Matt Liggins, Professional Teaching Fellow with Te Pare School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland brought his fourth year architecture students to CUE Haven for an assignment to design site-specific benches that blend into the surrounding landscape and use sustainable but durable materials.

The assignment was inspired by the Paererewa project, which is aiming to install benches in various places throughout New Zealand that encourage people to sit and reflect and think longer-term.

The students’ assignment gave them the option of developing a bench concept for either CUE Haven or another reserve.  In August the students visited both sites to explore the properties and come up with a unique and innovative design for their bench.

We felt privileged to be invited later to the university for the mid semester and final architectural critiques when the students presented their designs. Nine students designed a bench for CUE Haven

Each student explained the rationale for their design and site selection as well as describing the construction materials and techniques.   Students also constructed scale models of their bench.

One of the students was unable to attend on the day and Matt organized his presentation at the final critique via audio link.

We were very impressed by the consideration the students had put in to create the very innovative and attractive benches.

Our thanks to all the students for their efforts to design and create such interesting site specific benches. We wish them all the very best as they continue with their studies and look forward to one day having one of these benches showcased at CUE Haven.

A big thank you to Matt and the students – we look forward to continuing to work with you.