Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Art Gallery - A True Piece of Art

Once was a library, then part of its building was devoted to the Gallery, the door was officially opened to public on 17 February 1888. One hundred years on from opening day, the Gallery had taken over the entire building – and significantly added to it. During that time three extensions were added.

This week, I decided to have a lunch break at the Gallery cafe and re-visit the building. The Toi o Tāmaki is an extensive public project that includes the restoration and adaption of heritage buildings, a new building extension, and the redesign of adjacent areas of Albert Park.

"The architecture has developed from a concept that relates as much to the organic natural forms of the landscape as it does to the architectural order and character of the heritage buildings" (Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Art Gallery / FJMT + Archimedia, 2013).

During this visit, I spent some time to observe and study the design of the extensions. The new addition is characterised by a number of tree-like canopies to cover the forecourt, atrium and gallery areas. According to the architects, the lights 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 to assembled from selected Kauri trees, geometric shapes were carefully crafted. It is truely unique in my opinion. These additions and its elements are designed to incorporate its surroundings well, like the nearby Albert Park. I also appreciate the use of glass throughout, it gives the illusion as you are in the exterior, it also give full visibility to Albert park.

In conclusion, this visit to the Auckland Art Gallery from the eyes of a spatial design student was somewhat different compared to a few years back. I was able to relate my own design thinking and practise to the architecture. Additionally, the coffees and foods were surprisingly nice too.