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AUCKLAND ART GALLERY

D E S I G N R E P O R T

M A R C H 2 0 0 6

Toi o Tamaki

Auckland Art Gallery

AU C K L A N D

A RT

G A L L E RY

MARCH 2006

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+ archimedia

1.0 INTRODUCTION

W H A K ATA K I

1.1 PURPOSE OF REPORT
1.2 BRIEF
1.3 DESIGN & CONSULTATION PROCESS
1.4 DESIGN TEAM & SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS

2.0 SITE ANALYSIS

T E W H E N UA

2.1 URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES
2.2 CONSTRAINTS: GALLERY & PARK
2.3 OPPORTUNITIES: PUBLIC DOMAIN & CONNECTIVITY
2.4 PEDESTRIAN & VEHICLE TRAFFIC MOVEMENT

3.0 DESIGN PROPOSALS

N G A W A W ATA

3.1 DESIGN CONCEPT
3.2 BUILDING FORM
3.3 PLATFORMS & TERRACES
3.4 ROOF CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
3.5 TANGATA WHENUA
3.6 ATRIUM & ENTRY
3.7 FACADE
3.8 HERITAGE
3.9 GALLERY ORGANISATION
3.10 SERVICING
3.11 SHADOW DIAGRAMS

4.0 MASTERPLAN & LANDSCAPE DESIGN

K AU PA PA W H A R A H A E R E

4.1 MASTERPLAN BRIEF
4.2 MASTERPLAN PROPOSAL
4.3 TREE ANALYSIS
4.4 TREE REPLACEMENT AND SOFT LANDSCAPING

5.0 VISUAL REFERENCE IMAGES

6.0 URBAN DESIGN PANEL PROCESS

AU C K L A N D A RT G A L L E RY

W H A K ATA K I

C O N T E N T S

AU C K L A N D

A RT

G A L L E RY

MARCH 2006

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1 . 0 I N T R O D U C T I O N

Whakatau

Te toi whakairo he mana tangata.
whatu ngarongaro te tangata toi te kupu, toi te mana, toi tu te
whenua.

(translation)
Embedded in creativity is the stuff of human excellence.
People may come and go but the inspiration for their language
and their endeavours remains embedded in the enduring land-

scape.

1 . 1 P U R P O S E O F R E P O R T

This report has been prepared as an overview of the Auckland
Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Development design proposal for the
regulatory approval process. The report summarises the main
objectives of the brief and the process followed to gather user
and stakeholder input, the site analysis process undertaken to
establish the extent of the buildable site, the design principles
and concepts developed for the proposed building form and,
lastly, the proposed masterplan and landscape design for the
adjoining Albert Park spaces. This information has been pre-
pared in conjunction with other specialist inputs and should be
read in parallel with these reports to obtain a full understanding
of the project’s effects.

W H A K ATA K I

1 . 0 I N T R O D U C T I O N

1 . 2

B R I E F

The purpose of the Auckland Art Gallery Development, as put
forward in the project brief, was to create a vibrant new focal
point within the cultural precinct of the city that integrates gal-
lery, park and street and effortlessly connects art with people,
offering a diversity of art experiences, leisure and learning op-
portunities. The vision for the Auckland Art Gallery Develop-
ment is summarised as follows:

To create a world-class public art gallery that values its
architectural heritage and its unique site
To create an iconic contemporary building appropriate to
house the country’s finest art collection
To create an enjoyable visitor experience that enriches the
understanding and meaning of art, and
To create a strong connection between the Gallery, Albert
Park and the wider cultural precinct.

The architecture for the project was to have elegance and sim-
plicity, creating a strong new cultural anchor for New Zealand
that reinforced the Gallery’s national and international profile
as a pre-eminent art institution. The architecture would be dis-
tinctive, memorable and enduring, creating a strong external
character of high visibility. A key component to the project was
the existing heritage architecture. The proposals were to inte-
grate with and protect existing architecture while re-engaging
the historic architecture with that of the 21st century.

The project was also briefed to express a Maori dimension
which would contribute to the cultural richness of the project
and help identify the final outcome as an experience unique
to Aotearoa - New Zealand whilst participating in the global Art
scene.

•

The existing building opened in 1887 on the corner of Welles-
ley and Kitchener Streets. It is a fine example of the period with
considerable presence within Auckland’s Cultural Precinct.
Throughout the building’s history, however, a complex se-
quence of spaces has evolved on the site with many heritage
spaces becoming occupied by plant or art storage. The chal-
lenge for the project would be to reorganise the Gallery’s func-
tions on-site creating an operationally efficient public art gallery
while creating greater public access to the principal heritage
spaces. A key initiative for the project would be to reinstate the
presence of the East Gallery, an early example in New Zealand
of a naturally lit gallery space, built in 1916. The project would
also provide the opportunity to systematically upgrade the her-
itage structures. A summary of other significant objectives for
the project were:

To create a significant new exhibition area to complement
the character and function of the existing heritage galler-
ies increasing existing exhibition space from 2069sqm
to between 4200 - 5200sqm, although studies indicate
4700sqm is achievable
To create display spaces of international standard includ-
ing quality of lighting, acoustics and environmental stand-
ards
To establish a cultural presence and an opportunity for
public ceremony and welcome to the building, honouring
the Taonga and collections within
To provide a landmark building that clearly states its func-
tion
To provide a social venue not only to experience and share
the experience of art, but also as a public 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 safe and efficient movement of
works of art
To provide a design that balances the need for controlled
capital costs and future operating costs
To provide for and stimulate quality revenue generating
facilities without compromise to the primary Gallery func-
tion.
To ensure that the design finds a coherent balance be-
tween art and architecture.

During the design phases the requirement to expand the project
site to include some part of the adjoining Albert Park edge was
identified. A separate masterplanning project was established
to analyse the scope for the adjoining landscape design and to
develop proposals for these spaces.

•

AU C K L A N D

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MARCH 2006

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1 . 3

D E S I G N & C O N S U L T A T I O N

P R O C E S S E S

The project team has undertaken a comprehensive pro-
gramme of consultation with key stakeholders, local authori-
ties and special interest groups. Stakeholders fundamental to
the project include New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Auck-
land City Heritage Manager, The Department of Conservation,
Auckland City Community Planning, Ngati Whatua and Pae
Herenga Tangata. A full report on the consultation process has
been prepared by Helen Cook and is submitted under separate
cover.
The design process to date can be summarised as follows:

Brief verification and benchmarking analysis, checking the
Gallery brief with users and against comparable national
and international institutions
Site analysis to establish site parameter and construction
effects
Urban site analysis to establish relationships with adjoin-
ing space
Schematic planning analysis and user group consultation
to establish functional and operational general arrange-
ment plans

•

W H A K ATA K I

1 . 0 I N T R O D U C T I O N

Consultation with key stakeholders and user groups on
early concept design plans and massing model
Development of preliminary design and detailed plan ar-
rangements and key room drawing sheets
Development of architectural concept as applied to estab-
lished general arrangements and site parameters, con-
cluding with a complete set of plans, sections and eleva-
tions
Development of landscape and masterplanning proposals
to complement the preliminary design building form devel-
opment.
Detailed impacts study on park and trees developed
Consultation with stakeholders and other groups on the
preliminary design drawings, computer animated model
and 3D model
Public launch of the preliminary design, including consul-
tation with special interest groups using drawings, compu-
ter animated model and 3D model
Urban Design Panel review and approval to proceed to
developed design

•

•
•

•

1 . 4 D E S I G N T E A M & S U P P L E -
M E N T A R Y R E P O R T S

The report has been prepared by FJMT+Archimedia and rep-
resents the project at the completion of the preliminary design
phase for the alterations, additions, conservation and refurbish-
ment of the Auckland Art Gallery and associated landscape
works.

The design team for the project is as follows:

Architect
FJMT+Archimedia (architects in association)
Project Manager
Carson Group
Quantity Surveyor
WT Partnership
Structural
Holmes Consulting
HVAC
MWH
Hydraulic/Electrical/Data
Maunsell
Fire
Holmes Fire & Safety
Acoustics
Marshall Day Acoustics
Planning
Barker & Associates
Heritage
Salmond Reed
Security
BCCL

Vertical Transportation
Vertrans
Design Consultant
Bernard Makoare

This report has been prepared in parallel with separate special-
ist reports. The information in this report is supplemented by
the following:

Salmond Reed Architects - Heritage Building Report, Al-
bert Park Landscape Assessment Report
Melean Absolum - Landscape and Visual Assessment
John P Adam - Albert Park Landscape History & Assess-
ment
Traffic Planning Consultants - Traffic Impact Assessment
Carson Group - Construction Methodology and Impact As-
sessment Report
Shane Potter – Arboricultural Report
Bruce Hayward - Volcanic Cone Report
Simon Best - Archaeological Report

•

•
•

•
•
•

AU C K L A N D

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G A L L E RY

MARCH 2006

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Wellesley Street Urban
Marker & Entrance

New address complementing
existing identity

Khartoum Place

Albert Park

Kitchener Street

Wellesley
Street

City

Khartoum Place

Albert Park

Places of Art

Park, Connection & Access

Pathways & Connection

T E W H E N UA

2 . 0 S I T E A N A L Y S I S

2 . 1 U R B A N D E S I G N
P R I N C I P L E S

The Art Gallery site is located on the prominent corner of Welle-
sley and Kitchener Streets adjoining Albert Park. The Gallery is
the single building on the eastern side of Kitchener Street and
the only building adjoining the park along the western bound-
ary within the city. The Gallery site can be seen as occupy-
ing the south-west corner of Albert Park while also defining
the north-east corner of the Aotea Quarter or cultural heart of
Auckland City.

The existing Gallery buildings, built in 1887 on the Wellesley
and Kitchener Street frontages, currently define the identity of
the Gallery. The prominent clock tower is a well-known urban
landmark. Conversely, the East Gallery built in 1916, is a little
known component of the existing Gallery complex but is equal-
ly important to the heritage of the site. Both existing buildings
form key components of the architectural design response,
fundamentally defining the scope of the Gallery development.

Early investigations of the site have identified key areas of po-
tential for the project. Each key area potentially strengthens
the relationship and connection of the site to adjoining spaces.
It is fundamental to the project that the new Gallery must ex-
tend from between two major heritage buildings towards the
contrasting space of Albert Park, allowing a major new public
interface. And that design must complement, balance and re-
activate the existing buildings, creating a strong new sense of
address for this key cultural institution. It is also fundamental
to the project to establish a significant street address and new
entry for the Gallery.

