The Symphony Centre

Art Week – forging community bonds and enriching the cultural fabric of our city The streets of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau are bursting with colour and creativity as pop-up events take over public spaces. A wide range of creative talents are on show during Auckland’s Art Week 2024. There is still time to enjoy the more than 60 events celebrating creativity across many artistic disciplines. Changing Lanes is one of the many public experiences that are bringing temporary art to the city’s urban walkways. This year’s theme of ‘happiness’ has seen artists use exuberant colours to create an uplifting experience in the many pedestrian byways of the city. In Little High Street, you can discover Levi Hawken’s brightly coloured panels of plywood and stretched fabric artworks he calls ‘City Friends’. In Exchange Lane, ‘Ripple’, by Catherine Ellis and Angus Muir uses holograms to evoke a dreamy reminder of the original shoreline. As a strategic partner of The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, The Symphony Centre is keenly aware how vital the arts are to the life of a city. RCP, as the developers behind The Symphony Centre, are focused on investing in creativity in the city and developing a revitalised Aotea Arts Quarter that will be a magnet for locals and visitors. RCP head of strategic engagement Jack Bourke says that enriching the human experience through art fuels creativity, which is the backbone of innovation across all industries. "Creativity drives not just the economy but the very essence of human connection." MRCB's Sales and Marketing Director Kevin Zhang says Art Week is an example of how art can uplift and unite us all. “Events like these showcase the power of art to forge community bonds and enrich the cultural fabric of cities," he said while visiting from Melbourne. Whether you are an art lover or simply curious about Auckland’s vibrant culture, Art Week offers something for everyone. From interactive installations to artist-led tours, each event provides a unique way to engage with the creative community. Visit https://lnkd.in/gc6Q22TK and rediscover the wonder of imagination and human ingenuity. Art Week is delivered by Heart of the City and supported by Auckland Council. It runs until October 13. Image shows Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck in front of 'Full Spectrum' by artists Art Studio Vesica and Auckland Live along with (from left) RCP's Development Manager Boris Babic, MRCB's Kevin Zhang, RCP director Cristean Monreal and first time visitor to Auckland, Ian Chen from Melbourne. 🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in the Aotea Arts Quarter of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD.   Got something to add? ➡ COMMENT Would others find it useful? ➡ REPOST Want to see more like this? ➡ 🔔

Ethical construction practices can build a better future. One of the key ways a new construction project can minimise negative impacts on the environment is by considering sustainable building resources. The Symphony Centre is committed to selecting materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or similar approved organisations. FSC project certification signifies that the development adheres to forest-friendly practices. The FSC certification ensures wood and timber products are sourced from sustainably managed forests, protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. The Symphony Centre will demonstrate its dedication to sustainable forestry by ensuring responsible production and procurement methods are implemented. Certifications such as these guarantee production workers are treated fairly and work under safe conditions. It also verifies resources are sourced legally, preventing unlawful logging and trading activities that can harm economies and environments. The Symphony Centre also aims to use similar certification for other materials used in the project. This could mean using recycled materials such as steel, glass, or plastics that reduce the need for new raw materials. It could also involve using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints that are less harmful to humans and the environment. Renewable resources such as bamboo or cork, which regenerate much faster than traditional timber, can be considered for some areas of the project. By ensuring responsible production and procurement methods are followed, The Symphony Centre demonstrates its dedication to ethical standards and its support for global efforts to combat climate change. Making informed choices about construction resources is a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable construction industry. The Symphony Centre is dedicated to effecting positive change in the world through improved construction practices. 🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in the Aotea Arts Quarter of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD. Got something to add? ➡ COMMENT Would others find it useful? ➡ REPOST Want to see more like this? ➡ 🔔 Image by Casey Horner, Unsplash

Meet Jack Bourke. Jack is RCP’s cultural engagement guru. An accomplished networker and connector, Jack has an innate skill to bring people together to work towards a common goal. In this article Jack talks about throwing out the 'rule book' on stakeholder engagement and why community must be the heartbeat of The Symphony Centre. 🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in the Aotea Arts Quarter of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD. Got something to add? ➡ COMMENT Would others find it useful? ➡ REPOST Want to see more like this? ➡ 🔔

