Overview
The objectives for the success of the project were:
- to create a significant new exhibition area to complement the
character and function of the existing heritage galleries and
increase existing exhibition space
- to create display spaces of international standard including
quality of lighting, acoustics and environmental standards
- to establish a cultural presence and an opportunity for public
ceremony and welcome to the building, encompassing the Taonga and
collections within
- to provide a landmark building that clearly states its
function
- to provide a social venue not only to experience and share the
viewing of art, but also as a meeting place
- to meet the long-term operational needs of the gallery
- to provide conditions that satisfy the requirements of agreed
international standards for exhibition and storage, and facilities
that enable the safe and efficient movement of works of art
- to provide a design that balances the need for controlled
capital costs and cost-efficient operating costs
- to provide for and stimulate quality revenue generating
facilities without compromise to the primary gallery function
- to ensure that the design finds a cohesive balance between art
and architecture.
During the design phases of the project, the benefit of
addressing the immediately adjacent Albert Park landscape spaces
was identified. A separate masterplanning project was established
to analyse the scope for the adjoining landscape design and develop
proposals for these spaces.
Design philosophy
Restoring and expanding Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
created a unique set of challenges for the architectural team. The
fundamental challenge has been to restore the wonderful heritage
building while developing a complementary, flexible and
contemporary design.
The brief required that the team:
Relate new built elements with the landscape of Albert
Park
The team looked at the existing character of the park and
utilised this to create effective linkages with the building, the
park and the surrounding streets. To this end, new landscaped
terraces and paved platforms have been included to form a smooth
pedestrian connection between Kitchener Street and Albert Park.
One of the most distinctive features of the new building is the
roof design melded into a series of fine "tree-like" canopies that
define and cover the entry forecourt, atrium and gallery areas.
Between the terraces and the roof canopy are large windows
allowing a view from the entry forecourt through the gallery to the
park and beyond - inviting discovery and opening the gallery to
Albert Park and public spaces.
Enhance the number of opportunities for
activity
The overall gallery experience is enhanced by a new forecourt
fronting Kitchener Street, a café on the northern side, development
of an informal external amphitheatre in the adjacent park for
public use, and sculpture terraces on the northern and eastern edge
of the building. The northern terrace upgrade also incorporates a
ceremonial entry to the Gallery.
Give each heritage gallery a distinctive
character
The culturally significant 1887 building has been restored and
seamlessly integrated into the new gallery complex. The fine
cornices, ceiling profiles and architectural detailing have been
revealed and displayed. Modern lighting, display and
air-conditioning systems have been carefully integrated to create
appropriate display and conservation conditions.
The historic 1916 Mackelvie Gallery, previously used for
workshops and art storage, has been recreated as a major new
gallery space, complete with a natural daylight clerestory. It is
accessed directly from the north atrium through a new floor that
appears to be suspended.
The north atrium, located in the heart of the new building, is a
grand vertical space, filled with natural light and views into the
park and surrounds. From the outside, major contemporary art
installations and the vibrant activity of the gallery are clearly
visible.
A second atrium has created at the south end of the complex to
complement the northern atrium and to open up the original
north-east face of the Wellesley Gallery. It is filled with natural
light from the east over the greenery of the park. The roof profile
of the original building remains.
Create new exhibition spaces to expand the existing
display area by at least fifty per cent
The new gallery areas include the Park Gallery, a linear
exhibition space that runs along the eastern side of the complex,
and many large and flexible exhibition galleries between Kitchener
Street and the Mackelvie Gallery. These contemporary display spaces
offer flexible display environments for works of art. At the top
level of the complex, a new exhibition space has been created.