The brief for the project envisions an exciting, vibrant and wel-
coming place of art created at the intersection of the park and
the city, providing a unique urban focus and diverse cultural
experience.

The new building form to the north has the potential to extend
and open out dramatically to embrace the parkland, the street,
and the city to create a boldly scaled and welcoming forecourt
space. A major new forecourt would provide an important gath-
ering/ meeting space for the city and form a new entry thresh-
old to the Gallery and Albert Park.

As the focal point for the project, the forecourt space and the
new entry experience provide the opportunity to create a dra-
matic new interior space within which works of art can be dis-
played not only to visitors to the Gallery, but also to all those
who walk up from Khartoum Place or along Kitchener Street.
This exciting display of art would be of the scale and drama of
the city and would characterise the open, inviting and interac-
tive nature that the new Auckland Art Gallery wishes to project.
Views of the park and tree canopies would be visible through
the entry space, allowing a filtered visual connection through to
the park from Khartoum Place.

For visitors to Albert Park the new Gallery extension provides
a varied composition of internal and external spaces, public
amenities and renewed public interest, re-invigorating the pe-
destrian experience passing from the city to Albert Park and
the tertiary education precinct beyond.

Combined with the varied gallery environments and iconic
character of the new and existing buildings, the development
will create an exciting place of art, a social and interactive ven-
ue and an integrated sequence of open and enclosed spaces
that set the vision, values and aspirations of the Auckland Art
Gallery, re-establishing its identity in the cityscape of central
Auckland.

AU C K L A N D

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T E W H E N UA

2 . 0 S I T E A N A L Y S I S

2 . 2 C O N S T R A I N T S :
G A L L E R Y & P A R K

The development of the Gallery, while requiring significant
alterations to realise the potential of the site, is also heavily
constrained by the existing contours, the sensitivities of Albert
Park, existing property and District Plan designation bounda-
ries, trees and the heritage buildings.

An analysis of the site conditions and extensive consultation
with stakeholders has been undertaken to weigh the con-
straints and agree the best balance between the development
and the impact on adjacent spaces.

In general, these issues focus on the extent of the new Gallery
structure extending forth from the existing buildings. On the
east, west and south sides the development is pre-dominantly
constrained by the existing buildings. The exception to this is
the proposal to extend a gallery on the east side of the existing
East Gallery structure, to open the new Gallery up to Albert
Park and to provide an enclosing structure for the new loading
dock accessed from Wellesley Street.

The northern wing and the Park Gallery structures have there-
fore been investigated in some detail to understand the de-
tailed criteria limiting their extent. For detail on the extent of
proposals refer to Section 4.0 of this report where the master-
planning external treatment and landscape design outcomes
are documented in some detail.

Constraints:

Albert Park landscape
Levels and ground conditions
Extent of boundaries
Heritage, conservation and archaeological features
Trees
Height and roof profile of existing buildings
Pedestrian access to Albert Park from Khartoum Place

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•
•
•
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•

Site Analysis Diagram

Existing Building Outline

AU C K L A N D

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2 . 3 O P P O R T U N I T I E S : P U B L I C
D O M A I N & C O N N E C T I V I T Y

The site for the new Auckland Art Gallery Development offers
the unique opportunity to gather and respond to the aspirations
of the Gallery and the city whilst opening and responding to the
wider urban context. The design team approach to the project
is fundamentally the ‘making of place.’ The Gallery’s values
and aspirations, architecture, restoration and adaptation,
urban design, landscape and interior design are synthesised
into the making of a place of unique aesthetic, physical and
social character.

The proposed concept seeks to create a contemporary sense
of place that will provide the Gallery with a lively and engaging
public precinct with strong connections to its city environment
and rich architectural heritage, whilst welcoming and projecting
its aspirations to the wider community by reinforcing its
connection to the city and the landscape. The new ‘place’ will
frame and direct views and vistas out to Albert Park and the
city. Its importance can be seen as not only an integral part of
the new Gallery, but it also provides the appropriate setting for
the existing heritage buildings.

The landscape of Albert Park is an integral part of the concept
design of the Gallery, in order to establish a harmony and
interrelationship that juxtaposes art with nature, and the public
circulation through the park with the display spaces and atrium.
The Gallery will have the opportunity to open itself up to the
parkland of Albert Park. Patrons and visitors to the new Gallery
will have an enhanced experience of the park from within and
vice versa.

Khar

toum Place

ellesley Str

eet East

Kitchener Street

Albert Park

The concept design includes proposals to extend public spaces
into the park along the northern and eastern edge of the Gallery,
where one can look across and into the transparent spaces of
the Gallery from beneath the natural canopy of trees.

This project also presents opportunities to open up the heritage
buildings to the streetscape. Windows that are currently blanked
out could be opened to reveal new activities within.

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2 . 4 T R A F F I C & P E D E S T R I A N
M O V E M E N T

2 . 4 . 1 Pe d e s t r i a n M ove m e n t

Improving pedestrian movement around the Gallery is a key
component for re-establishing the Gallery’s presence in the
city and successfully integrating a new relationship with Albert
Park.

At present there are strong pedestrian movements not
related to the Gallery function passing through the northern
courtyards to Albert Park and travelling up Wellesley Street
along the southern boundary. Both pedestrian movements
predominantly involve students moving to and from Auckland
University and AUT.

Pedestrian movement from Gallery visitors varies for those
who already know the Gallery and for those, such as tourists,
who are new to the city.

For visitors familiar with the city the Gallery might be approached
from the Park, Kitchener Street or Khartoum Place. For new
visitors the attraction of the Clock Tower on Wellesley Street
remains a key guiding marker.

The proposals must provide the appropriate balance for each
of these movements. A key component is the establishment
of a strong new entry experience that can be identified from
all approaches. The scope of the project largely dictates that
this should be realised in a similar location to the existing
Gallery entry location on the north side of the building,
but with a significant new presence that can be seen from
Wellesley Street. This supports the general principle to extend
predominantly to the north.

The extension to the north must, however, be balanced against
passing pedestrian traffic from Khartoum Place into Albert
Park. Consultation with key stakeholders has determined that
the visual connection to the park from Khartoum Place should
be retained through the new Gallery extension and that a flow
around the north end of the building should be established in
the masterplanning and landscape details for the pedestrian
passing south of the Gallery on Wellesley Street. The project
must also consider impacts created by service traffic crossing
this pedestrian flow and possible improvements to the Kitchener
Street intersection and access to Albert Park off Wellesley
Street to the south-east of the Gallery site.

T E W H E N UA

2 . 0 S I T E A N A L Y S I S

2 . 4 . 2 Ve h i cl e M ove m e n t

At present the Gallery is serviced via a loading dock in
the northern courtyard. Service traffic here conflicts with
pedestrian entry to the Gallery and generally presents risk and
an untidy appearance for this critical elevation. The proposal is
to move the servicing and loading dock function to the eastern
side of the Gallery with access off Wellesley Street. Here the
loading dock can be enclosed under a new Park side Gallery
and an on-site turning area provided for smaller vehicles. For
further detail on the loading dock and traffic movements refer
to Section 3.10 of this report.

2 . 4 . 3 A o t e a Q u a r t e r Wo r k s h o p s

The design team has also participated in a number of the Aotea
Quarter Consultation Workshops. The Gallery is strategically
located at the boundary of this Quarter. This project will aim to
reinstate its function as a civic and cultural hub for the city.

Key issues for the project are the future configuration of
Kitchener  Street and the proposals for Khartoum Place.
Kitchener Street has a heavy one-way traffic load that conflicts
with pedestrians crossing from the west. The Gallery project
is  interested  in coordinating an improved  layout to Kitchener
Street to reduce or mitigate traffic flow. The project team and
consultant traffic engineer have therefore met with the Traffic
and Roading Safety (TARS) and Traffic Planning groups of
Auckland  City  Council to review the traffic and pedestrian
movement around the site.

For Khartoum Place the project team is working towards
coordinating external work for the Gallery project with the
Khartoum Place upgrade project. It is an important opportunity
for the city to coordinate a new public space with a neighbouring
development.

All of the parties consulted by the project team identified the
requirement to address safety and access concerns for the site
and have agreed to consult further as the design for both the
Art Gallery and Khartoum Place evolve.

Visual connectivity to the new Gallery entry from Lorne Street
will be largely determined by the nature of Khartoum Place
proposals.

Flow

Site Analysis Diagram

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3 . 8 H E R I T A G E

3 . 8 . 1 I n t e r p r e t at i o n & I n t e g r at i o n

Auckland Art Gallery offers a unique opportunity to reveal and
interpret the history of the site and to revitalise an important
part of the city. The concept is based on a thorough awareness
of the place’s history and significance.

The concept design incorporates a preliminary investigation
of the ‘evolution’ of the site and its environments which will
provide a valuable reference in reinterpreting and extending
this physical and social heritage. This analysis will ensure
the development will become a strong and cohesive built
environment that respects and acknowledges the past, whilst
providing a design solution suited to its contemporary setting
and purpose. Proposed building forms, planning, reorganization
and renewal, together with careful material selection will
juxtapose the old with the new to continue a historical dialogue
of the site and its urban context.

The culturally significant 1887 building will be restored and
seamlessly integrated into the new Gallery complex. The new
built elements will be designed as the exact complement to the
classical sequence of rooms of the heritage buildings; between
this enclosure with the park nestle the new flexible gallery
spaces.

The integrity of the heritage building will be strengthened
through the clear geometric relation to and contrast with the
new works. An atrium will be introduced to the south, opening
up the original north-east facade of the original Gallery building
to the park. The East Gallery will be restored and integrated
within the new gallery spaces and will become clearly visible
from the park. The new building will add another layer and a
new character to the existing characters embodied in the site.

E x i s t i n g C o n d i t i o n

P r o p o s e d H e r i t a g e

N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

The detailed relationship to the heritage building has been
considered on Kitchener Street, where the existing building
junctions with the new entry canopies. The design approach
creates an urban scale separation between old and new.
This separation is created by introducing a complementary
architectural element that mediates the relationship at the
important Kitchener Street address. Drawing from the articulated
tower junction forms of the existing heritage building, an atrium
stair tower enclosure is formed at the junction between the
Kitchener Street wing and the entry atrium. This ensures that
the heritage wall, cornice, and roof profile retain a degree of
visibility and independence.

The modularity reflects on spacing systems used historically
to proportion building facades. This design, as with many
modern projects reveals this notion as a skeletal structure
and unique form rather than obscuring the basic rhythm
with many subordinate rhythms on wall surfaces. The two
are fundamentally related, as can be demonstrated using a
proportioning grid, but one is open and engaging using modern
technology and the other is closed and restricted as determined
by traditional wall and roof forms.