Auckland's midtown transformation is gaining pace, offering an exciting renewal of a key part of the city. By 2026, the completion of the City Rail Link – New Zealand's largest transport infrastructure project – will revolutionise urban travel with its underground rail system. When completed, The Symphony Centre, perched above Te Waihorotiu Station, will offer unparalleled accessibility right in the heart of the Aotea Arts Quarter. The area will feature a dedicated bus interchange next to Te Waihorotiu Station, enabling seamless connections between bus and train services. Widened streets adorned with seating and trees will create inviting public spaces for relaxation and socialisation. Māori artwork integrated into public areas will celebrate our rich cultural heritage. The urban regeneration of Auckland’s midtown has ignited inner-city growth, and developments like ours will bring additional homes, shops, entertainment venues, and workplaces in the heart of the city once again. Over the next 18 months, we will witness several exciting milestones as Auckland Council Group, Vector Limited, and City Rail Link Ltd continue to transform the area.  By the end of this year, construction fences will begin to come down, opening up spaces for everyone to enjoy. Victoria Street's redesign will introduce native trees such as pōhutukawa, pūriri and tītoki. Watercare is upgrading the wastewater network under Queen Street to support growth and reduce overflows into the Waitematā. By mid-2025, a new cycle link on Victoria Street will enable safe cycling from College Hill to Queen Street, enhancing Auckland's cycling network. By the end of 2025, construction of Te Waihorotiu Station and the surrounding streetscape will be finished, with final testing before the train system opens. In 2026, the world-class underground rail system will welcome passengers. The Symphony Centre is set to become a prime location that will reap the benefits of a vastly improved midtown environment and the direct connection to the city’s newest transport network. It will offer businesses, residents and visitors an unparalleled urban living experience at the centre of this vibrant transformation.   🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in the Aotea Arts Quarter of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD. Got something to add? ➡ COMMENT Would others find it useful? ➡ REPOST Want to see more like this? ➡ 🔔

The Symphony Centre’s role as a cultural landmark is intrinsically linked to its relationship with the community. By prioritising a collective approach to stakeholder and community engagement, The Symphony Centre can ◼ enhance its impact ◼ foster inclusivity ◼ and build a shared vison. As we look to the future it is clear that community must be the heartbeat of its mission. You can read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/g6Sj_gyN 🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in the Aotea Arts Quarter of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD. Got something to add? ➡ COMMENT Would others find it useful? ➡ REPOST Want to see more like this? ➡ 🔔

The Symphony Centre is making every drop of water count. You might have seen the illustration below showing all the Earth’s water in a single sphere. This powerful image reveals oceans cover Earth with merely a thin layer of water and the portion that is freshwater is significantly less. That is why The Symphony Centre is set to redefine sustainable water management in urban construction. Right from the outset a key aim of the project has been minimising its ecological footprint and delivering resource conservation through advanced environmental practices. A key feature is the integration of rainwater harvesting directly into the building design, allowing efficient collection and reuse of rainwater within the development. This innovative approach not only benefits the building's occupants but also lessens the strain on inner-city water infrastructure. Landscaping will be irrigated with recycled water, conserving fresh supplies, supporting a sustainable ecosystem without depleting local reserves and demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. All common areas will feature low-flow sanitary fittings to minimise water usage without compromising functionality, contributing to substantial long-term water savings. Stormwater discharge will not exceed pre-development peak levels, thanks to strategies such as enhanced filtration to reduce pollutants. Reprofiling the site will improve stormwater management, reducing load on the public network and increasing resilience during heavy rainfall. The Symphony Centre's comprehensive water management reflects a commitment to sustainability, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly building in New Zealand. The Symphony Centre will demonstrate how sustainability and modern living can coexist by addressing environmental concerns and preserving resources for future generations. The project will set a new precedent for integrating sustainability in modern developments without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics. All of Earth's water in a single sphere was created by Howard Perlman, Hydrologist, USGS, Jack Cook, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Adam Nieman, Igor Shiklamonov. 🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in the Aotea Arts Quarter of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD. Got something to add? ➡ COMMENT Would others find it useful? ➡ REPOST Want to see more like this? ➡ 🔔

