Warren and Mahoney Secures Fourth Consecutive Win at World Architecture Festival for the Hiwa Recreation Centre, Pioneering Student Wellness in New Zealand

Published on November 20, 2025

For the fourth consecutive year, renowned New Zealand architectural firm Warren and Mahoney has been honored at the World Architecture Festival (WAF), this time with the prestigious Sport Architecture Award for their design of the Hiwa Recreation Centre at the University of Auckland. This win, celebrated at the 2025 WAF held in Miami, adds to a growing list of global accolades recognizing the groundbreaking design of this world-class facility, which is transforming student life and well-being.

The Hiwa Recreation Centre is not just a facility for sport but a revolutionary concept in campus design, blending recreational, social, and wellness spaces into a single vertical village. This thoughtful design focuses on improving both the physical and mental well-being of the University of Auckland’s large student body—over 40,000 students, staff, and alumni—by providing accessible and dynamic spaces for community engagement and personal development. The facility has already garnered recognition, including the Architecture Prize from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Supreme Award at the 2025 Property Council New Zealand Awards.

A Transformational Design for Student Wellbeing

The Hiwa Recreation Centre, designed by Warren and Mahoney in collaboration with MJMA Toronto and Haumi, spans an entire city block in the heart of Auckland’s City Campus. What sets it apart from traditional campus fitness centers is its focus on holistic student well-being—a response to growing research linking recreation to academic success. Studies from the University’s Sport and Recreation team revealed that students who engaged in recreational activities at least once a week achieved better academic results. In fact, those students saw an overall performance increase of 19%, with higher improvements among Māori (24%) and Pacific students (44%).

Rather than replicating the conventional gymnasium-style design seen in most universities, the Hiwa Centre reimagines the concept of a campus recreation facility by embracing a diverse range of wellness activities. This includes everything from sports facilities to informal social spaces that promote community connection and address rising isolation among students. A third of the space is dedicated to social areas designed to foster student interaction, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, important aspects of mental health and social well-being.

The Heart of the University Campus

According to Warren and Mahoney’s Head of Design, the Hiwa Centre was designed to be at the heart of the student precinct, acting as a hub for student life. This design philosophy aligns with the broader goal of creating a connected, engaged campus community, a crucial aspect of student success in today’s increasingly digitally disconnected world. The Hiwa Centre, through its emphasis on social interaction, wellness, and physical fitness, is intended to be more than just a recreational space—it’s a catalyst for enhancing the university experience and fostering a well-rounded approach to education.

Blair Johnston, a Warren and Mahoney Project Principal, explained that the Centre embodies the University’s commitment to supporting student health through multidimensional well-being. It is not simply a place to work out but a place where students can engage in activities that nurture their physical, emotional, and social needs, which in turn improves academic performance and overall life satisfaction.

Design Excellence That Supports Global Tourism

The Hiwa Recreation Centre’s design exemplifies how architecture can play an influential role in shaping the tourism industry, particularly in university towns and cities. Auckland, already a popular destination for students and international travelers, has become increasingly recognized for its commitment to sustainable design and innovative architecture, and this award-winning facility further enhances the city’s reputation. The Hiwa Centre’s design draws visitors, architects, and scholars from around the world to see how a wellness-focused space can improve both academic outcomes and social cohesion.

For tourists who are interested in both culture and architecture, Auckland offers an exciting destination where modern design, local culture, and world-class education come together. The Hiwa Recreation Centre stands as a testament to the city’s vision of becoming a leader in creating spaces that support student life, wellness, and community. As a prominent architectural landmark, the Hiwa Centre attracts visitors who are not only drawn to its aesthetic appeal but are also keen on exploring how innovative spaces can improve the overall experience of higher education.

As more international students flock to Auckland each year for its academic opportunities, the Hiwa Recreation Centre serves as both a draw for prospective students and a cultural symbol that enhances Auckland’s status as a global education hub. This type of facility is a significant selling point for students considering universities around the world, positioning Auckland as a top choice for those who value a well-rounded university experience that includes well-being and community-building.

A Design That Integrates Functionality with Sustainability

The Hiwa Centre is not just about aesthetics and functionality; it also embraces sustainable design principles. The building is constructed with environmentally conscious materials and incorporates energy-efficient technologies to reduce its environmental impact. This emphasis on sustainability makes it not only a student-focused building but also a model of responsible architecture, further cementing New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable development. As global awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, the Hiwa Centre is an example of how education facilities can contribute to both student wellness and the environmental well-being of the community.

Additionally, the 26,000 square meter building features a comprehensive range of spaces that cater to a variety of physical activities. These include an aquatic hall, squash courts, group fitness areas, weight and cardio facilities, dance and yoga studios, and a rock-climbing wall, making it a versatile hub for fitness and recreation. There are also multipurpose sports halls, a major show court with spectator seating, and even rooftop turf and relaxation spaces, ensuring that the Hiwa Centre meets the diverse needs of students and offers something for everyone.

An Award-Winning Facility That Transforms Campus Life

The Hiwa Recreation Centre’s Sport Architecture Award at the 2025 World Architecture Festival is the latest in a long list of accolades that recognize its innovative design and impact. The recognition from the festival adds to the Centre’s earlier achievements, including the Architecture Prize from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Supreme Award at the 2025 Property Council New Zealand Awards. These awards reflect not only the architectural excellence of the Hiwa Centre but also its broader impact on the lives of students and the future of university campus design.

The University of Auckland has already seen the positive effects of the Centre, with over one million visits in its first year of operation. This is a clear indicator that the Hiwa Centre is succeeding in its mission to provide a world-class facility for students, fostering a culture of health, well-being, and academic success. As a result, the Centre has become a key part of the University’s campus identity and an essential element of its strategic vision for student success.

Hiwa’s Role in Shaping the Future of University Design

Looking ahead, the Hiwa Recreation Centre serves as a blueprint for future developments in university campus design, blending innovative architecture with student-focused well-being. As more universities look to enhance their campus environments to support the evolving needs of their students, the Hiwa Centre’s approach to wellness and community is a model that other institutions around the world will likely follow.

By prioritizing social interaction, mental health, and physical well-being, the Hiwa Centre stands as an example of how university spaces can be more than just functional—they can be places where students thrive, engage, and build lifelong connections. It is a celebration of how architectural design can positively influence not just the aesthetic of a building but also the quality of life for the people who use it every day.

Conclusion: A New Era of Campus Architecture

The Hiwa Recreation Centre is more than just a gym—it is a dynamic space that represents the future of campus architecture, blending functionality, sustainability, and a strong commitment to student well-being. As it continues to earn accolades for its innovative design, it also plays a pivotal role in shaping the tourism landscape of Auckland, enhancing the city’s standing as a global leader in education and sustainable design.

Through its thoughtful, student-centered approach to architectural design, the Hiwa Recreation Centre will undoubtedly serve as a model for campuses around the world for years to come. For visitors, prospective students, and architecture enthusiasts, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when well-being and design excellence are placed at the heart of campus planning. The success of the Hiwa Centre marks a new era in how universities design spaces that foster not only academic excellence but a holistic student experience.