The master plan created a site at Freyburg wharf that was protected from those approaching, the natural elements and enhanced access to the Waitemata Harbor through views and also channels. For these reasons it became the most appropriate choice for the Archive. The site provides Auckland with the green waterfront image which is a significant part of New Zealand's identity and also gives a warm welcome to visitors arriving on cruise ships. The location also allows for welcoming activities true to New Zealand (i.e The haka and Powhiri)
STORM WATER OUTLET NATURAL EDGE INFRASTRUCTURE
NOTEABLE ARCHITECTURE
PARK SPACE
MARKETS & HOSPITALITY
"It's odd that you arrive in Auckland and you've got no idea this is the largest Polynesian city in the world," The isthmus was known to the Maori as Tamaki-makau-rau, or ‘the land desired by many’ The sheltered harbors, wide-raging fishing, fertile volcanic soils, easy waka access and portage routes made the area a highly desirable location for settlement. The presence of the Maori people living along the waters edge at what is now the CBD, can be traced back over centuries, evidence has been uncovered through numerous excavations performed down at the Auckland waterfront. Almost nothing remains today. The Port of Auckland runs along an axis of deep running history for both native Maori and settling Europeans. I has become overtime an industrial site of reclaimed land, constructing over sacred sites and covering some vital and significant parts of Auckland history. It is vital for the future of the Auckland Port to recognize the culture of the site
Te Rerenga-Oraiti Point Britomart. “leap of the survivors . Site where Ngati Whatua forces drove Te Routu o Ureia Site where taniwha (the marine guardian Ureia) would rub his body
Te To Headland Pa (”to haul up a waka”)
a few survivors. Point was demolishe to
Te Ngahuwera Maori Pa
HMNZS Ngapona
the British brig, HMS Britomart which visited auckland in 1840’s
Nga one maru o Te Huatau Sheltered bay of Huatau, an ancestor of Te Wai o hua. vstretches to Judges Bay
Te Hika a Rama
Naval base accessed by Jacobs Ladder alerted enemies and was attacked
Taurarua Horotiu
Waiatarau
Te Koranga and processing area
Te Whatu Waka mooring at mouth of Horotiu streem
The Birdcage The Rob Roy hotel, 1886,
Te Oka Maori Pa
Victoria Park Market Built in 1905 after European settlement
Te Tara Karaehe track connection Queen Street and waka landings at bottom of nelson street named after a tern bird
Te Horo Roa ”the slipping away”. Former position of a pa which slippde away and killed many people
Taurarua Point Resolution
The Maori adze are found at sites of occupation and warfare. There were many remnants of weapons found around the ports of Auckland, these daze were used not only for violence but also for the carving of wakas and many other Maori artifacts. By modeling two of many forms adze have been found, the breakdown process began and gave way to a form of architecture on the site.
To discover the form of the building, a number of possible forms were explored and from there- the best possible answer was selected. I began the process by modeling a Maori artifact - the adze - as a 2 dimensional form and exploring many transformations through the matrix process. These forms were then taken into a three dimensional shape which I could then explore as spaces and with scale. The form which was chosen gave way to a series of spaces that were reflective of the site, the heritage and allowed for the program.
“Reaching from deep history into the future� - Simon Wilson (Metro) After considering what cultural significance the site held, an archive seemed appropriate. A program which remembered Auckland culture from the beginning stages of development. An archive that held important artifacts but was also designed with the understanding of Maori history and beliefs. Reconnecting Auckland to its history. The program was to become a safe for historical artifacts to return home to lay in rest and also be appreciated in the correct way that respects beliefs yet also informs other cultures of their significance and history.
+ information centre
x1
100m2
+ entrance area
x3
50m2
+ library
x1
200m2
+ rare books
x1
50m2
+ waka library
x1
200m2
+ permanent exhibition
x1
150m2
+ temporary exhibition
x2
150m2
+ seminar room
x3
50m2
+ learning centre
x1
100m2
+ viewing deck
x1
50m2
+ private archive
x1
200m2
+ offices
x 12
7m2
Point Britomart is the former headland of the Waitemata Harbour. It was the location of a defence pa and the site of many lives, deaths, celebrations and wars. There is extensive history at the site yet today, Point Britomart in non-existent, the land has been excavated and used for the reclaimed land at the Ports of Auckland.
Constructing contours on the site at Freyburg Wharf that remember the historical land form of point britomart will create a nostalgia of what once was, and bring a piece of history back to the site. The contours allowed for a maximization of views across the harbor and also highlights the Maori's connection to the landscape. A deep thread through the culture, remembering this is vital to the identity of Auckland and our history.
The form is the combination of the three adze as seen in the following image. The program was divided into functions, interactive resources, individual Resources and commercial. Each adze, or axis, gave a location to these program groups and created a seamless flow through the building. The Tukutuku panel grid which was explored in the beginning of the process, was then placed along each of these adze axis to allow for a rule when dividing the space
The building was separated into three floors with entry at all levels. The formal entry is at the first floor and is located at the central adse, here the welcoming ceremonies will occur in traditional Maori fashion. All paths to the building arrive at this point. The basement provides entry to services - which is accessed through an underground road system. The second floor is accessed through the back of the building for those who are occupying the seminar rooms.
The structure of the archives is strong an impressive in the large spanning open spaces which it allows for. The undulating roof defines the three axis of the building and allowed for the achievement of the desired interior and exterior space.