Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Tree-like canopies
The new building is characterised by a series of fine tree-like canopies that define and cover the entry forecourt, atrium and gallery areas. These light, profiled forms are inspired by the adjacent canopy of Pōhutukawa trees and “hover” over the stone walls and terraces that reinterpret the natural topography of the site. The ceilings of the canopies are assembled from carefully selected Kauri, profiled into precise geometric patterns and supported on slender and tapering shafts. These emblematic forms give the gallery a unique identity that is inspired by the natural landscape of the site.
Openness and transparency
Between the stepped stone podium and hovering canopies, an openness and transparency is created to allow views through, into and out of the gallery circulation and display spaces and into the green landscape of Albert Park. In this way the gallery opens to the park and adjoining public spaces in an inviting and engaging gesture of welcome.
The entry sequence
The entry sequence into the gallery follows a progression from the street forecourt, under a generous and welcoming canopy, through into a lower foyer to emerge via a broad stair into the large, light-filled atrium. The atrium provides a central orientation and display space for all visitors. Gallery circulation extends from the main atrium in a clear series of loops interconnecting all gallery spaces via the smaller southern atrium that mediates the junction with the existing Wellesley Wing.
Exhibition spaces
A diverse range of exhibition spaces and rooms are created, both fixed and flexible, formal and informal, heritage and contemporary, naturally lit and artificially lit, open and closed, high spaces and lower spaces.
Integrated Cultural Artworks
‘Kia Ita, Tupu Te Maramatanga, Te Taumata and Nau Ka Toro, Ka Toro’ Gallery Thresholds by Lonnie Hutchinson
‘Te Waka Toi o Tāmaki’ Stone Waka Huia by Fred Graham
‘He Aha Te Wa – Moments in Time’ Three Canopy Columns by Arnold Manaaki Wilson and Anthony Wilson
Explore the architecture (galleries) and interiors of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
Quotes
| Chris Saines | Former Director, Auckland Art Gallery |
“With more than 100,000 visitors through the doors, the positive response to the new Auckland Art Gallery has been overwhelming. The elegant and sensitive re-integration of the Gallery’s extant heritage buildings, and the materiality, attention to detail and design quality of its new additions, beautifully conceived in relation to the city and the park, is winning plaudits from even the toughest critics. More importantly still, Aucklanders have immediately taken back real ownership of their Gallery, feeling a renewed sense of pride in its place of honour in their city. FJMT+Archimedia have added something timeless and immensely valuable to Auckland – a building of undoubted integrity that is a perfect fit with its intended purpose.” |
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Awards
| 2013 | World Architecture Festival | World Building of the Year | |
| 2013 | World Architecture Festival | Completed Buildings, Culture, winner | |
| 2013 | INSIDE Festival | Culture category winner | |
| 2012 | Australian Institute of Architects | Jørn Utzon Award for International Architecture | |
| 2012 | New Zealand Institute of Architects | New Zealand Architecture Medal | |
| 2012 | RIBA | International Award | |
Press
| 18 Mar 2015 | ArchDaily | AD Interviews: Richard Francis-Jones / FJMT | |
| 18 Nov 2013 | ArchDaily | Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Art Gallery / FJMT + Archimedia | |
| 15 Oct 2013 | Dezeen | “We wanted to make a building that is embedded in New Zealand culture” | |
| 7 Oct 2013 | ArchDaily | World Building of the Year: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki / FJMT + Archimedia | |
| 4 Oct 2013 | Dezeen | Auckland Art Gallery wins World Building of the Year 2013 | |
| 4 Oct 2013 | e-architect | Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki | |
| 4 Oct 2013 | Inhabitat | Gorgeous Auckland Art Gallery Scoops Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival | |
| 2013 | Architecture Now | Richard Francis-Jones: Gallery of ideas | |
| 2 Nov 2012 | ArchitectureAU | 2012 National Architecture Awards: Jørn Utzon Award | |
| 21 Jun 2012 | ArchDaily | RIBA International Award Winners Announced | |
| 28 Oct 2011 | ArchitectureAU | Auckland Art Gallery addition | |
