The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

Same as 1195576

Lecturer: Srividya Krishnamoorthy and Don
Samarasing
Student
ID
Assessment 1 – Site
Feasibility report

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Executive Summary
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is a principal public gallery which is situated in
Auckland, New Zealand. It keeps the most extensive collection for art based on national and
international piece as well as host different exhibitions for representing art. As museum has
received donation of 100 million, for maintenance and rebuilding of the gallery.
The project is established by the Auckland Government so that objective for conducting
impressive exhibition is accomplished. Thus, construction project is beginning for project in
two options. First, refurbishment of existing building and second is demolishment and
rebuilding for art gallery to enhance art buying, promotion, and workshops. However, before
proceeding towards the project construction and implementation process, it is necessary to
understand laws, rules, and compliance procedures for existing building.
As Auckland art gallery falls under the government and public domain, thus building acts
should be considered. The art gallery falls under Category I heritage building as follows
heritage laws. According to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act (2014), destruction
of a heritage building unless authority permit is illegal. Hence, refurbishment of art gallery is
quite feasible option in context of project. Hence, this site feasibility report has addressed
various laws, and legislations followed by current conditions of existing building to consider
feasible and eco-friendly option.

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Table of Contents
Executive Summary...................................................................................................................1
Introduction...................................................................................................................................3
Project Summary........................................................................................................................4
Purpose of Study.........................................................................................................................4
Background Significance for Previous Refurbishment Undertaken...........................5
Limitations.....................................................................................................................................8
Current Conditions.....................................................................................................................8
Existing Building..........................................................................................................................8
Geographical Location...........................................................................................................8
Floor Plan...................................................................................................................................9
Exterior and Interior.............................................................................................................10
Conditions................................................................................................................................14
Physical Constraints.................................................................................................................14
Compatibility Issues.............................................................................................................15
Disturbance to Surroundings............................................................................................15
Legislative Conditions...........................................................................................................16
Historic Places Trust.................................................................................................................16
Building Act.................................................................................................................................16
Temporary and permanent Construction Work......................................................17
Sustainability strategies......................................................................................................17
Nature Sustainability...............................................................................................................17
Social Sustainability.................................................................................................................18
Conclusion....................................................................................................................................18
References....................................................................................................................................20

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Introduction
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is a public gallery which is situated in Auckland,
New Zeeland. It is a very impressive art gallery collection for keeping monuments for
national and international art as well as artistic concepts. Further, hosting of international
exhibitions occurs in the art gallery understand government sanctioned programs. It is located
on hilltop inside central city area of Auckland, New Zeeland under category A heritage
building type.
Furthermore, before being an art gallery it was a public library and council office of
Auckland. Two important benefactors supported the establishment of Auckland public library
in early 1872 including Governor Sir George Grey and James Tannock Mackelvie whereas
considered second public library after year 1884 ("History and collection", n.d.). According
to the report, an American businessman offered $115 million in the year 2009 as a donation
for making changes in the current art gallery feature (Herrick, 2009). The construction was
performed in the year 2011 for refurbishment of certain building areas. In the year 2019
Kirsten Paisley was appointed director who currently operating as the chief authority of the
art gallery ("Directors", n.d.). The following image depicts the current building and modern
architecture of Auckland Art Gallery.
Figure 1. Art Gallery front gate Source (Auckland Council)
Henceforth, art gallery is quite established and conducts different national as well as
international exhibitions. Consider some examples – Sara Hughes: All My Favourite
Shapes 30 Nov 2019 — 30 Oct 2020; Living Portraits: Mata Raurangi 16 Mar 2019 — 8
Mar 2020; Love, Longing, Loss 1 Jul 2017 — 17 May 2020; The Body Reborn 2 Jun

