Shaping the Future of Architecture: WIDE Trust Funds Advanced CNC Router atUniversity of Auckland

A major leap forward in architectural education and innovation is underway at the University of Auckland’s School of Architecture and Planning, thanks to the generous support of the WIDE Trust. A $67,000 grant has enabled the School to purchase a cutting-edge CNC router, transforming how students learn, design, and bring their architectural ideas to life.

Why the Upgrade Matters

Digital fabrication is now a cornerstone of architectural practice, and access to industry-relevant technology is crucial for preparing students to succeed in a competitive and rapidly evolving field. Until recently, the School relied on a CNC machine purchased in 2010. At the time, it offered valuable entry-level functionality, but after more than a decade of use, and significant changes in industry standards, the machine had become outdated, prone to faults, and limited in its capability. The new machine, funded by the WIDE Trust, delivers a dramatic performance upgrade. It’s not only faster and more accurate but includes a fourth axis and an automatic tool changer. This means students and staff can now fabricate complex geometries, large-scale prototypes, and detailed structures that simply weren’t possible before.

Impact Across the Entire Programme

Over the next 10 years, more than 1,200 students will have the opportunity to use the new CNC router as part of their architectural education. It’s a tool that supports learning across three key teaching areas:

• Design Studios
  Students will be empowered to create physical models and 1:1 scale prototypes of innovative architectural forms, taking their designs from screen to structure with greater creative freedom.

• Architectural Technology
  The CNC router allows students to better understand how materials, details, and construction methods work in real life, building structures that are more than just theoretical.

• Architectural Media
  Students must now be fluent in the entire process of design, from digital modelling to physical realisation. The new CNC router strengthens this link and gives students the tools to refine their understanding of how architecture is made.

Staying at the Forefront of Innovation

The University of Auckland is known across Australasia for its research excellence in digital timber fabrication. Students and staff have received dozens of national and international awards, and many of their experimental projects have positioned the School as a leader in architectural innovation.

Without this vital investment, there was a risk that the School could fall behind, with students learning on equipment no longer aligned with current industry practice. The new router ensures that the University can maintain its reputation for excellence, while also offering students the hands-on experience they need to become confident, capable, and future-ready architects.

A Stronger Bridge Between Education and Industry

This upgrade is more than a technical improvement, it strengthens the connection between architectural education and real-world practice. It gives students the confidence and capability to enter professional roles with firsthand knowledge of fabrication tools and processes.

The WIDE Trust is proud to support forward-thinking educational initiatives like this one, projects that not only enrich student learning but also build a stronger, more innovative design community in Aotearoa New Zealand.