The materiality for the roof soffits is still under investigation but
the intention is that they are highly crafted, light and subtlely
faceted and curved. The materiality, unique form and geometry
are intended to be the direct result of the landscape metaphor
used.

The design team believes the form has in fact developed from
a direct response to the site, the local cultural history and the
site’s context to create a unique sense of place.

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3 . 8 H E R I T A G E

3 . 8 . 2 A n i m at i n g t h e H e r i t a g e B u i l d i n g

Existing Condition

Majority window openings are closed off for Gallery or
plant services
Restricted access through the existing clocktower entry

Proposed Improvement

Improve public access at the heritage clocktower
Administration will be located on the lower levels of the
Kitchener Street wing to allow the opening up of the
heritage windows along the street
Potential to ‘showcase’ the support behind a public
Gallery
Increase transparency of the heritage buildings

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•
•

•

N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

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3 . 8 H E R I T A G E

3 . 8 . 3 E a s t G a l l e r y

The proposed design for the East Gallery has been developed in
close consultation with Council heritage expert George Farrant
and heritage architecture consultant Salmond Reed. The
intention of the proposal is to maintain the original proportions
of this important restored room while addressing issues of level
access and the appropriate heights for the display of work of
art. To achieve this a new floor, aligning with the mezzanine
level, is sensitively ‘inserted’ into the heritage space.
This new ‘inserted’ floor is carefully detailed and ‘held back’
from the wall of the heritage room to give a clear indication of
its contemporary character and, importantly, to allow the visitor
to see and understand the full extent of the original room. This
is particularly important at the double column junction of the
three bays where it is proposed to increase the separation of
the new inserted floor to allow full view angles to the column
bases and details. At this point the inserted floor is detailed as
a ‘bridge’ element.
The careful detailing of the inserted floor will incorporate
appropriate edge junctions and allow access to the recessed
or lowered areas for integrated lighting and maintenance
purposes.

PROPOSED PLAN

9,100

+31.00

+29.49

4,000

9,100

+31.00

+29.49

PROPOSED EW SECTION 1

PROPOSED EW SECTION 2

N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

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BRANCHES IDENTIFIED
FOR REMOVAL

ALBERT PARK

T32

EXISTING GROUND LINE

SOUTH ATRIUM

GALLERY

EX. EAST WING

MZ CONNECTION

LG FOYER

OOM

TION

GALLERY

3 . 8 H E R I T A G E

3 . 8 . 4 S o u t h A t r i u m

The glazed south atrium reveals the Wellesley Street wing
heritage facade to park.
A stong visual connection from the Gallery is created
opening onto the park.
A stair connection is created from the clocktower corner
entrance to south atrium and park
A key heritage consideration is the detail of the junction of
the new façade as the Wellesley Street wing

•

N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

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3 . 8 H E R I T A G E

3 . 8 . 5 Re - A c t i v at i o n o f

L a n t e r n & Pa r k V i e w G a l l e r y

Gallery and sculpture terrace present an active edge
along Albert Park on the eastern boundary while retaining
views to the East Gallery lantern from the park
View of East Gallery Lantern from sculpture terrace and
Park
Park View gallery structure independent from East Gal-
lery
Cornice and parapet lines to be coordinated with floor
and ceiling levels
Opportunities to view the East Gallery external wall within
the Gallery
Impact of loading dock and delivery vehicles minimised
by receiving under Park View gallery

•

3 BRANCHES IDENTIFIED
FOR REMOVAL

FG1

LAYLIGHT

S/S EDGE & GRATE

COL2

SPB

EXISTING GROUND LINE

T30

ulpture Terrace

Scu

N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

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3 . 8 H E R I T A G E

3 . 8 . 6 E n t r y A t r i u m H e r i t a g e I n t e r fa c e

In careful consideration of the relationship to the Heritage
Building, particular attention has been payed to the façade on
Kitchener Street where the existing building junctions with the
new entry canopies.

The design approach creates an urban scale separation that
removes the immediate contrast or ‘intimacy’ between the new
and existing. The separation is created through introducing a
new complimentary architectural element that mediates the
relationship at the important Kitchener Street address. Drawing
from the articulated tower junction forms of the existing heritage
building, a new atrium stair tower enclosure is formed at the
junction between the Kitchener Street wing and the entry atrium.

The approach removes the potential for visual tension
embodied in the previous proposals allowing the new forms
to be appropriately separated and the north elevation to the
existing Kitchener Street wing to remain unshaded. And the
existing heritage wall, cornice, and roof profile to retain a
greater degree of visibility and independence

AU C K L A N D

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G A L L E RY

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3 . 9 G A L L E R Y O R G A N I S A T I O N

3 . 9 . 1 O ve r a l l O r g a n i s at i o n &
C i r c u l at i o n

The proposed new Auckland Art Gallery has been organised to
provide clarity of movement and circulation.

To promote ease of circulation and access to the amenities,
minimising reliance on lift services, an atrium incorporating a
public stair has been created to form a central place of gathering
and meeting. This atrium, together with the south atrium,
will form the ‘book ends’ for the main Gallery, appropriately
articulating the function of the complex to the visitor, occupant
and passer-by, to reveal vistas, views and connections to the
neighbouring heritage buildings and out to the city beyond.

In summary, the main gallery spaces and public amenities
are located on part of Lower Ground, Ground, Mezzanine,
Level One and Level Two. The support functions are located
mainly on the Lower Ground level, with the exception of the
loading dock on Ground level and Conservation labs on the
Lower Ground and Level Two, both easily accessible by the
main goods lift and the staff lift. Administration areas and staff
amenities are located on the Lower Ground and Ground level
and Mezzanine level of Kitchener Wing.

arrival

Foyer Atrium

Atrium

Second Entr

Main Entr

Foyer / Atrium & Entry

Concept

Khar

toum place

Herita

ge c

loc

kto

Exhibition

Concept

Heritage

Organisation

Vertical Support Spine - Heritage and New Gallery
Horizontal Connections

Heritage

New

Storage

Workshops

Exhibition

Circulation
Back of House Principle

Concept

Vertical Support Spine
Horizontal Connections

Painting

Conservation

Paper

Conservation

Dangerous Goods

Quarantine

Security

Photography

Basement Plant

Registrars/

Design/Prep

Registration

Function

Store

N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

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3 . 9 G A L L E R Y O R G A N I S A T I O N

3 . 9 . 2 G a l l e r y D i s p l a y & O p e r at i o n

The display opportunities and options, together with public
access and circulation, must be of the highest standards.
Diversity of display and spatial experience, as well as
flexibility are important aspects in creating a sequence of
gallery spaces that provide the greatest curatorial scope and
exhibition potential. Public circulation, must be clear, with ease
of orientation and a stimulating sequence that connects to the
exterior at certain places.

A wide range of diverse gallery spaces and rooms are
proposed, both fixed and flexible, formal and informal, heritage
and contemporary, naturally-lit and artificially-lit, open and
closed, grand and domestic, high level spaces and lower level
spaces. It is our intention to work closely with the Gallery to
ensure the adherence to world standards in exhibition space
diversity that allows the greatest scope and potential. The
existing heritage building contains a series of defined rooms
of strong and varied character, including the restored East
Gallery. To enhance this series of restored gallery rooms, the
new gallery spaces between the East Gallery and the existing
building have been conceived as flexible, free-span exhibition
spaces of up to 5.5m clear display height. Complementing
these flexible spaces are the tall atrium spaces and the linear
gallery on the eastern edge.

The operations, servicing and ‘back of house’ facilities and
circulation, require as much attention and functional design
resolution as the public environment. Circulation to and from
the goods lift, loading areas and back of house facilities will be
secure and completely separate from the public areas.

N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

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L owe r G r o u n d L eve l

G r o u n d L eve l

M e z z a n i n e

L eve l 1

L eve l 2

Administration

Exhibition New

Collection Support

Exhibition Circulation

Services

Public

Circulation

Exhibition Heritage

Exhibition Atrium

Core / Lifts

LEGEND

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3 . 1 0 S E R V I C I N G

An independent traffic impacts report for the project has been
prepared under separate cover by Steve Reddish, at Traffic
Planning Consultants. This report provides information on the
traffic effects on the streets adjacent to the site.

This report records the detailed loading and operational
activities planned for the on-site loading dock spaces accessed
off Wellesley Street.

N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

3 . 1 0 . 1 Ve h i cl e M a n o e u v r i n g

The loading dock manoeuvring space allows for the on-site
turning of vehicles up to the size of a transit van. Vehicles
larger than this are required to back into the site from Wellesley
Street.

The provisions and constraints for the proposed layout are as
follows:

All trucks to reverse into the loading dock from the parking
lane on Wellesley Street where possible
Transit vans and smaller vehicles to manoeuvre on site
using the designated no parking zones next to the car
parking spaces
Space for 4 cars or vans to park and manoeuvre on site
subject to the constraint described below
Potential for a courier-loading zone to be implemented
on Wellesley Street between the tree and the vehicle
crossing
Spaces for tour buses to be made available east of the
loading dock crossing on Wellesley Street beyond the
public Bus Stop

The vehicle manoeuvring constraints are as follows:

Large (semi trailers or B-trains) articulated trucks being
restricted to night time operation 7pm-7am [suggested that
weekends may also be acceptable] and the requirement
that a temporary traffic management plan be put in place
and adhered to
Large (11m) rigid trucks being restricted to outside the PM
peak period (4pm-7pm) and having personnel to manage
pedestrian movements
Other (8m) rigid trucks having personnel to manage
pedestrian movements, but having no time restrictions,
though the recommendation is that they avoid the PM
peak period (4pm-7pm)
All other vehicles to fully manoeuvre on site
Prepare business travel plans for both operations, staff
and customers
Whilst we are designing for articulated vehicles; it would
be preferable if the use of these vehicles can be avoided.
The required traffic management for dealing with these
vehicles will be neither easy nor cheap and will require
planning and coordination for each event
There needs to be a commitment from the Gallery to have
personnel to assist all truck reversing

•

•
•

•

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3 . 1 0 . 2 Pa r k i n g

The proposed layout provides for four parking spaces, two
on the west side adjacent to the south atrium and two on the
east side against the Albert Park retaining wall. All car parks
are in the secured zone inside the barrier arm or retractable
bollards. The vehicles identified to occupy the spaces are: three
vehicles on a permanent basis (the Gallery station wagon, van
and management car) and one floating service vehicle/skip or
other.

