BOOK REVIEW Pictured at the launch, from left Dr Nigel Issacs, Senior Lecturer Victoria University School of Architecture, publication author Geoff Mew, and HNZPT Chief Executive, Andrew Coleman.
Architects at the Apex Architects at the Apex: The top 50 in New Zealand 1840-1940, a new publication on architecture in New Zealand, looks at the architects behind some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s best-known buildings. WORDS AND IMAGES: David Watt
There are many books about architecture in Aotearoa New Zealand, but Geoff Mew’s new book, Architects at the Apex, is also about the architects themselves. Fifty of the most well-known architects who made their mark in the first 100 years of European settlement are featured. “This publication has been designed to provide new information relative to New Zealand architectural studies from a different standpoint to those previously published. It combines biographical information with significant pictures of changing architectural styles and practices over an important period of growth of colonial architecture and the transition towards modernism,” says Geoff. Our Chief Executive, Andrew Coleman, was delighted that Antrim House, home to the national office of Heritage New Zealand, was chosen for the launch of the publication. “We are the lead heritage agency for Aotearoa New Zealand, and it is very appropriate that we have the opportunity to support the aims of this research work and the significant new values that it brings to heritage research and the architects who have made their mark in our country.”
Geoff Mew and Adrian Humphries, have given to this work, is as good as it gets.” He said the selection of the top 50 architects will undoubtedly be controversial. “But then architecture has always courted controversy. Yesterday’s ‘concrete monstrosities’ are today’s heritage, evoking memories (not always good) of the times in which they were created.” He observes that these architects brought imagination to the streetscapes of New Zealand, incorporating the latest in international thinking, not just design fads but ideas which created more usable and comfortable buildings. “This is an up-to-date reference text which will remain a valuable source of knowledge,” says Nigel. Published by Ngaio Press, the book is available from the author, at geoffmew@xtra.co.nz for $59.95 plus $6 postage. n
Dr Nigel Isaacs, Senior Lecturer at Victoria University Wellington School of Architecture, who launched the publication, is also warm in his praise. “The attention to detail and scholarship that RAUMATI • SUMMER 2021
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