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2018 — 13 Apr 2020; Radical Beginnings 2 Jun 2018 — 13 Apr 2020 ("Exhibition
information", n.d.). On the contrary, building as well as location is quite accessible because
areas around this place offers much crowd. For example, cafe, universities, high court, and
other important sectors are situated across it making building widely acclaimed.
Project Summary
The project summary discusses the current option for site feasibility report respectively.
Additionally, it also offers background for previous refurbishment undertaken by Auckland
Council.
Purpose of Study
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki has become a commercial area due to development of
infrastructure around the building. Hence, project is launched so that goal for more
exhibitions national and international level. In addition, two important options are provided
by Auckland council for construction site. First of all, section of café and auditorium could be
refurbished to add new element in gallery space. While, second is to demolish and build the
art gallery for promotion of art bullying, selling, promotions and workshops. The selection
for either options could be feasible if it aligns with building laws, rules, and regulations by
Auckland council.
As the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki falls under heritage building category type due to
being an ancient monument since 1887 and 1916 (Rein, 2009). Henceforth, some regulations
are applicable for building restructure and designing construction. As per heritage plan of
Auckland council, compensatory measures should be undertaken for restoration and
refurbishment so that sustainability could be maintained effectively (City of Auckland -
District Plan Central Area Section - Operative 2004, 2015). Secondly, the law is aligned to
support first option exploring heritage building development. According to Heritage New
Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act, any renovation work on a building build before 1900 requires
permission of authority from Heritage New Zeeland ("Culture and heritage protection when
building", n.d.).
As project permission is granted for option first, therefore, project construction is followed by
site feasibility analysis. The purpose of this project report will be analysis of first option of
refurbishment and upgrading of building for adding new element in gallery space.

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Background Significance for Previous Refurbishment Undertaken
In the year 1884, the gallery was created so that artistic ways could be promoted. However,
several refurbishments were undertaken since then for upgrading the building. Following
timeline is demonstrated below to gather changes made.
1884 – The city’s central library was restructured into art gallery space in the Edmiston wing
of the Auckland city art gallery.
1988 – The Auckland council proposed for design and remoulding of building by Grainger &
D'Ebro's for Free Library and Art Gallery ("Building", n.d.).
Figure 2. Design for Free library art gallery Source ("Building", n.d.).
1952 – The new art gallery was proposed and commended for changing the relocation of
place. Furthermore, as the first world war passed Mackelvie Gallery was made. Additionally,
new re-modification and opening for architecture design included mezzanine floor and
sweeping staircase (Wilson, n.d.).

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Figure 3. Sweeping Staircase Source (Wilson, n.d.)
1953 – In the year 1953 refurbishments, a sculpture court inside Mackelvie Gallery was seen
with Mezzanine Gallery.
Figure 4. Sculpture court Source (Wilson, n.d.)
1971 – The gallery’s main entry gate was shifted to north facade and Edmiston Wing opened
for the public in April 1971 (Wilson, n.d.).

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Figure 5. Edmiston Wing Source ("Building", n.d.)
1955 – The public functions were removed such as council and other features and strictly
created as an art gallery rather than government functions respectively ("Building", n.d.).
Figure 6. Building Since 1955-2011 Source ("Building", n.d.)
1983 – five-level block in the rear was designed within three stage construction process.
Stage 1 made changes on the walls design; stage 2 made changes on reference library; while,
stage 3 added passenger lift, staircase, and air conditioning plantroom (Wilson, n.d.).

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2011 – In the year 2011, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki was redeveloped effectively
incorporating fusion with canopies like structure.
Limitations
Although project research and study are apt, still some previous refurbishment processes
undertaken in previous years are difficult to gather and illustrate in this report. Therefore,
limitation of the project study is collection for exact evidence based on the research
undertaken to analyse and make judgements.
Current Conditions
The current conditions of the building will help to analyse existing building as well as
physical constraints. In addition, after analysing new improvements for site feasibility in
refurbishment could be obtained.
Existing Building
The existing building has area covered approximately 15,000 metre square feet.
Additionally, it is covered by series of tree like canopies which identify entry forecourt,
gallery areas and atrium ("Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki / FJMT +
Archimedia", n.d.). Furthermore, surroundings are covered with hotels, café, universities, and
court across existing building of art gallery. This existing building also has other features
including creative learning centre, education classroom, auditorium, research library, shops
and café ("Auckland Art Gallery…” n.d.). Hence, there are different aspects of existing
building which are measured to analyse building conditions.
Geographical Location
The geographical location is defined below with the help of google map. The art gallery
building is located at prime location with surrounding infrastructure well developed and
facility oriented.