The Symphony Centre through the lens of a sustainable ecosystem (The post is part 2 from a presentation made by RCP Associate Director Jennifer Miles at the recent CoreNet Symposium.) After first exploring exactly what an ecosystem is – a group of living things and the non-living things they need – Jennifer dived into examples of how ecosystems can inform architectural design, echoing nature's logic, rather than imposing or shoehorning a preconceived design onto a site. The Symphony Centre architects’ Woods Bagot have based the design on biophilic principles, cleverly carving the building form to react to the unique environment it occupies. They have taken the setback and height control challenges, particularly the shadowing restrictions on Aotea Square, and carved a distinctive ‘landform’ aesthetic. The resulting design is not a conventional tower but a unique form that responds to its urban context while creating a striking architectural presence in the Aotea Arts Quarter. Much like an ecosystem, The Symphony Centre demonstrates successful vertical urbanism, by integrating various functions within a single building. This mixed-use, transport-oriented development creates a multi-layered urban ecosystem, combining transport, residential, commercial, and public spaces vertically. The key to its design success is the symbiotic relationships between each of the functions: • The residences present a sanctuary in the heart of the building and a home at the doorstep of the precinct • The retail areas provide a steady customer base for local businesses • The commercial spaces offer services and job opportunities for residents • The public spaces enhance community connectivity and quality of life • The train station provides walkable access which reduces the carbon footprint By concentrating diverse functions in a smaller area, like a beehive, the project reduces energy consumption and minimises waste, while creating a more resilient urban ecosystem. The development will become a new landmark and destination, offering a unique and engaging public space; and cultural hub and gathering place for residents and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community and pride. The gifted name, Waitāheke honours the stream that once flowed through Queen St, connecting the project to the land’s history and cultural heritage. Jennifer’s key takeaway was that our cities are our greatest offenders but offer the best chance to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. To make this a reality, we must recognise that cities and people are part of nature and subject to the same laws, and; • Learn from 3.8 billion years of evolution • Look and learn from what nature, the architect, would do • Build cities through the lens of an ecosystem • Do more with less 🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD.

A walking tour of sky-high projects will this week unpack the essence of vertical villages. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat is delving into the future of high-rise living with a global series of walking tours. This Thursday 12 September, Architectus is hosting a tour of three examples in Auckland, exploring this year’s theme of vertical villages. The Symphony Centre is a key highlight of the tour, showcasing how this innovative building will merge residential, cultural, and commercial spaces into a vibrant hub, providing seamless access to transport and entertainment in the Aotea Arts Quarter. Critical to the activation of this building will be the new laneways that harmoniously integrate sophisticated indoor spaces with tranquil outdoor areas. These pedestrian passages are set to become hotspots of civic space and social activity, inspiring new forms of engagement and fostering a reimagined sense of community. The Symphony Centre will be built above the Wellesley St entrance to City Rail Link’s Te Waihorotiu Station. This station will offer unparalleled access to public transport, channelling an estimated 58,000 daily commuters through the modern station, which has been designed with integrated te ao Māori values, stories, and perspectives. The Symphony Centre highlights how vertical villages can transform the urban landscape, pioneering a cutting-edge vision for the next generation. The landmark SkyCity development, featuring entertainment, dining, and accommodation, will be another stop on the walking tour. SkyCity stands as a striking example of how a skyscraper can transform into a thriving vertical village, integrating living, working, and entertainment spaces within a unified high-rise. The tour will conclude at Te Mātāwai, Kāinga Ora’s pioneering public housing project at 139 Greys Avenue. This development offers 276 apartments with a mix of market rentals and public housing, along with on-site medical support and other services. Te Mātāwai demonstrates how tall buildings can be designed not only to house residents but also to support them with essential services, encouraging a connected and inclusive neighbourhood that enhances wellbeing. This exploration will highlight how these cutting-edge developments are shaping the future of Auckland’s urban landscape. For more information go to: https://lnkd.in/gwduUw4u 🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in the Aotea Arts Quarter of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD. Got something to add? ➡ COMMENT Would others find it useful? ➡ REPOST Want to see more like this? ➡ 🔔