Three carparks will be available at all times with one car park
identified as a temporary location for a full sized skip which
is required when major exhibits are being broken down. It is
estimated that this skip will occupy this space for one week on
each occasion. When the skip is used one car will be displaced
to the neighbouring car parking building or one of the vans to
Graham Street.

Visitors parking is not allowed for in the loading dock area.
Parking for VIP’s or clients will need to be managed using
dedicated street parking or other private parking buildings.

3 . 1 0 . 3 A f t e r h o u r s s t a f f a c c e s s

After hours staff access will be via the loading dock only. This
will allow security staff to monitor general staff movement and
control access when the gallery is closed. Staff will enter using
the personnel door adjacent to the loading dock roller shutter.
The inclusion of a key press at the back of the loading dock,
adjacent to the security room window, is being considered to
assist the distribution and management of keys. The key press
would be operated by staff swipe cards.

N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

3 . 1 0 . 4 D e l i ve r i e s

The barrier arm or retractable bollards will incorporate an
intercom and CCTV connection to the security room. Delivery
vans or vehicles will stop outside the barrier prior being
permitted into the loading dockyard. For this purpose a 6-metre
zone off the footpath is required inside the site to allow vehicles
to stop in front of the barrier without impeding pedestrians. The
security room will be manned 24hrs a day.

Courier vehicles delivering small items will be encouraged to
stop in the loading zone space on the street. In this case the
courier will proceed on foot to the personnel door adjacent to
the loading dock roller door. At this location there will also be an
intercom and CCTV camera connected to the Security Room.

There is an after-hours deliveries cupboard located adjacent
to the loading dock personnel door. This will be used for
regular nightly deliveries such as food and beverages for the
café. Contracted delivery companies will be given a key to this
cupboard. The use of the cupboard will be monitored by the
security room due to its proximity to the personnel door CCTV
camera.

Large work of art and construction material deliveries, involving
vehicles larger than a transit van, will stop on Wellesley Street
in the loading zone. The truck driver will enter the site on foot
communicating with security via the intercom and CCTV at the
personnel door. Depending on the vehicle size the security
officer will initiate one of the pre-arranged truck reversing
management strategies with other staff members to manage
pedestrians on Wellesley Street and guide the truck through
the loading dock barrier and into the secured loading dock.

The loading dock will be fitted with a dock leveller to assist the
unloading of large items.

3 . 1 0 . 5 G e n e r a l Wa s t e

The waste disposal for the project has been assessed in
detail with representatives from the Gallery, Council facilities
Management and one of the Council’s contractors. The waste
strategy will require an integrated solution that provides for
suitable waste storage within the building to facilitate daily
removal to the waste store in the loading dock for over night
contractor removal. This will need detailed development during
developed design. The brief to date, in terms of the types of
rubbish being generated, was summarised as follows:

•

Food and bottle waste from café

•

Food and bottle waste from functions and events

•

Paper and carton waste from the shop

•

Workshop and registration area construction and
packaging waste. (Largely off-cuts and scrap)

•

Public space, bathroom and office general rubbish
collected by cleaners

•

Office paper recycling.

•

Sawdust bag from workshop extract

The current operation at the Gallery uses a small skip on a daily
basis to receive all these types of waste. The skip is replaced
when full. The meetings with the users identified that this would
not be an acceptable approach for the new building due to the
increased daily volume plus the health and safety concerns
with mixing food and general rubbish in an open container.

The meeting concluded that the best overall approach was to
use an appropriate variety of rubbish bag or wheelie bin type
containers that could be stored in the ventilated and drained
rubbish room in the loading dock for removal by a rubbish
collection contractor each morning. The storage of large
volumes of rubbish on site was seen as a security and health
and safety hazard.

The user group agreed that the 5m x 3m size rubbish room
in the loading dock was an appropriate size for the rubbish
expected to be generated. The estimate included 3 to 5 bags of
rubbish from the café each day and 2 to 3 bags of rubbish from
general cleaning through the galleries, offices and staffroom.
The registration and workshop area would produce one larger
than typical wheelie bin (or similar) of rubbish a day and there
may be a cardboard carton cage container for piles of broken
down boxes. One further wheelie bin could also be required for
glass bottle recycling.

Paper recycling would use receptacles provided by a recycling

contractor positioned in the photocopy areas and would be
managed on an as needs basis. The sawdust collection bag
required a cupboard to contain the spill in the loading dock
area. The maintenance of this would also be managed as
required.

As a space estimate, the rubbish room was seen as adequately
sized for 12 wheelie bins at 600mm square plus a carton cage
and a larger wheelie bin used for the workshop area.

3 . 1 0 . 6 S p e c i a l Wa s t e

The three forms of special waste discussed were:

•

Exhibition breakdown

•

Paint and chemicals

•

Sheet glass

Exhibition breakdown occurs at the end of each major
exhibition every 2-3months. On these occasions a large skip
would be brought into the loading dockyard (using 1 car space)
for a period of one week during which time it will be filled and
removed.

Paint, chemical and glass waste are all special low volume waste
materials all requiring special treatment due to their dangerous
nature. Each of these would be gathered up at regular intervals
in appropriate containers and stored in the dangerous goods
store prior to removal from site by a contractor.

3 . 1 0 . 7 G a r d e n E q u i p m e n t s t o r e

An external storage cupboard space has been provided under
the south atrium bleachers to store limited scaled gardening
equipment that may be stored on site. The store will be large
enough to house a leaf ‘Billy Goat.

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3 . 1 1 S H A D O W D I A G R A M S

Shadow studies have been prepared to assess the impact of
new building shadow on Albert Park. The diagrams show that
beyond the new footprint of the building the structures have a
very limited additional effect on the park due to the following:

The highest parts of the building are located centrally and
to the south of the Gallery site, and the height of canopy
roof elements adjacent to the park is low relative to ground
levels in the park;
The rising contours in the park towards the north and
east;
The existing shadow created by the dense tree canopy
(approximated by elliptical spheres in the model) adjacent
to the Art Gallery site; and
The building is generally located to the south of the park.

•

NGA WAWATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

Nov 01 11h00

Nov 01 13h00

Jan 31 11h00

Jan 31 13h00

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Oct 01 11h00

Oct 01 12h30

Mar 15 11h00

Mar 15 12h30

NGA WAWATA

3 . 0 D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

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SOFT LANDSCAPING

TERRACES & PLATFORMS

PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS

ACTIVE EDGES

K AU PA PA W H A K A H A E R E

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D E S I G N

4 . 1

M A S T E R P L A N B R I E F

Providing detailed resolution of the pedestrian experiences
around the project as they are affected by the building
design
Reinforcing the interactivity between adjacent landscape
spaces and the Gallery
Extending the terraces and platforms idea into the park as
appropriate
The resolution and integration of soft landscaping around
the building

•

The concept design phase identified the strategic need for a
considered approach to the Albert Park precinct directly adjoin-
ing the Gallery project. The project team identified that a sepa-
rate masterplan proposal would be prepared for the southwest
corner of Albert Park, as defined by the eastern most
northwest/southeast footpath extending diagonally from Kitch-
ener Street through to Wellesley Street.

The brief for the masterplanning of this space was to integrate
the Art Gallery design into the existing character of Albert Park
through the provision of transitional spaces adjacent to the
significant areas of change. The general intent was to minimise
the disruption of the existing park layout but provide the appro-
priate level of resolution between the new building and the
landscape that would be expected for such an important
building. A further consideration was the accommodation of
existing pedestrian flows through the adjoining spaces. Particu-
lar attention would be required for the pedestrian traffic passing
from Khartoum Place, through the courtyards to the north of the
existing building and on through the parks towards the Univer-
sity of Auckland.

A critical issue in the development of these proposals is the
interface with the Albert Park trees and soft landscape. Consid-
erable consultation has been carried out with Auckland City’s
Arborist, Heritage Manager, Community Planning Group and
RACS.

The group determined that consideration of impacts of the
building and masterplan proposals on the trees would be
required using detailed plan and sectional survey information.
The group also concurred that a number of the existing trees
were damaged or past their prime and that the Art Gallery
masterplan precinct required a landscape replacement
programme to manage the continuation of the tree-scape.

As such it should be noted therefore that a portion of the
proposed works are seen as necessary for the Art Gallery
development and a portion is being driven from Auckland City’s
desire to improve and upgrade the surrounding amenity.

A key assumption for the design proposals is that a significant
oak tree is removed on the east side of the project. This tree is,
as reported by the Arborist, of fragile health and low life expec-
tancy. In response, the project has introduced a replacement
programme to re-juvenate the landscape in the proximity of the
tree’s existing location (which is in the same area as the
proposed amphitheatre).

The intention of the masterplan is also to further realise the
effect of the key Gallery development design concepts in the
adjacent spaces of Albert Park. The four key principles are:

The limitations for the masterplan project have also been
defined. The overall intent is to not impose the building on the
park unnecessarily. The principles, above all, require a positive
but subdued response to the park given the historic significance
of Albert Park for Auckland. Although a bold modern landscape
approach is possible, the feedback to date is that, in the case of
Albert Park, a new ‘twist’ or ‘of the moment’ response to the
interface with the park is not appropriate.

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4 . 2

M A S T E R P L A N P R O P O S A L S

The Masterplan envisages a series of terrace spaces
ascending around the northern side of the extension to the
Gallery. The combination of paved platforms and broad steps
accommodates the existing pedestrian movements into Albert
Park while creating a series of landscape spaces adjoining the
proposed stonework base walls of the new northern wing to
the project.

The landscape design proposals presented in this report
represent the resolution of the new external spaces and
north wing design as agreed with consultants advisory and
stakeholder groups. A detailed description of the masterplan
design is itemised below with numbered references to the
following masterplan drawings on page 34.

1. The entry forecourt is at Ground Floor Level of the New
Gallery proposals. This is a major new public space terminating
the view from Khartoum Place. This space also forms a new
gateway into Albert Park through integrating the steps into the
park as part of the walls and terraces composition fronting the
street. The revised proposals in the forecourt include a 5 metre
wide pool adjacent to the north facade of the heritage building
emphasising the urban scale separation between the existing
and new built forms. The paving to this space will integrate
with the paving and wall treatment to all the terraces around
the northern extent of the project to create a unified treatment
to the podium of the northern entry atrium wing. The entry
forecourt is covered with a canopy that extends over the cafe
terrace at Level 1 above. This creates a very urban, public,
open and activated spatial experience under the canopy.

