Description:

The design for the Museum is inspired by forgotten heritage, subsequent of colonization and reclaimed land. Inspired from the industrial ruins of the site. In direct contrast to the natural beauty that is Otepoti, the goal for the museum was to complement and enhance these aspects. Situated on reclaimed land, a result of colonization in the late 1840’s, the site is an empty parking lot, a loss of Kaitiakitanga. What would have been natural shoreline and hapu is now an industrial waste site.

Hotere, being a Māori artist was an interesting starting point, his work expressed views and concerns about the state of the world and spoke on various controversial topics. However, his work to the naked eye appears aesthetically beautiful. The initial driving force. Hotere use of organic materials and minimalism to create emotive and provocative art. When researching, it became apparent Hotere’s upbringing shaped his mindset as to how he wished to be perceived through his success. Hotere wished not to be labelled as a ‘Māori’ artist, instead wishing to be applauded for his success alone. This has a direct correlation to suppression and anguish of Māori culture within New Zealand. In order to complement Hotere’s outlook, it was essential to deliver the same result; rather than attempting to appropriate the Māori culture, it was necessary to instill the values in the program of the building.

The museum follows a direct East/West Axis which allows Māori spirits to pass through the site free of disruptions. Further accentuated by a channel in the site which allows the users to make a visual connection between the current state of the site and what would have been. The façade meant the ground floor follows an installation style approach which connects the site to the surrounding natural world and limits penetrations. As per traditional Māori Marae planning, the atrium acts as the crucial circulating space, (what would be the Marae on a traditional site) the purpose of this area is to increase social interaction and inter-personal relationships. Much like the hierarchy of a traditional Marae, the museum typology is similar. Everything of significant importance is central to the atrium, whilst the West End of the building, nearest to the future hospital build, receives the last hours of sun during the winter months. The ‘Dining Room’ is situated on the second story, as are all the permanent exhibition spaces. In Māori culture, elderly are incredibly respected within their community, I wished to complement this, so the entirety of the building is accessible.

Similar to Hotere’s approach, the use of industrial materials not only compliments the artist's work, but also reflects the nature of the site. Materials and components such as recycled brick, harsh concrete, Corten, steel, U beams as furniture and door frames, upcycled benches and streetlamps create a harsh yet seemingly beautiful and atmospheric environment. Through removing everything surplus to requirement the result is a thoroughly considered built environment that highlights and enhances experience through varying scales in contrast to raw materials.