2023 New Zealand Architecture Awards Winner
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
A significant part of Christchurch’s recovery and redevelopment after the 2011 earthquake, this building is designed to integrate with the city’s new urban sensibility. It celebrates the region’s pre-colonial and multicultural heritage and provides a strong cultural presence for local Ngāi Tahu | Ngai Tuahuriri. The project stands out for its focus on community building, rather than on being just a ‘big box’ convention centre. It offers easy access to the Avon River and creates a civic space that can host up to 2000 delegates. The design faced several constraints, notably the complex façade and seismic loading, but these were overcome through innovative and collaborative efforts. The jury praised the strong, warm timber interior and the clever management of people flow in the spaces, and deemed it a very successful piece of civic architecture.
- Practice
- Woods Bagot and Warren and Mahoney Architects Ltd in association
- Category
- Public Architecture
- Location
- Canterbury