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Figure 7. Source (Google Maps)
Floor Plan
As per the floor plan, there are three floors of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki such as
lower ground level, mezzanine floor, and ground level as per individual sitemap. On the
lower ground level, entrance courtyard is situated on same location however surrounded by
the wall of glass with canopies structure (Hopkinson & Cook, 2011). The upper floor has
effective roofs which compliments the whole art gallery effectively. On the mezzanine floor,
full length kauri vaulted roofs on the upper and sculpture court levels are designed
(Hopkinson & Cook, 2011). Henceforth, floor plan is designed by keeping entry gate at same
position but making changes on other floors.
Figure 8. Lower Ground Floor Source (Hopkinson & Cook, 2011)

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Figure 9. Ground Floor Source (Hopkinson & Cook, 2011)
Figure 10. Mezzanine Level Source (Hopkinson & Cook, 2011)
Exterior and Interior
The exterior design of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is quite impressive due to
canopies like structure. The purpose of using glazed structure is to connect the inner and
outer art with the viewers clearly ("Architecture", n.d.). Additionally, wood is used as the
primary material as well as glass is used as per the following figure. Whereas, interior design
and its shape is based on symbolic elements representing traditional Maori beliefs, history

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and culture ("Architecture", n.d.). Following figures explores the exterior and interior design
for Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki covering different aspects.
Figure 11. Exterior Design Source ("Architecture", n.d.)

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Figure 12. Interior Design Lights Source (Own Illustration)

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Figure 13. Interior Design Wall Source (Own Illustration)

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Figure 14. Interior Design Maori Culture Source (Own Illustration)
Conditions
The conditions after analysing the interior and exterior design is showcased in below table.
Four conditions are described on basis of architecture and design including very good, poor,
average, good and very good.
Very
poor
Poor Averag
e
Good Very
good
Interior 
Exterior 
Physical Constraints
The proposal demands for refurbishment of auditorium and café area so that more space for
new gallery could be gathered. However, some physical constraints will work as barriers in
the process of construction, restructure and remodelling. There are two barriers for the
current proposal upgradation process. Firstly, the construction materials and compatibility
issue for making new changes will create problems. Secondly, noise, dust and disturbance to
the surroundings is another drawback.

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Compatibility Issues
Quality in the refurbishment of project is very important concern as it affects design. One of
the considerable factors for remodelling performance failure is lack of design information
(Mokariantabari et al., 2019). Compatibility is also determined when design information is
proper followed by high quality results. The figure 15, 16 represents construction materials
used for restoring Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki in the year 2011 including wood,
glass, timber, structural stone walls, and water finishes. Besides, the form and pattern are
based on the traditional Maori culture.
It can also be noted that traditional narrative of Tane Mahuta a deity for forest as well as
Tamaki Makaurau is also incorporated for tree like structure (Auckland Design Manual for
Auckland Council, 2019). Henceforth, traditional tales of Auckland is woven in the design
and structure. This makes compatibility very difficult to follow to develop café and
auditorium areas. One of the biggest constraints is keeping the Maori culture intact while
making changes for the proposed areas by Auckland Government council.
Disturbance to Surroundings
Another concern is production of noise and dust to surrounding which affect the construction
process. The type of material uses and physical properties in materials also affects the
surrounding with negative dispersion of chemical (de Santoli, Mancini, Clemente & Lucci,
2017). As the surrounding is developed and contains several public buildings, construction
noise and dust could affect surroundings adversely.
Figure 15. Glass ceiling Source (Own Illustration)

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Figure 16. Design Floor (Own Illustration)
Legislative Conditions
Following legislative conditions will be kept into mind while proceeding for refurbishment of
certain gallery areas.
Historic Places Trust
Historic Places trust was set up in the year 1993 and launched the Historic place act by New
Zeeland government council. It states that all historic places should be kept safe whenever
remodelling of construction occurs. However, the current proposal will also be complied with
this act for historic place registration, agreement with board of trustees, Maori heritage
council, and offence exclusion. Therefore, Auckland art gallery is aligned with this law and
follows all the regulations published.
Building Act
The building act was developed in the year 2004 to protect buildings for reconstruction work
process. As per this act, regulation for building work is needed through licensing process so
that practioners could create construction after considering hazards, safety standards, and
promotion of sustainable environment. Therefore, art gallery construction will take tentative
measures to protect the heritage as well as proceeding for proposed option.

