive and Climate Adaptation Urban Design

The living roof plays a crucial role in stormwater management, absorbing and filtering rainwater to reduce runoff and mitigate flood risks. It also contributes to urban heat island mitigation by providing natural cooling through evapotranspiration and shading. The roof’s construction incorporated eco-friendly materials and practices, emphasizing environmental responsibility.

Educational and research contributions

The Hundertwasser Art Centre serves as an educational resource, offering programs and tours that highlight the benefits of green roofs and sustainable urban development. The Centre aligns with Hundertwasser’s vision and te ao Māori principles, providing interdisciplinary learning experiences that encompass art, identity, architecture, and ecology.

About the World Green Architecture Congress 2024

New Zealand will host the World Green Infrastructure Congress (WGIC2024) in Auckland from September 2–5, 2024 organised by the University of Auckland, in collaboration with Design for Nature, and the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN).

The event will feature discussions on urban nature-based solutions, green buildings, climate adaptation, and green infrastructure from over 100 international speakers, and nine keynotes.

Attendees can look forward to presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, a gala dinner, and an excursion day visiting some of Auckland’s notable green infrastructure projects.

Aimed at industry leaders: architects, designers, planners, landscape architects, ecologists and urban designers, academics, and government officials, the WGIC2024 seeks to foster cross-disciplinary dialogues and help shape a sustainable urban future.

View the programme and register at www.wgic2024.org.