Did you know? ◾ Urban areas occupy only 3% of the earth's surface but are responsible for 60 to 80% of energy consumption and 75% of carbon emissions. ◾ 50% of the world’s population lives in urban areas. This is projected to increase to 68% by 2050. ◾ 86% of New Zealand’s population live in urban areas. RCP Associate Director Jennifer Miles’ recent presentation at this year's CoreNet Symposium centred on cities as ecosystems, featuring The Symphony Centre as a case study of biophilic and biomimicry design. According to Jennifer we can learn a lot from 3.8 billion years of evolution with ‘nature the architect’ as our ultimate teacher. The theme of the Symposium was 'Unconventional Disruptors' – how we can throw out the playbook and challenge a new way of thinking in corporate real estate. Jennifer presented a strong narrative as to how we can rethink the way we build our cities, using nature as a central source of inspiration and learning. "Nature has long been recognised as the original architect, crafting ecosystems that sustain life on earth." By mimicking and integrating these natural systems, architects and urban designers are able to create sustainable and harmonious built environments that we all want to live, work and play in. Jennifer's presentation examined how biophilic and biomimicry strategies, essentially mimicking and integrating natural systems, have been applied in worldwide precedent case studies, including The Symphony Centre. Jennifer explained that humans have long looked to nature to help refine designs and solve problems. Her examples included: ◾ The Kingfishers’ beak being used as inspiration to improve the design of the bullet train, increasing speed by 10% and reducing energy consumption by 15%. ◾ Spider's silk on a weight-to-weight basis is stronger than steel and tougher than Kevlar. This technology inspired the stunning roof structures built for the 1972 Olympic games in Munich. The driving principle was to do more with less. ◾ A beehive's hexagonal cells are marvels of precision engineering that maximise space while minimising materials. As well as being an example of industry and collaboration, beehive structure has informed the creation of aluminium honeycomb panels which have great strength and rigidity, and are impact-, sound-, vibration- and heat-resistant. Jennifer believes that we simply must get it right when designing our cities. (This is part 2 of a 2-part series.) 🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in the Aotea Arts Quarter of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD. Got something to add? ➡ COMMENT Would others find it useful? ➡ REPOST Want to see more like this? ➡ 🔔

These are exciting times for The Symphony Centre as construction work on City Rail Link Ltd Te Waihorotiu Station celebrates 90% completion.   The station is the centrepiece of midtown’s transformation and is expected to become Aotearoa’s busiest station, sitting under The Symphony Centre and providing easy access to the Aotea Arts Quarter.    Outside, beautiful aluminium fins have been installed, wrapping around three sides of the Wellesley Street entrance referencing the tears of Ranginui as part of the Māori Creation Story.   The architecture of all CRL stations has been developed in partnership with the CRL Mana Whenua Forum.   Inside the station entrance at Wellesley Street, a series of bronze aluminium rods are being installed in the gantry ceiling.   This feature represents rippling water and reeds in the Wai Horotiu stream that once ran along the path of Queen Street into the Waitematā Harbour.   Centred within the rods will be a representation of a resting kaitiaki, who guards the river and is its namesake.   Behind the scenes, the beating heart of the station is being completed.   Mechanical and electrical rooms, as well as four uninterruptible power supply rooms, have been completed.   Escalators and lifts are being installed, and communications rooms have been finished.   Vast tunnel ventilation systems, including massive fans and chiller systems, are being installed.   Each fan weighs 8.4 tonnes and will not only ensure tunnels have fresh air but also keep them cool.   Sound attenuators will reduce the noise of the fans, so people inside the station will not even notice they are operating.   The computer-controlled ventilators also serve a vital function in an emergency, helping keep the exit path free of smoke in the unlikely event of a fire.   As Te Waihorotiu Station moves closer to completion, visitors to the Aotea Arts Quarter will notice paving has been installed outside the station.   An important milestone is approaching for the construction team, who are all looking forward to showcasing the fruits of their efforts when passengers visit the completed station for the first time in 2026.   🟡 ◼ 🟡 ◼ 🟡 The Symphony Centre is a multi-purpose commercial / retail complex and transport hub being developed by RCP and MRCB in the Aotea Arts Quarter of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s CBD. Got something to add? ➡ COMMENT Would others find it useful? ➡ REPOST Want to see more like this? ➡ 🔔