b'gold standardI n a time when many people are working through the fallout ofextendedisolationandeconomicturbulence,local community centres serve an increasingly important function. As the heart and soul of our local neighbourhoods, these hubs offer invaluable support and a sense of belonging to so many. The importance of these buildings extends far beyond their physical infrastructure as they play a pivotal role in fostering a strong, interconnected community and provide essential services that catertothediverseneedsofresidents.Fromchildcareand seniorsprogrammestoeducationalworkshopsandwellness clinics,manyofferawidearrayofaccessibleresourcesthat enhancethequalityoflifeforpeopleofallagegroupsand incomebrackets.Communitycentresalsocreateaspace where locals can come together, socialise and form meaningful connections and interact through cultural exchange, hobbies and shared interests, helping residents discover common ground and forge lasting friendships. They instil a pride of place and a feeling that we are part of something biggerimpressing a sense of responsibility towards ones neighbours and the greater community as a whole.When Etch Architecture was engaged to upgrade and enhance the existing Strathmore Park Community Centre in Wellington,The overall planning for the new spaces has been a gameopposite: At night, the interior light of the newly renovated Te Thunga they took its weighty importance within the local social fabric tochanger in terms of creating flexibility and enabling multiple groupsRauStrathmore Park Community Centre glows from behind the heart. Not only did they rework the centres floorplan so thatto utilise the spaces independent of one anothersomething thatmovable artwork window screens while lighting within the landscaping itcouldbemoreusefulanduniversallyenjoyed,theyhelpedilluminates the Resene Flash Point, Resene Supernova and Resene turn what was once a humble and unassuming structure intowas not possible before, says Architect Dan Eves. Element details from the front. Exterior cladding painted in Resene something truly beautiful to behold. While the functions inside the centre were of fundamentalSonyx 101 semi-gloss tinted to Resene Double Foundry CoolColour, EtchArchitecturesHannahClarke-Sersensaysitwasimportance,itshardtoignoretheimpactoftheexteriorroof in Resene Summit Roof Semi-Gloss tinted to Resene Double community engagement that was most vital to the firms role asredesignwhich was awarded this years Resene Total ColourFoundry CoolColour, exterior architraves and window jambs in Resene Project Architect. In order to design a building that catered forMaster Nightingale Award as well as the Resene Total ColourLustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel tinted to Resene Element, a diverse community and a broad range of activities, we gained anCommercial Exterior Award. Part of the upgrade included a pairsliding screens in Resene Waterborne Uracryl 802 tinted to Resene Flash Point, Resene Supernova and Resene Element and entry pou intimate understanding of who the end users were and what theyof large sliding screens to enable filtering of views in and out of the(post) and red landscaping details in Resene Waterborne Uracryl 802 needed from their community centre. The success of this projectbuilding in a way that would accommodate different user needs.tinted to Resene Flash Point.was due to the people involved who helped to foster a genuine,But the project team saw this as a rich opportunity for an artworkabove: Made from aluminium and steel, the screens are light enough collaborative design processthe outcome of which is a buildingcommission that could integrate a meaningful cultural narrativeto be moved by community members, providing the option of opening the community is excited by and proud of. using traditional expressions through pattern and design. Artistthem to reveal the two windows behind or closing them to provide The community centre has had significant planning changes,Pokau Kato Te Ahuru created a captivating design for the screens,more privacy when desired. They are painted in Resene Waterborne enablingspacestobeusedsimultaneouslywithoutcausingwhich has become the standout feature of the project. Uracryl 802 tinted to Resene Flash Point, disruption to one another. It features larger and more flexibleTitledHeKuraTipua,HeKuraKairangi,PokausartworkResene Supernova and Resene Element.communal spaces which provide for a diverse range of activitiespayshomagetothemanydifferentiwi(tribes)whoonce Resene Resene Reseneand people as well as opportunities for the community as a wholeoccupied Motu Kairangi (Miramar) and the wider peninsula Alabaster Flash Point Double Foundryto interact. The new spaces are better connected, more inclusiveacknowledging the rich history held within the community ofResene Reseneand provide accessibility to all spaces. Strathmore Park. He Kura Tipua, He Kura Kairangi is translated asSupernovaElementblackwhitemag.com 39'