City shaping amenity deeply anchored through place and culture

Te Pae - Christchurch Convention Centre

Convention centres present a singular design challenge. Historically they have been large, closed off spaces in prominent urban locations that consume rather than contribute culture. For a city finding its identity after the devastating earthquakes, the design of Te Pae needed to deliver much, much more.
The ancestral bones of the Ngāi Tahu people are in this land. Across the rebuilt city, the new Ōtautahi (Christchurch) reflects both its Ngāi Tahu and European history. Māori language, art, and stories are recognised and celebrated like never before.
Puamiria Parata-Goodall - Cultural Design Advisor
The design embeds craft, cultural meaning, and—critically—a sensitivity to the place of Ngāi Tahu / Ngāi Tuahuriri
Many convention centers look and feel like small airports—long corridors, devoid of natural light, crammed with signs, screens, and people. Te Pae is different. The pathways are full of natural light and look out to all sides.
The braided river concept is continued inside, with fluid and organic forms defining entryways and revealing framed views of the surrounding context.
All the ‘big box’ functionality is drawn into the center of the site. Pulling these requirements away from the building’s edges to have fantastic views out to the Ōtākaro Avon River and all-around to Cathedral Square. 
The project is a testament to the team’s ability to create a functional convention centre that remains deeply anchored within its place, offering an immersive experience for all who enter.
NZIA Architecture Awards Jury

Collective Effort

Collective Effort

Peter Marshall
Consulting Principal
Christchurch
Daryl Maguire
Executive Team, Principal
Melbourne
Sebastien Gapinski
Associate Principal
Melbourne
Iain Nicholls
Senior Associate
Christchurch
Hayley Fisher
Executive Team, Principal
Christchurch
Stephanie Hamilton
Associate
Christchurch
Awards
2024 - The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design / The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies International Architecture Awards - Civic Centre Winner 2023 World Architecture Festival — Completed Buildings - Culture - Shortlisted 2023 New Zealand Institute of Architects Award - Canterbury Architecture Award — Public 2022 Property Council New Zealand Award - Civic, Arts + Health Property Award 2022 NZ Commercial Project Awards — National Category Winner/Gold - Civic

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