2. Moving north, the stair from the entry forecourt to the
northern terraces passes behind a wall on Kitchener Street.
The lower 3 or 4 steps will be visible beyond the end of the wall
to provide a visual cue for pedestrians. The experience is that
when passing behind the wall and up the stairs the pedestrian
becomes contained within the podium for a moment before
passing into openness again of the northern terrace spaces.
This creates contact with the Gallery and a strong threshold
experience into the park.

3. The walls along Kitchener Street to the north are intended
to stay at existing levels beyond the stair engaged with the
Gallery. The walls will remain fragmented and layered in form
but may be refinished to some extent to integrate with the
Gallery proposals.

4. The northern courtyards or terraces are modifications of the
existing spaces. The level of the lower terrace coincides with
the mezzanine entry atrium level within the Gallery. This can
be thought of as a single level extending from the park into
the Gallery. The terrace spaces will be refinished to integrate
with the Gallery project. The proposal includes the relocated
Rickey sculpture and a moving water feature along the eastern
perimeter of the terraces against the inclined parkscape. The
waterfall will be reminiscent of an historic water source in the
Albert Park area that was related to an underground spring.

T
read as the source for the water in the forecourt pool.

5. Importantly, the level of the northern courtyard terrace aligns
with the atrium mezzanine level allowing a ceremonial entry
directly into the main atrium space. The door way is shaded by
the northern most of the entry canopy sequence that extends
over the cafe terrace from the main entry forecourt. In this way
the northern ceremonial entry is unified with the whole entry
and public arrival experience for the building.

6. Moving east from the northern courtyards, a generous
landscape stair extends up around the northern extent of
the Gallery towards Albert Park proper. The top of this stair
arrives at Level 1 of the Gallery and adjoins with the Gallery
cafe terrace. The design of this stair suspends the masonry
structure above the existing ground level on hand excavated
piles to protect the roots of the adjacent oak tree. Again, the
Level 1 external terrace can be seen as an extension of the
Gallery space into the park.

7. Moving further east a single flight of steps elevates
the pedestrian to a terrace in the northeast corner of the
development which is at a level one metre higher than Level 1.
This level provides the visual focus and performance platform
for the landscaped amphitheatre proposed in this location.

Refer to Masterplan Drawing (overleaf) for note locations

8. In the proposed amphitheatre area there is presently a large
but declining and damaged oak tree that is be removed to
accommodate landscape alterations for the Gallery extension.
This area requires significant contour alterations close to the
building to infill the current battered retaining wall spaces that
descend steeply down to the back of the existing Gallery. The
opportunity exists to develop this new landscape space into a
positive and engaging public interface with the Gallery project.
The proposal is to extend a terrace around the northeastern
corner of the building at a level one metre higher than Level 1,

to create a platform that meets with a grass terraced slope
which ascends and merges with the existing contours of the
park. This new public space is proposed as an external
landscaped amphitheatre to realise the potential for staging
events, public gathering and performances, or passive viewing
into the public atrium from the park. Into this space the eastern
roof canopies are extended over to create an engaging public
gesture for the building when viewed from the park. The
extended roof also overhangs a large two storey window
through which the park is viewed from down at Khartoum
Place and vice-versa. This slope will continue to catch the sun
through to mid afternoon ensuring its attraction to park users
when not used for events.

9. Moving east from the amphitheatre a landscape stair
ascends alongside the northern edge of the amphitheatre
towards the upper levels of Albert Park. This stair is in a similar
position to the existing path and stair but is wider and will be
finished in materials that fit with both the upgrade of the Park
and the new Gallery. This stair forms the eastern-most extent
of the new stairs and terraces and forms the outer extent of the
more significant hard landscape interventions into this quad-
rant of the park.

10. To the north of the new stairs and terraces remains the
existing grass slope of the park. This is predominantly covered
in mature exotic tree species and presents a pleasant mix of
shade and filtered sunlight onto mown grass hillside. The
landscape proposals retain this grass slope as a key focal
aspect for the Gallery and park users in this quadrant of Albert
Park. The masterplan team has surveyed the trees in this zone
and recommended the removal of some aging specimens and
a replanting strategy to reinforce the character of the pathways
in this area. The replanting includes an avenue of tulip trees
along the north-eastern pathway to create a rhythm to the new
planting. The replacement of trees in this area is not required
for the Gallery extension.

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D E S I G N

11. East of the Gallery and south of the new landscaped amphi-
theatre the New Gallery design presents a long ‘Park View’
gallery co-joined to the existing East Gallery, a component of
the design that opens the Gallery building up to the park along
this elevation. This gallery also sits over the loading dock for
the building, concealing this service space from public view.
The landscape in this zone of the quadrant is similar to the
northern slope but is more heavily shaded by the large exotic
trees and the building. The masterplan maintains this space
also as a characteristic Albert Park space. This space will be
viewed intimately from the Gallery and will provide a lush close
range view of the park space outside the building. Conversely,
the Gallery will provide an engaging view from the park to the
activity of the Gallery spaces and the building as it sits in the
landscape generally. Looking back at the Gallery from this
direction the landscape rakes gracefully down to street level
along the length of the elevation. The building will junction
crisply with the landform along this boundary requiring some
attention to detail at the wall face. It is intended to utilize a
combination of minor earthworks and planting to soften this
juncture. The tree survey in this area has focussed on the
impact that the new building will have on the trees and the
limiting factors to the development in this area. The landscape
design has proposed some additional planting to replace the
loss of two smaller trees and tree canopy in this area. One
major specimen is a pohutukawa tree that requires a degree of
trimming to sit comfortably with the new building. The
landscape plan proposes planting a new mature pohutukawa in
this area to bolster the lost foliage.

12. The southeastern corner of the masterplan precinct is
dominated by the new loading dock access and turning area.
Landscaping in this area will be developed to screen the
loading dock turning area. This provision also impacts on an
existing pathway that discharges onto the existing Gallery
driveway. The landscape proposal currently envisages
redirecting the path to the east to intersect at Wellesley Street
with the main footpath off Wellesley Street in this corner. The
resultant pair of footpaths meeting the street revives a former
more significant entry to the park in this area. The design for
the new park entry, the new pathway and required stairs will be
developed to complement other Albert Park developments.
The materials for this design element are considered as
belonging to the park and not the Gallery project

13. Meetings with the stakeholder groups identified the desir-
ability of including the footpaths south and west of the project,
on Kitchener and Wellesley Streets in the precinct masterplan.
It is considered appropriate that the pavement spaces adjacent
to the Gallery are upgraded to accommodate the expected
increase in visitor numbers to complement the building devel-
opments. It is also in the interests of the public experience and
public safety to introduce traffic calming measures to reduce
traffic impact on the public spaces. However, this element is
beyond the current brief of the Gallery project.

PROPOSED MASTERPLAN SCOPE

10 m

RESOURCE CONSENT RC 01

1:200 @ A1 MARCH 2006

ALBERT PARK - RESOURCE CONSENT PACKAGE

FRANCIS-JONES MOREHEN THORP PTY LTD 2005 ACN 101 197 219 ABN 97 277 344 725

NEW MATURE TREE PLANT TO REDEFINE

PEDESTRIAN PATH INDICATED IN RED

SOFT LANDSCAPE 'RENEWAL':

PROPOSE TO INTRODUCE A MITIGATING

TREE REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME

PROPOSED NEW NATURAL
INFORMAL AMPHITHEATRE

FOR PUBLIC USE

EXISTING PLANTER

EXISTIING KERB
INDICATED IN BLUE

NEW GALLERY SCULPTURE TERRACE L2

RECONFIGUERED NEW PUBLIC PEDESTRIAN

WALKWAY TERRACES. TO BE CONTRUCTED

ABOVE NATURAL GROUND LEVEL

EXISTING STUDENT INFORMAL PATH

NEW RETAINING WALL

AT LOADING AREA

BOOM GATE OR
BOLLARDS

NEW STAIR

CONNECTING TO PARK

EXISTING STAIRS

RICKEY SCULPTURE RELOCATED

LOADING
ZONE

BUS
STOP

NEW
CROSSING

EXISTING PATH RECONFIGUERED.
NEW STAIRS CONNECTING WELLESLEY STREET TO PARK

EXISTING CORNER

PROPOSED NEW
LOADING ZONE

EXISTING BUS
SHELTER TO
BE RELOCATED

EXISTING BOUNDARY
INDICATED IN GREEN

KHARTOUM PLACE

WELLESLEY

STREET EAST

+38.00

LOADING DOCK

AMPHITHEATRE

EXTENT OF MASTERPLAN WORKS

KITCHENER STREET

ALBERT PARK

EXTENT OF MASTERPLAN WORKS

TERRACE

TREES
(REFER TO DESIGN REPORT PAGE 37 & RCO2)

+37.00

REFER TO DETAILED DESCRIPTION
ON DESIGN REPORT PAGES 32 - 33

+36.00

+35.00

+33.00

+34.00

+32.00

+33.00

+34.00

+36.00

+38.00

+32.00

+31.00

+30.00

+29.00

+39.00

+37.00

+35.00

PROPOSED BOUNDARY

PROPOSED MASTERPLAN SCOPE OF WORK
BOUNDARY

LEGEND

EXISTING SOFT

LANDSCAPING REMAIN

AS EXISTING

EXTENDED WATER FEATURE

PROPOSED NEW BROAD PUBLIC ACCESS
STAIRS TO CONNECT TO EXISTING
TERRACE LEVEL

PROPOSED NEW
GALLERY FORECOURT

PROPOSED NEW GALLERY
CAFE TERRACE ON LEVEL 1

PROPOSED NEW
SCULPTURE TERRACE

PUBLIC TERRACE UPGRADE:FINISH

LEVEL OF TERRACES REMAIN AS

EXISTING, WITH SEATINGS, MATERIAL &

FINISHES UP GRADE

T16-T21 INCLUDED IN THE EXTENT OF ALBERT PARK
RESOURCE CONSENT WORKS

T21

T20

T19

T18

T17

T16

PROPOSED NEW GALLERY

Proposed Masterplan

AU C K L A N D A RT G A L L E RY

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4 . 0

A L B E R T

P A R K

W O R K S

L A N D S C A P E

D E S I G N

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4 . 3 T R E E A N A L Y S I S

K AU PA PA W H A K A H A E R E

4 . 0

A L B E R T

P A R K

W O R K S

L A N D S C A P E

D E S I G N

The trees in Albert Park provide a natural boundary to the
building platform available for the Gallery development. The
extent of the new northern atrium has been largely determined
by contours and the requirements of the trees. To inform the
extent of excavation and new building profile the existing trees
have been surveyed in plan, in elevation and in two cases the
roots have been surveyed to establish the detailed impact
proposals would have on existing roots.

