Register: OCT/30/2018, Submit: OCT/30/2018, Eligibility: Students and young professionals (under 40) of areas related to architecture, architecture teaching institutions; individually, (multidisciplinary) teams up to 4 members, Fee: 20 NZD (New Zealand dollar) (about 14 USD) (until AUG/30/2018); 30 NZD (about 21 USD) (AUG/31 – OCT/30/2018); 500 NZD (about 353 USD) institution registration (for unlimited number of teams); 10 NZD (about 7 USD) teams from developing countries, Awards: 1st Prize 1,500 NZD (about 1,058 USD), 2nd Prize 1,000 NZD (about 705 USD), 3rd Prize 500 NZD (about 353 USD), 5 Honorable Mentions
ADEDU is hosting a competition seeking ideas for a Creative Exhibition Centre in Wellington (New Zealand). This single-stage competition aims to find the best proposal for a site in the heart of Oriental Parade in Wellington. Entries to the competition should provide an idea for the redesign of the band rotunda, a site with a rich history and a unique, semi-circular projection out onto the harbour. Like any good New Zealand city, Wellington had a band rotunda erected on the waterfront for free musical performances. In the nineteenth century, a bathing pavilion was built on the site with a second floor subsequently added to the original art-deco structure in the late twentieth century which, until recently, accommodated a restaurant.
After an earthquake in 2016, a crack in the foundation of the building indicated that the added floor was too heavy for the original design. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the pavilion has played many roles, housing changing rooms, public meeting rooms, teaching rooms, a restaurant, and an art gallery.
The question now for Wellington city councillors and planners is whether to restore the building to its original design or to create a brand new structure that honours the site’s history but more appropriately expresses the spirit of the 21st century.
WELLINGTON CITY
Wellington sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on the surrounding hills.
As the nation’s capital since 1865, the New Zealand Government’s Parliament, Supreme Court and most of the civil service are located in the city. Despite being much smaller than Auckland, Wellington is also referred to as New Zealand’s cultural capital. The city is home to the National Archives, the National Library, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, numerous theatres, and two universities. Architectural sights include the Government Building-one of the largest wooden buildings in the world- as well as the iconic Beehive.
One of the world’s most liveable cities, the 2014 Mercer Quality of Living Survey, ranked Wellington 12th in the world.
THE SITE – ORIENTAL BAY BAND ROTUNDA
The site of this competition is located at the heart of Oriental Parade, one of the most beautiful and popular streets in Wellington. The area of the site is about 530 m2 with a semi-circular shape projecting into Wellington Harbour.
A bathing pavilion was built on the site in the nineteenth century. A second floor was subsequently added to the original art-deco structure in the late twentieth century which until recently accommodated a restaurant. After an earthquake in 2016, a crack in the foundation of the building indicated that the added floor was too heavy for the original design. City councilors and planners question whether we should bring the building back to its original design, or if we would be better off to create a new structure that expresses the spirit of our time. Creative and innovative proposals both the design of the new structure and for the use of the site are encouraged in this competition.
NEW BUILDING PROGRAM
Participants are encouraged to propose not only new form, but also new functions for the Band Rotunda. An area of approximately 530 m2 could accommodate a variety of cultural or communal activities, however, there are some fixed requirements from the City Council for the new building:
- Community rooms: 100 m2
- Public toilets: 30 m2
- Open public space: easy to access
- Height limitation: less than 10 m above street level
Website: adedu.co.nz