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Temporary and permanent Construction Work
The temporary construction work will be undertaken for access and storage on site such as
crane. To implement this work, authorities will be informed prior. The access facility will
keep on the necessary construction materials respectively. Additionally, workers will be able
to gather adequate resources for development of refurbished space area inside gallery.
Additionally, work safety standard will be implemented as per New Zeeland legislation. As
per health and safety in employment act 1992, Act 7 identification of hazards will be
followed by employer including existing hazards identification on construction site as well as
temporary storage unit (Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, 2015). Access and
storage is important concept due to material loading and thus hazard related to crane
implementation will be cross checked effectively.
On the contrary, for permanent construction work of curtain wall and glass work two
important concerns will be noted. As partition to create more gallery space is major concern,
hence, it is necessary to get aligned with regulations. NZS 4223.3:2016 law identifies
minimum specific requirements at time of choosing a glass material for partition process.
Additionally, this legislation will be considered by several construction industry experts like
windows manufacturers, glaziers, designers, as well as construction project managers
respectively (NZS 4223.3:2016 Glazing in buildings - Part 3: Human impact safety
requirements, 2016). The proposal considers this law and its applicability in current domain
of refurbishment to certain areas of Auckland art gallery.
Sustainability strategies
Sustainability offers a very effective mechanism for construction project to coexist and
accomplish. However, lack of sustainability impacts the natural as well as social environment
respectively. Hence, to maximize project value and minimize the impact on the natural and
social environment should taken into consideration. Following sustainability strategies will
be implemented to balance nature and society.
Nature Sustainability
Nature sustainability offers protection of surroundings from degradation of art gallery.
Furthermore, environment should be protected while construction process is occurring in a
heritage building. Henceforth, three things will be implemented to preserve nature

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sustainability so that destruction of environment due to material type or any other issue
obtained at time of refurbishment.
Waste is a concern in construction of refurbished sites because it is produced in a large
quantity. Therefore, waste management system seems a feasible solution to reduce waste
concerns. The proposal will use 3Rs principle aligned with waste management system based
on concepts of reducing, reusing and recycling. 3Rs principle will offer advantage of lower
cost in material purchase, transportation, and revenue generation from selling waste
(Bakshan, Srour, Chehab, El-Fadel & Karaziwan, 2017). Another effective implementation is
using of recycled Kauri timber used in art gallery. This Kauri timber reusability will help to
take care of natural resources, and awareness generation for using leftover timber rather than
newer one (Woodward, 2019). Hence, it is necessary to implement waste management
system with 3Rs principle. Lastly, solar panels will be considered due to effective tool for
saving energy and reducing carbon footprint. As construction process leaves carbon footprint,
it is important to use solar panel for saving nature and sustainability accomplishment.
Social Sustainability
Social sustainability could be gained so that viewers coming to watch the art gallery and
exhibition could be impressed. Hence, for obtaining social sustainability, collaborative
process could be adopted by implementing new practises for transition of social ecology into
a desirable pathway respectively (Pereira, Karpouzoglou, Frantzeskaki & Olsson, 2018). In
other words, traditional approach could be followed for the visitors who are fond of
exhibition. One of the examples includes, insertion of Maori arts into the gallery section for
showing traditional concepts. The arts of Maori culture representation will showcase viewers
that gallery supports and respect their tradition. Second is serving Maori food to the viewers
after exhibition is completed. This new practise will impress them for visiting more and more
exhibitions at art gallery. Therefore, for social sustainability Auckland Government Council
should incorporate these features effectively.
Conclusion
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is a renowned and a very impressive art gallery.
However, as per the government council refurbishment or demolishment for certain sections
are asked. Two options were offered including refurbishment of cafe and auditorium to create
more gallery space. Second option was complete demolition of infrastructure created since
the year 2011. Still, the first option was more feasible and thus proposed so that more gallery

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space could be obtained. Besides, it also aligned with building laws and regulations in the
Auckland council guide.
The existing building was developed in the year 1884 which went through different
refurbishments. However, from 1983 to 2011 the same building was working for an art and
exhibition organisation. Again, changes were made in 2011 and Moari woven tale could be
seen in building design. It was identified that the current condition as well as interior/exterior
is completely high quality and shows the traditional culture. This produces two constraints,
for example, noise and material barriers which could hamper restructuring.
Besides, certain legislative conditions could also hamper the building refurbishment process.
Hence, it was important to analyse all the acts and their alignment as well as support the final
outcome. The temporary construction work undertaken will be to support work safety and
crane for loading of materials. As the separation for creating more space is the main
objective, implementation of curtain walls is also taken into consideration. To make the
process sustainable, the social and natural environment will be protected through four
techniques including waste management system, use of recycled Kauri timber, solar panels,
and inserting Maori culture. Therefore, the purpose of this proposal could be fulfilled if
aligned properly with regulations of building refurbishment.

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Morehen Thorp | Archello. Retrieved 13 February 2020, from
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archimedia
Auckland Design Manual for Auckland Council. (2019). Toi o Tamaki Public Art Gallery
(pp. 1-11). Auckland: Auckland Council. Retrieved from
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https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/about/building
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https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/visit/education-groups/exhibition-information

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