The breadth of information has informed detailed consultation
with representatives such as the Councils Arborists, Heritage
Groups and the Department of Conservation. A strategy has
subsequently been adopted to balance building requirements
against the development of the Albert Park landscape. In so
doing a number of minor and ailing trees have been identified
for replacement.

In Summary:

Existing trees surveyed, catalogued and registered
Planting removal required for the Gallery works identified
Planting succession and rejuvenation for the park
landscape is proposed
In some cases creation of space for adequate growth and
to avoid over-crowding considered better.
Building form responsive to tree location and site topogra-
phy

•
•
•

•

AU C K L A N D

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4 . 4 T R E E R E P L A C E M E N T &
S O F T L A N D S C A P I N G

By the detailed identification of those existing trees which are
unthrifty and the careful design of the Gallery extensions to
accommodate those which are worthy of retention, it has been
possible to keep the number of trees which are proposed
for removal from the western slopes of Albert Park to a
minimum.

New large grade trees are proposed to replace the trees
being removed as part of the project. The species chosen will
continue the ‘woodland’ character of the western slopes of
the park well into the future. They are a mixture of deciduous
exotic and evergreen native species, which are proven
successful species in central Auckland.

The liriodendron, or tulip trees are to be planted in a row
alongside the main path at the top of the slope. They have been
extremely successful along Mayoral Drive, while the native
libocedrus or kawaka are a tall growing, under-utilised native,
worthy of more widespread use. It has a similar appearance
to some of the European cypresses and is also known as
New Zealand cedar. A small grove of these is proposed on the
slopes above the northern end of the sculpture court.

The six upright cypress trees near the entry to the existing
Gallery are to be relocated to a suitable site elsewhere in the
city. A replacement upright cypress is proposed outside the
apse at the eastern end of the Wellesley Gallery, to recreate
the cypress / French Renaissance style currently seen at the
Gallery.

K AU PA PA W H A K A H A E R E

4 . 0 A L B E R T P A R K W O R K S & L A N D S C A P E D E S I G N

Proposed Masterplan Trees

PROPOSED MASTERPLAN TREES

10 m

RESOURCE CONSENT RC 02

1:200 @ A1 MARCH 2006

ALBERT PARK - RESOURCE CONSENT PACKAGE

FRANCIS-JONES MOREHEN THORP PTY LTD 2005 ACN 101 197 219 ABN 97 277 344 725

NEW MATURE TREE PLANT TO REDEFINE

PEDESTRIAN PATH INDICATED IN RED

SOFT LANDSCAPE 'RENEWAL':

PROPOSE TO INTRODUCE A MITIGATING

TREE REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME

PROPOSED NEW NATURAL
INFORMAL AMPHITHEATRE

FOR PUBLIC USE

EXISTING PLANTER

KHARTOUM PLACE

WELLESLEY

STREET EAST

+38.00

LOADING DOCK

AMPHITHEATRE

EXTENT OF MASTERPLAN WORKS

KITCHENER STREET

ALBERT PARK

EXTENT OF MASTERPLAN WORKS

TERRACE

TREES TO BE TRANSPLANTED FOR
AAG DEVELOPMENT

TREE REMOVAL FOR
AAG EXTENSION

TREE REMOVAL FOR PARK
AMENITY / SAFETY

+37.00

+36.00

+35.00

+33.00

+34.00

+32.00

+33.00

+34.00

+36.00

+38.00

+32.00

+31.00

+30.00

+29.00

+39.00

+37.00

+35.00

PROPOSED BOUNDARY

PROPOSED MASTERPLAN SCOPE OF WORK
BOUNDARY

LEGEND

NEW TREES

EXISTNG TREES TO REMAIN
(REFER TO DESIGN REPORT PAGE 37&RCO2)

EXISTING SOFT

LANDSCAPING REMAIN

AS EXISTING

T16-T21 INCLUDED IN THE EXTENT OF ALBERT PARK
RESOURCE CONSENT WORKS

T25

T28

T14

T38

T30

T32

T33

T12

T39

T34

T45

T36

T31

T13

T21

T20

T19

T18

T17

T16

T37

T24

T22

T26

T15

T10

T11

T23

PROPOSED NEW GALLERY

T35

T29

T27

EXISTING TREES
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
T18
T19
T20
T21
T22
T23
T24
T25
T26
T27
T28
T29
T30
T31
T32
T33
T34

TREES WITH DRIPLIINE NOT
SURVEYED
T35
T36
T37
T38
T39

NEW TREES
T40
T41
T42
T43
T44
T45
T46
T47
T48

LAUREL CHERRY Prunus spp.
BIRCH Betula (REMOVE)
LAWSON'S CYPRESS Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana (REMOVE)
HIMALAYAN SPRUCE Picea spp.
TITOKI Alectryon Excelsus
AMERICAN SWEET GUM Liquidambar Stryaciflua
POHUTUKAWA Metrosideros Excelsa
POHUTUKAWA Metrosideros Excelsa
KARAMU Coprosma (REMOVE)
LAWSON'S CYPRESS Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana (REMOVE)
POHUTUKAWA Metrosideros Excelsa (REMOVE)
ENGLISH OAK Quercus Robur
PURIRI Vitex Lucens
MEXICAN CYPRESS Cupressus spp.
POHUTUKAWA Metrosideros Excelsa (REMOVE)
UPRIGHT CYPRESS Cupressus s. 'Totem' (RELOCATE)
UPRIGHT CYPRESS Cupressus s. 'Totem' (RELOCATE)
UPRIGHT CYPRESS Cupressus s. 'Totem' (RELOCATE)
UPRIGHT CYPRESS Cupressus s. 'Totem' (RELOCATE)
UPRIGHT CYPRESS Cupressus s. 'Totem' (RELOCATE)
UPRIGHT CYPRESS Cupressus s. 'Totem' (RELOCATE)
ENGLISH OAK Quercus Robur (REMOVE)
HIMALAYAN CEDAR Cedrus Deodara (REMOVE)
MONKEY APPLE Acmea Smithii (REMOVE)
POHUTUKAWA Metrosideros Excelsa
ENGLISH OAK Quercus Robur (REMOVE)
BIRCH Betula spp (REMOVE)
NORFOLK ISLAND HIBISCUS Laganaria Patersonii
GOLDEN ASH Fraxinus Excelsior 'Aurea' (REMOVE)
POHUTUKAWA Metrosideros Excelsa
TOTARA Podocarpus Totara
AMERICAN SWEET GUM Liquidambar Stryaciflua
CALIFORNIAN REDWOOD Sequoia Sempervirens
HIMALAYAN CEDAR Cedrus Deodara

ENGLISH OAK Quercus Robur
SEQUOIADENDRON GIGANTEUM Big Tree
MONKEY APPLE Acmea Smithii (REMOVE)
CALIFORNIAN REDWOOD Sequoia Sempervirens
CHINESE WEEPING CYPRESS Cupressocyparis Funebris

LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA
LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA
LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA
LIBOCEDRUS PLUMOSA
LIBOCEDRUS PLUMOSA
LIBOCEDRUS PLUMOSA
METROSIDEROS EXCELSA 'RANGITOTO'
LIQUIDAMBER FORMOSANA
UPRIGHT CYPRESS

T44

T43

T41

T42

T46

T47

T48

T40

)

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4 . 0

A L B E R T

P A R K

W O R K S

L A N D S C A P E

D E S I G N

AU C K L A N D

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5 . 0 V I S U A L R E F E R E N C E I M A G E S

5 . 0 V I S U A L R E F E R E N C E
I M A G E S

The image positions shown here were selected by the project
team as key views for the visual assessment of the design.
The photographs and sketches that follow illustrate the design
from these locations.

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5 . 0 V I S U A L R E F E R E N C E I M A G E S

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G A L L E RY

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5 . 0 V I S U A L R E F E R E N C E I M A G E S

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5 . 0 V I S U A L R E F E R E N C E I M A G E S

AU C K L A N D

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MARCH 2006

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5 . 0 V I S U A L R E F E R E N C E I M A G E S

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5 . 0 V I S U A L R E F E R E N C E I M A G E S

AU C K L A N D

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5 . 0 V I S U A L R E F E R E N C E I M A G E S

AU C K L A N D

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MARCH 2006

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5 . 0 V I S U A L R E F E R E N C E I M A G E S

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6 . 0 U R B A N D E S I G N P A N E L

6 . 0

U R B A N

D E S I G N

P A N E L

P R O C E S S

The Auckland City Council Urban Design Panel has reviewed
the preliminary design for the project. Through a series of
presentations the design was developed and represented.
Areas of the project affected included the entry forecourt, the
entry lobby and atrium, and external spaces north of the
building. The summary that follows list the key issues raised
together with the design team response.

The design presented in this report is the developed proposal
approved by the Urban Design Panel.

The Panel raised concerns over the relationship between
the proposed extension and the existing heritage building.

In the resolution of this item the detailed relationship to the
heritage building has been reconsidered on Kitchener Street
where the existing building junctions with the new entry cano-
pies. A change in design approach is proposed to create a
vertical urban-scale separation that removes the immediate
contrast and ‘intimacy’ of the previously proposed relationship
between the new and existing. The building separation is
created through introducing a new complimentary architectural
element that mediates the relationship at the important Kitch-
ener Street address. Drawing from the articulated tower
junction forms of the existing heritage building, a new atrium
stair tower enclosure is formed at the junction between the
Kitchener wing and the entry atrium.

During the review of the design there have been three
principles that the team has wished to maintain to protect the
integrity of the existing proposals. These were:

The serial roof form as a unifying concept.
This should be retained but separated from the existing
building to remove the sense of ‘contact’ with the heritage
building on Kitchener Street.
The generous urban forecourt and shelter space but, again,
separate this gesture from the existing
The entry sequence, due to the benefits created in relation
to both interior and exterior space layouts, but introduce a
new spatial ‘threshold’ component to relieve the dramatic
contrast in the heights of internal spaces and to add further
spatial complexity to the design.

In recomposing the entry area the team studied a series of
options, such as the deletion of the three entry forecourt cano-
pies. The key observations, having done this, were:

That an urban scale space between the new and existing
was created. This spatial separation should be maintained
at an urban scale in the revised design.
That a new problem of atrium façade scale arose.
That the receptiveness and degree of shelter previously
provided had been lost outside the Gallery
That the remaining canopies over the café terrace were
compositionally weak.

