The shared joy of great civic architecture

Architecture has the power to shape our lives, not only in our homes and workplaces but in the public spaces that we all share. Civic architecture – our public libraries, train stations, swimming pools, schools, and other community facilities – is more than just functional infrastructure.

These buildings are the lifeblood of our communities, providing essential services and spaces for gathering, learning, and recreation. But civic architecture can, and should, offer more than utility. It should elevate our everyday experiences and offer everyone in society access to beautiful, thoughtfully designed spaces.

Investing in quality civic architecture is an investment in the public good. It’s about recognising that well-designed public spaces can enrich lives, foster a sense of belonging, and create environments that inspire, comfort, and connect people.When we invest in beautiful, high-quality public architecture, we are creating shared experiences of beauty and inspiration, accessible to everyone, regardless of background or income.

The power of architecture in public spaces

Great architecture has a profound impact on the way we experience the world. It shapes how we move through space, how we feel, and how we interact with each other. In New Zealand, much of the best award-winning architecture is seen in private homes, meaning these experiences are accessible only to a select few.

Public buildings offer a unique opportunity to create architectural experiences that belong to the whole community, and it is this inclusivity that makes investing in quality civic design so vital.

Libraries, for instance, are more than book repositories. They are hubs of knowledge, community, and culture. A well-designed library is a space where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, read, and explore. Investing in the architecture of these spaces means creating environments that encourage curiosity and collaboration.

In recent years, we’ve seen many examples of beautifully designed libraries around the world that have become architectural landmarks in their own right – places where people not only go to borrow books but to experience a space that is uplifting and inspiring. Tūranga, Christchurch’s central city library, is one such space, offering a cultural and architectural landmark within the city, and space that everyone can enjoy.

We should be prioritising the architecture of our public libraries, ensuring that these vital community spaces aren’t just functional but beautiful. By incorporating natural light, thoughtful layouts, and welcoming materials, we can create spaces that encourage people to linger, engage, and feel connected to their communities. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, public libraries offer a vital physical space for people to come together, and their architecture should reflect the importance of that role.

Good architecture is community architecture

Public architecture can be a great equaliser, bringing the experience of great architecture into the everyday lives of all citizens. Public swimming pools are essential community facilities, offering recreation, exercise, and social interaction. But they can also be places of architectural beauty. A thoughtfully designed swimming pool can feel like an oasis – a place where the stresses of everyday life melt away as you enter a space that is calm, elegant, and well-crafted.

Incorporating high-quality materials, natural light, and spacious design, public swimming pools can be transformed from utilitarian facilities into places of relaxation and wellness. When we invest in the architecture of these spaces, we are not just building swimming pools; we are creating environments that promote health and wellbeing while offering people the chance to experience a beautifully designed space.

Train stations are another critical example of how quality civic architecture can enrich daily life. For many people, a train station is simply a means to an end – a place to pass through on the way to somewhere else. But great train stations, like those found in cities around the world, can be architectural landmarks that make the journey itself an experience. Stations like Grand Central Station in New York and the spectacular TGV stations designed by Santiago Calatrav are tourist attractions in themselves.

A well-designed train station is not just efficient and functional; it’s a place where people feel safe, welcome, and inspired. Again, the integration of natural light, wide, open spaces, and clear navigation can transform a train station from a chaotic transit hub into a place of calm and order. When we invest in quality design for our train stations, we make public transport more attractive, encouraging its use and a more sustainable future.

The role of schools in civic architecture

Public schools are perhaps the most important examples of civic architecture, as they are the spaces where the next generation will spend a significant portion of their lives. The design of school buildings has a profound impact on students’ ability to learn, socialise, and thrive. Yet, too often, public school buildings are seen as purely functional spaces, designed to fit as many students as possible into a given footprint. This approach fails to recognises the critical role that architecture can play in shaping a child’s educational experience.

Natural light, flexible learning spaces, and outdoor areas that encourage play and exploration are all elements of thoughtful school design. A well-designed school is a place where students feel comfortable, safe, and engaged – where the architecture itself becomes part of the learning process. Investing in quality design in our public schools is investing not only in buildings but in the future of our communities.

Architecture as a reflection of values

The architecture of our public buildings reflects the values of our society. Investing in high-quality civic architecture sends a message that public spaces matter, that everyone deserves access to beautiful, well-designed environments, that we value shared experiences of beauty and community.

In contrast, when we allow public buildings to become outdated, uninspired, or poorly maintained, we send the message that public spaces are secondary – that they are not worth investing in.

It’s time for New Zealand to fully recognise the importance of quality civic architecture as a public good, that it’s not just about aesthetics, but about creating spaces that enhance public life and foster community connections. Everyone should have access to special architectural experiences, the opportunity to experience the joy and inspiration that great design can bring.