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of design studios created from previously under-used back
stage areas for Toi Whakaari's growing Design for Stage
and Screen Department.
A vital consideration for this previously introverted structure
that underwent an initial internal conversion for the co-located
Schools of Dance and Drama in 1996, was maximising natural
light and ventilation. A secondary objective was to use
the new north wall penetrations to reveal to the Newtown/Mt
Cook neighbourhood some of the vibrancy of the activities
which abounds within.
Connected internally with the Plaza Via a new suspension
bridge, the conversion included three studios, a workshop,
exhibitions space, and an office, as well as a secure archive
for the Nola Miller Library, inserted over two levels in
the lofty former Winter Show buildings, which date from
1929.
Aonui Architecture has previously designed an new Costume
Workshop for Toi Whakaari and prepared a 10 year strategic
development plan for the whole site, based on Richard Wright's
analysis
of the functional problems of the building, and confirmed
by a Probe
Study (Post-Occupancy Review of Buildings and their
Engineering) undertaken as part of a British research project
under the Partners in Innovation scheme.
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