Architecture playground takes over Auckland's waterfront

A Dunedin flat couch, a two-metre steel tower and a wall made from discarded materials might seem like unlikely neighbours.

But in November, they'll be sharing a public square in central Auckland, as 16 interactive structures turn Te Komititanga into an open-air architecture playground.

Urban Art Village 2026 brings together work by students, graduates and academics from five tertiary institutions across Aotearoa.

Curated by artist and architect Matthew Liggins from the University of Auckland's School of Architecture and Planning, the free, two-day exhibition invites the public to explore architecture through hands-on installations.

"Urban Art Village is about getting architecture out of the studio and into the city, where people can interact with it, play with ideas and see things a little differently," says Liggins.

The structures will explore themes of sustainability, technology, culture and community.

Four University of Auckland installations to explore

RGB – Jowen Choy

In RGB, Choy uses colour-tracking technology to turn people's movements into sounds. As more people join in, their individual sounds combine to create music.

Scarfitecture – Nina Donaldson

Scarfitecture brings Dunedin's notorious student subculture to downtown Auckland. Through four reimaginings of the humble flat couch, Donaldson invites audiences to explore the traditions and social life of the Scarfie phenomenon.

ArchEATecture – Joshua Salosagcol

Gardening, harvesting, cooking, eating and composting are all part of the food cycle explored in Salosagcol's thesis project. His installation turns these stages into a hands-on experience combining tools, gardening and architecture, inviting visitors to play with and learn about the journey of food.

Wall of Waste – Erina Legasto

What happens to materials after they've been thrown away? In Wall of Waste, Legasto uses discarded aluminium, cardboard and plastic to create panels that demonstrate how everyday waste can be reused in unexpected ways. The installation is part of her thesis project, Material Afterlife.