St Patrick’s Square in Auckland, New Zealand

December 29, 2010 Category: Cultural, Public Buildings

St Patrick’s Square that located in Auckland, New Zealand, was designed by Boffa Miskell Limited. The design needed to incorporate a number of overarching objectives: creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable day and night environment; retaining and enhancing the square as the city’s urban oasis; celebrating the square’s heritage and cultural significance; re-establishing the square’s relationship to the Cathedral and lastly increasing the legibility of entry points making it easier for people to walk into and through the square.

Circulation routes are clearly defined without dissecting the square into unusable spaces, and consideration was given to alternative detours through the central water element and lower terraces to maintain interest for people who visit regularly. The design response looked to enhance the essential essence of the place, defined as ‘oasis’, ‘community’ and ‘spirit,’ through the use of water, stone, planting and lighting and stimulate senses through sound, touch, light and colour – creating the perfect opportunity for people to re-engage with nature in the city.

St Patrick's Square design by Boffa Miskell Limited