The revised design approach introduces a new atrium stair
enclosure articulated as a vertical element at the junction
between the new north wing and the existing Kitchener Street
wing, moving the atrium volume 5.5m to the north. The
presence of this form separates the entry canopies off the
northern elevation of the Kitchener Street wing by 5.5m. The
roof canopy that was previously in front of this space and
against the existing building has been deleted.

The combined length of new roof forms on Kitchener Street is
therefore reduced by 5.5m. The deleted canopy is replaced by
open space with water introduced at forecourt level. The
presence of the stair element on the street side of the atrium
adds a new relationship between the internal activity of the
Gallery and the street.

The

Panel queried whether the Albert Park interface was

correctly addressed.

Prior to Urban Design Panel process, the Albert Park master-
plan group was formed to ensure that this important facet of the
design was addressed and fully integrated with the building
(refer also Section 4.0 for further development of this process
and outcomes).

The resolution to the entry forecourt cause related effects to
the proposals along the northern elevation that create both new
opportunities and constraints. The atrium space, in principle,
moves to the north by 5 metres, causing the public functions
such as the café and Friends room to be re-proportioned or
relocated and the relationship to the atrium form reconsidered.

•

•
•

•

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6 . 0

U R B A N

D E S I G N

P A N E L

P R O C E S S

The boundary to the park will be adjusted to the new plan
profile but, in general, the boundary will stay in a similar
position.

The elements of the design will remain similar to those previ-
ously proposed in discussion and development with the Panel,
with the key components being the sheltering canopies and
columns, the glass atrium volume, the articulated, stone-clad,
landscape terrace walls with openings and visibility into the
café, atrium and circulation areas

The

Panel was concerned about the compressed nature of

the proposed entry.

The proposed entry sequence and design were clarified as
follows:

The floor to ceiling height is now 2.7m clear throughout.
This has been achieved through minimising the structure
and setting the ground floor level at the lowest desirable
level relative to Kitchener Street.
The key driver for this storey height is the existing level of
the first floor galleries in the Kitchener Street wing. The
objective has been to insert a mezzanine floor level
between ground and first floor utilising the very high stud
height. This creates an extra component of floor space on
the site, provides a level disabled access solution to the
East Gallery, while maintaining the necessary service
access to all floors.
The mezzanine floor also aligns with the raised courtyards
north of the Gallery, creating on-grade integration with the
park terraces and the opportunity for a ceremonial entry
from the Albert Park.
With the integration of this intermediate level the idea of a
raised atrium Gallery space, above a functional yet
spatially interesting entry space, has been developed. This
concept provides a grand ‘stepping up’ into the Gallery
where views into the street and park are created from an
elevated platform.
The materials, architectural detail and lighting of the entry
foyer have been developed to enhance the proportions of
the space.

•

Further opportunity to create a greater spatial linkage to the
atrium space above was developed. The proposal integrates
the idea of an additional void space with a further separation
from the existing building. The design moves the atrium stair to
the forecourt elevation and suspends the stair structure above
a vertical void in this location. A new void and visual linkbe-
tween the entry foyer and atrium is thereby created. This void
and connection occurs at the forecourt face of the entry foyer.
The main stair void has also been increased in dimension
providing additional connecting space at the rear of the lobby.

The

Panel raised concerns over wall mass and visual

connectivity to the street.

In the revised proposals the walls to Kitchener Street along the
western edge of the northern courtyards have been lowered
and further articulated to allow greater visual access into Albert
Park. The adjustment to the entry forecourt location has also
reduced the length of the wall to Kitchener Street

The

Panel questioned the modular nature and the arched

forms of the roof structure.

The modularity reflects on spacing systems used historically to
proportion building facades. This design, as with many modern
projects, reveals this notion as a skeletal structure and unique
form rather than obscuring the basic rhythm with many subor-
dinate rhythms on wall surfaces. The two are fundamentally
related as can be demonstrated using a proportioning grid, but
one is open and engaging using modern technology and the
other is closed and restricted as determined by traditional wall
and roof forms.

The materiality for the roof soffits is still under investigation but
the intention is that they are highly crafted, light and subtlely
faceted and curved using timber panels. The materiality,
unique form and geometry is intended to be the direct result of
the landscape metaphor used. The design team believes the
form has in fact developed from a direct response to the site,
the local cultural history and the site’s context to create a
unique sense of place.

The panel was keen to ensure that the correct alignment
with Khartoum Place was achieved and that transparency
through the atrium was maximised.

The adjustments to the design have realigned the atrium and
enhanced the associated vista through to the park from
Khartoum Place. Changes of brief on the Khartoum Place
project have slowed any further developments of this relation-
ship. However, the project team will re-engage with the CBD
Project team once this is relaunched.

The Panel noted that:

Exterior lighting of the Gallery and surrounding areas
(including Albert Park) be considered, in order to
enhance the building and treescape within the park.
A dynamic water feature could help create a more
memorable impression for visitors.

This is very much the intention of the design team. This
component of the design will be addressed during developed
design and with the involvement of a specialist lighting consul-
tant.

A water feature was included as part of the master plan works
for the northern terraces and extended in later responses to
the Panels comment.

The most recent design adjustments have introduced further
opportunities to employ water in public spaces with the expan-
sion of the forecourt space to include the atrium stair enclosure
form. The forecourt space against the northern façade of the
Kitchener Street wing envisages the use of water to further
reinforce the separation of the new from the old. The water
extends a notional void between the two architectures out on to
the street while also reflecting the heritage façade.

•

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N G A W A W ATA

3 . 0

D E S I G N P R O P O S A L S

3 . 1

D E S I G N C O N C E P T

The design concept for the Auckland Art Gallery Development
is an abstraction drawn from ideas connected to the direct sur-
roundings. The development of the final roof canopy form bal-
ances the abstract concepts with the site constraints, proximity
to existing buildings and the functional requirements for the
Gallery.

The two key existing components of influence for the Gallery
design are the heritage buildings and Albert Park. The design
concept activates the relationship between the two compo-
nents by providing a profoundly open and engaging building
form as the northern extension of the new development, while
also fundamentally preserving the park space. The design also
provides a new ‘Park View’ gallery on the eastern boundary. A
key objective for the project is to engage the Gallery with the
park. Presently, the Gallery turns its back on the park and in
fact has a number of dark, negative spaces forming a barrier
to the park. The design proposes to infill these spaces and to
create maximised public interaction through the alignment of
internal floor levels with terrace levels outside the building. Ar-
chitecturally, the terrace levels are expressed and defined by
bold stone-clad wall planes, appropriately scaled public stair-
cases and stone-clad courtyard spaces. Within the overall de-
sign the wall and terrace design forms an earth-bound podium
for the sculptural roof design above.

The general design concept for the Gallery development project
and adjoining landscape context can be described as follows:

The new Auckland Art Gallery design has developed from a
concept which relates as much to the organic natural forms of
the landscape as it does to the architectural order and charac-
ter of the existing heritage buildings.

The landscape has been considered as an integral element in
the architecture and urban design. The creation of a new fore-
court, public space and terraces responding to the topography
of the sloping site is at the heart of the conceptual approach.
The open spaces will have a carefully integrated, contemporary
and simple landscape treatment to provide maximum amenity
for Gallery visitors and the general public.

The sequence of defined and overlapping open spaces will
create strong connections and interrelationships between the
Gallery and the park and will be carefully developed to incorpo-
rate the proposed café and shop facilities and views to Khar-
toum Place.

As has been previously stated, the design team approach to
the project is fundamentally about the ‘making of place’. The
design will use Gallery values and aspirations, architecture,
restoration and adaptation, urban design, landscape and inte-
rior design to synthesise the making of place of a unique physi-
cal and social character.

The new building is characterised through a series of fine ‘tree-
like’ canopies that define and cover the entry forecourt, atrium
and gallery spaces. These light profiled forms ‘hover’ over the
stone-clad walls and terraces, creating a memorable image and
character closely related to the beautiful overhanging canopy
of the park trees. The concept relates to a powerful sense of
actual and potential association that accompanies this sculp-
tural gesture. The following summarises some of the potential
this concept holds for the development of the design:

The roof and roof support occurs as a series of tree-like

•

structures collectively forming a metaphorical forest
The protection of the over-arching roof represents the
inclusiveness and openness of an emerging culture and
emphasizes the importance and power of the landscape
form
The architectural forest links the Gallery with the existing
buildings (classical references and rhythm), with the real-
ity of modern urban space (terraces) and with Albert Park
(extension of the tree canopy into the Gallery)
The tree canopy metaphor represents the freedom for cul-
tural endeavour as represented by open space and land-
scape
Co-joining of park and the Gallery project through terrac-
ing and articulating at the scale of the park
The roof is a highly visible, emblematic overarching form
that unifies the new Gallery project as it extends from be-

•

tween the Gallery heritage fabric to the park

At ground level, where design meets the street and land-
scape
At the general massing level, where the scale and extent
of the new building is appropriately proportioned to com-
plement the existing buildings and adjacent spaces
And, at the roof level, where the idea culminates and is
applied in detail to the massing concept

•

Following these ideas and the overall principle of the composi-
tion the design concept can be rationalised at three levels:

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3 . 2 B U I L D I N G F O R M

The integrity of the heritage building will be strengthened
through the clear geometric relationship and contrast with the
new works. The building is articulated into a series of ‘extruded
parts’ which ‘slip in’ between the heritage buildings and relate to
the existing trees along the northern edge. This “extruded parts”
approach reduces the visual bulk of the new development to
respect the scale and quality of the existing heritage buildings,
and focuses attention on the various distinctive parapets, clock
tower and lantern which provide the distinguished character of
these important heritage buildings.

Kitchener Street

ellesley Street

Albert Park

Khartoum Place

N G A W A W ATA

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N G A W A W ATA

3 . 3 P L A T F O R M & T E R R A C E S

The proposed concept design focuses on creating ‘place’, a rich
sequence of sun-lit, landscaped elements as public platforms
and terraces that are defined and characterised through the
considered juxtaposition of landscape and buildings. This
new public domain will be a focus within the city’s cultural
Precinct and will form an active place of gathering, informal
exchange, display and learning. A fundamental consideration
for the concept design is to create a public facility at the heart
of Auckland City that unifies, welcomes and orientates visitors
to the Gallery. An important component of the development will
be the integration of landscape and art to accentuate, define
and articulate the new precinct.

