Karanga Plaza
Auckland, NOVA ZELANDA 2023
Karanga Plaza, located in Auckland's Wynyard Quarter, is a prominent public space on the city's waterfront. Conceived as a place of welcome ("Karanga" means "welcome" in Māori), the plaza serves as an arrival and departure point between the Central Business District (CBD) and Wynyard Quarter, as well as being a significant destination for events and recreational activities.
The design of Karanga Plaza incorporates movable timber platforms that can be adapted for various activities, from lounging areas to spaces for events and performances. These platforms recall the site's historical use as a boat maintenance area and the memory of vessels being moved between land and sea.
A notable feature of the plaza is the recently inaugurated outdoor saltwater pool, offering visitors the opportunity to swim in an urban setting. The pool is equipped with 33-meter-long lanes, access ladders, a jumping platform, and changing facilities.
However, just days after its opening, the Safeswim program declared the pool unsafe for swimming due to elevated levels of faecal bacteria, leading to its temporary closure. This incident has sparked criticism and debates about the safety and viability of the pool in that location.
Despite these challenges, Karanga Plaza remains a vibrant space that reflects Auckland's connection to its maritime environment and its commitment to creating versatile and welcoming public spaces.
Karanga Plaza
Auckland, NOVA ZELANDA 2023
Karanga Plaza, located in Auckland's Wynyard Quarter, is a prominent public space on the city's waterfront. Conceived as a place of welcome ("Karanga" means "welcome" in Māori), the plaza serves as an arrival and departure point between the Central Business District (CBD) and Wynyard Quarter, as well as being a significant destination for events and recreational activities.
The design of Karanga Plaza incorporates movable timber platforms that can be adapted for various activities, from lounging areas to spaces for events and performances. These platforms recall the site's historical use as a boat maintenance area and the memory of vessels being moved between land and sea.
A notable feature of the plaza is the recently inaugurated outdoor saltwater pool, offering visitors the opportunity to swim in an urban setting. The pool is equipped with 33-meter-long lanes, access ladders, a jumping platform, and changing facilities.
However, just days after its opening, the Safeswim program declared the pool unsafe for swimming due to elevated levels of faecal bacteria, leading to its temporary closure. This incident has sparked criticism and debates about the safety and viability of the pool in that location.
Despite these challenges, Karanga Plaza remains a vibrant space that reflects Auckland's connection to its maritime environment and its commitment to creating versatile and welcoming public spaces.