The unique idea for the Museum was designed by fjcstudio in affiliation with Evatt Martin Architects and DesignTribe. Architectus was engaged following the appointment of design and construct contractor Naylor Love.
“Conceptually, Te Unua consists of a rectilinear quantity divided into three components and organized on an east-west axis,” says venture architect Kelly Clark. “A diagonal axis acknowledges the Tākitumu ranges to the north-west and Ruapuke Island to the south-east.”
Render provided
The design of the constructing was developed in collaboration with mana whenua to make sure that mātauranga Kāi Tahu is intrinsically built-in within the idea. The type of Te Unua, the double hulled waka, is prominently represented within the open, glazed lobby area, which sits between the 2 distinct types of the Exhibition Corridor and the Pavilion constructing.
“The sacred waka Tākitumu introduced settlers to Aotearoa, and Ruapuke Island is one among three places the place Kāi Tahu signed the Treaty of Waitangi,” explains DesignTribe’s Rau Hoskins. “The clear central hyperlink aspect references the creation story of Te Ara-a-Kiwa (The Path of Kiwa/Foveaux Strait), whereby the isthmus connecting Murihiku and Rakiura was chewed by means of by a whale named Kewa.”
The 1400m2 Exhibition Corridor contains versatile areas for non permanent and touring reveals and a everlasting immersive expertise set up sharing the story of Southland, whereas the japanese Pavilion accommodates reception and retail features and a north-facing café opening onto the gardens. An higher degree options an schooling area and group rooftop terrace, with an exterior stair connecting it to floor degree.
Museum Director Eloise Wallace says the venture, attributable to open in 2027, is on observe to be the primary museum in Aotearoa to attain 4 Star Greenstar certification.