This landscaped amenity will therefore provide an appropriate
identity for the Auckland Art Gallery, and also gather the precinct
into a cohesive public context, and reinforce and reveal the
significance of the city’s built heritage. The landscape has
been considered as an integrated element of the urban and
architectural design. The creation of a new forecourt and public
spaces and reinterpreting the topography of the immediate
sloping site as a series of platforms and terraces is at the
heart of the conceptual approach. The open spaces will be
a contemporary interpretation of strongly defined landscape
character. The open spaces will have carefully integrated simple
landscape treatments to provide maximum amenity for the
public and visitors. The sequence of defined and overlapping
open spaces will create a strong connection and interrelation
between Gallery and park. These sun-lit open spaces will be
carefully developed to incorporate the proposed cafe and shop
facilities and also offer views back to Khartoum Place.

Kitchener Street

ellesley Street

Albert Park

Khartoum Place

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3 . 4 R O O F C O N C E P T

D E V E L O P M E N T

The roof form has developed to present an overarching and
unifying design element that strongly connects the building with
the surrounding park and the adjacent and enclosing heritage
buildings. The elevated and floating volumetric roof module
responds to the adjoining natural land profile and the volumetric
heritage building roof profile allowing an homogenising space
to flow between.

The roof canopy soffit cladding is potentially made from natural
materials folded into organic geometric forms and supported
on slender profiled shafts. These emblematic forms will give a
unique identity and image to the Gallery that is inspired by the
natural landscape of the site.

While the hovering roof canopies draw on natural forms, they
are also closely related to the scale, proportions and detail of
the architecture of the existing Gallery. A careful study of the
relative dimensions, proportions and alignments has determined
the final form and positioning of the new elements to create
a complement with the proud turn-of-the century architecture
of the original Gallery. This close relationship between new
and existing is developed through the precision of detailing at
the interface and, in particular, with careful insertion of new
elements.

Below the hovering canopies of the new Gallery a great
transparency is created to allow views through, into and out
of the Gallery circulation and display spaces into the green
landscape of Albert Park. In this way the Gallery will ‘open’ to
the park and public spaces in an inviting and engaging gesture
of welcome.

The distinctive roof profiles have been developed as a series of

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4,050

5,300

4,050

New roof edge

New louvre edge

Cues taken from
existing heritage building

varying elements specifically related to their position within the
project, creating an undulating surface of curved and tapered
forms. The entry canopy elements have been profiled and
positioned to relate to the specific cornice height and profiles
of the adjacent existing building, the central profiles are paired
and mirrored to create a ceiling to the atrium and gallery, and
the eastern profile towards the park are of smaller scale and
dimension to relate to the adjacent tree canopies.

Not-withstanding these variations the roof canopies are
a repetitive modular series to maximise the benefits of
prefabrication and repetition. The highly visible curved soffit
profiles are lined with panels bent to the alignments over
plywood forms as a series of factory produced panels. These
are supported on a steel frame with a membrane roof over to
minimise maintenance. The membrane roof will be protected
by a horizontal screen. The gravity, lateral and seismic loads
are addressed without the need for highly visible tie-downs and
braces to maintain lightness of appearance.

The roof profile will be among the most distinctive features of
the new building, creating a powerful new image for the Gallery
that is unique and yet also sensitively related to the park
landscape and the heritage architecture.

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3 . 5 T A N G A T A W H E N U A

A preliminary design consultation process was initiated with
the Gallery’s Maori Advisory Group, Haerewa, Auckland City
Councils Maori Advisory Group, Pae Herenga Tangata, and
Tangata Whenua representatives from Ngati Whatua. The
meetings focussed on generating cultural dialogue that would
determine the cultural interpretation of the design proposals and
identify key design components that would be incorporated into
the design to allow for key cultural functions to be performed in
the order traditionally required.

A series of consultation meetings with Ngati Whatua
representatives have defined an appropriate interpretation of
the new Gallery form based on traditional Tangata Whenua
beliefs. It was identified that the arboreal metaphor, which
informs the roof design concept, has an additional potency at a
local level. The form of the proposed hovering canopies to the
entry spaces of the Gallery could be designed to have a strong
cross-cultural reading appropriate to New Zealand.

The objective would be to design the roof canopies, support
structures and terrace walls to evoke a series of local readings
through use of materials and colour that engender a sense of
locally inspired richness in the building fabric.

The key concept that was discussed drew from the ancestal
story of Tane Mahuta. The tree-like columns and hovering
canopies protecting the entry atrium are a powerful evocation
of the forest that was pervasive in the landscape prior to the
city developing and have the power to recall the image of the
kauri tree. According to Ngati Whatua tradition, the forest is the
source of the creative spirit. Works of art and craftsmanship
come from the force and influence of the forest. The entry
structure, sculptural canopy and tactile materiality of the
envisaged finishes create a strong portal for entering into a
creative cultural realm celebrating art.

Other significant design features such as stone walls, the
presence of water, the interior colour palette and material
finishes are also being investigated for opportunities to support
the overarching Kaupapa through drawing the inspiration of
Maori artistic traditions, styles and forms.

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3 . 6 A T R I U M & E N T R Y

Terminating the important vista from Khartoum Place will be an
entry forecourt and a grand transparent atrium gallery of the
new building, within which artworks can be displayed not only
to the visitors to the Gallery, but also to all those who walk along
Khartoum Place or Kitchener Street. This exciting display of
work is on the scale and drama of the city and will characterise
the open, inviting and vibrant nature of the new Auckland Art
Gallery. The view of the tree canopy will also filter through to
the atrium, allowing a strong visual connection through to the
park from Khartoum Place.

An atrium is also introduced to the south, opening up the
original north-east facade of the original Gallery building. The
East Gallery will be restored and integrated within the new
Gallery spaces and will also be clearly visible from the park.

Public access, circulation and movement into and through the
Gallery will be clear, logical and stimulating. A rectangular loop
path delineates the junction between the new Gallery and the
original building to the west and the interface with the park to the
east. At the north and south ends of the loop are atrium spaces
vertically connecting gallery floors. From the forecourt, visitors
move through into the Gallery entry lobby where ticketing, coat
check and the shop are located. From here one moves directly
into the grand northern atrium which connects all gallery levels
and provides clear orientation and direction. The southern
atrium occurs at the other end of the circulation loop and also
interconnects gallery levels and provides circulation flexibility.

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3 . 6 A T R I U M & E N T R Y

The entry sequence into the Gallery follows a progression from
the street under a generous and welcoming canopy through
into a lower foyer for ticketing, coat-check and orientation, to
emerge via a broad stair into the large daylit atrium. It is both a
very dramatic and functional arrangement.

The forecourt entry canopy provides a large protected
gathering space directly off Kitchener Street, providing a
strong welcoming gesture to Khartoum Place and from both
north and south of Kitchener Street itself. From within this
forecourt, access is available directly into the foyer of the
Gallery via revolving doors. There is also an entrance directly
into the Gallery shop which gives flexibility of operation to this
important retail function.

The layout and design of the entry foyer space has been
developed to address the detailed requirements of visitor
management and information. The broad reception desk and
wide foyer area provide for easy visitor assistance, orientation,
queuing and gathering. The Gallery shop is provided with an
extensive glazed ‘shopfront’ to the foyer to maximise exposure
while allowing appropriate management and security. Visitors
will be drawn from towards the south eastern side of the foyer
through the presence of natural light and a panoramic view
opening into the atrium from the generous void over the main
public stair. At this point a large vertical space extends to the
ceiling of the atrium inviting visitors up into the central atrium,
of the Gallery.

N G A W A W ATA

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SITE BOUNDAR

12,008

7,450

4,820

8,270

6,470

LIBRARY
BEYOND

EXISTING CONT

OUR

SITE BOUNDAR

ALBERT PARK

FOYER ARRIVAL

ATRIUM

AMPHITHEATRE

The central atrium will be a memorable and dramatic space.
The upper levels of the atrium have been set back to open the
view and space towards the ceiling profiles that characterise
the Gallery. The extensive point-supported glazing visually
extends the atrium out into the entry forecourt and street as
well as back through to the park beyond. This transparency
is balanced with large ‘suspended’ display walls that provide
surface for the display of works of art and the projection of
images. The atrium provides a central orientation and display
space for the visitor, connecting the various levels of the Gallery
through a suspended stair projecting towards the street. It also
appears as a glazed ‘display case’ to the street, making visible
major installations and the day-to-day activities of the Gallery.

The developed design will address key planning and technical
issues associated with the atrium design. The planning issues
include, the refinement of detailed layouts to accommodate
temporary and permanent exhibitions, functions and function
support acccess, temporary gallery shutdown, ticketing and
merchandising. Technical issues requiring development include
environmental condition control between the atrium and the
galleries, control of air movement in the atrium, acoustic issues,
the control of heat gain and the ingress of direct sunlight.

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3 . 6

A T R I U M

E N T R Y

Connection between Albert Park, Gallery & Khartoum Place

As identified in the project brief and as subsequently reinforced
by the Urban Design Panel the connection between Khartoum
Place and the entrance to the Gallery entry and Park beyond is
important. The following principles have been developed:

Gallery forecourt aligned to Khartoum Place
Transparent Atrium allows views through to park from
Khartoum Place and vice versa
Activate access and pedestrian route on the northern
edges
Coordinated approach to Gallery external works and
Khartoum Place up-grade.
Sheltering of external spaces with projecting roof forms
Strong threshold experience into park via new steps
between stone walls

•
•

•

•
•

Window to the Park

SECTION 1

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FFL 38750

Indicative Sightlines from Khartoum Place

Window to rear of gallery

SECTION 1

ALBER

INDICATIVE SIGHTLINES FROM KHARTOUM PLACE

KHARTOUM PLACE

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3 . 7 F A C A D E

The design of the Gallery has developed as a series of
platforms and associated walls integrated with the topography
and character of the park, stepping with the contours of the
land. Hovering above these ‘terraces’ is the sculptured form of
the roof canopy. Between these ‘planes’ are glazed surfaces
that provide transparency and reduce the perceived bulk of the
building. The combination of these elements gives a lightness
and openness to the Gallery building nestling within the park
under a distinctive and exciting roof profile that echoes the
organic form of the surrounding trees. The Gallery is given
a powerful and memorable image, inspired by the unique
character of the site.

The proposed podium terraces and walls are to be of rough
coursed stone relating to the natural landform of the park. These
masonry surfaces will have a linear ‘grain’ and run directly into
the landscape. The integration of these elements with the park
is reinforced through the introduction of landscaping of the
terrace and balustrade areas.

The glazed surfaces above the stone walls, including the glazed
surfaces of the atrium maximise transparency and openness
under the protection of the overhanging roof. These glazed
areas are point-supported glass with fine fixings and detail.

North Elevation

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West Elevation

East Elevation