Academic Programme Manager and senior lecturer at Unitec’s School of Architecture, Yusef Patel, says the success of this programme lies in its ability to highlight student achievements through the display of interactive, full-scale installations at the ASB Showgrounds. “These exhibitions not only celebrate student creativity but also serve as a conduit into the professional realm, offering students valuable exposure and pathways into the architecture and construction industries.”

Patel says each annual exhibition is curated around a specific theme, often focusing on innovations in automated construction and prefabrication. “Early projects involved the development of housing prototypes in collaboration with industry partners and s ubsequent themes have explored modular shelters, the upcycling of construction waste, and the application of 3D printing technologies.”

The 2025 exhibition now on show at BuildNZ draws on inspiration from the concept of biophilic memory, specifically the archetype of the childhood tree house, “a symbol of imagination and sanctuary,” says Patel. “The design features a steeply pitched roof, a functional element intended to allow metaphorical leaves and branches to slide off, rather than accumulate. This architectural gesture became the conceptual foundation for the Unitec installation.”

The structure is adorned with ‘creality leaves’, crafted by students, which animate the installation and “evoke a sense of movement and wonder”. Patel says these leaves metaphorically “wait for the wind to blow,” embodying the spirit of creativity and playfulness.

All of the projects to date have been the result of collaborative efforts between students, faculty and industry professionals. Visitors to this year’s BuildNZ are able to physically engage with the full-scale installation and explore the spaces defined by the walls and roofs, where abstract ideas have been transformed into tangible experiences.