Provocative preservation

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How to integrate new architectural design with derelict heritage buildings to encourage contribution to the functioning fabric of urban centres?

Urban heritage buildings which have become disused present a major architectual challenge. How can they be rejuvenated and re-integrated as a functioning part of the modern city fabric? This project set out to investigate how architectural design which encourages and contributes to the functioning fabric of an urban centre while preserving its historic heritage can be applied to a selected building and surroundings. The project begins by investigating conservation and reuse theory from the nineteenth century onward, followed by the study of applications of conservation and adaptation in contemporary projects that deal with heritage and disused buildings. The site selected to test the critical assessment of theories and practical application through design is Mercury Theatre and the Norman Ng building located on Mercury Lane and Karangahape Road in central Auckland. A full analysis was undertaken taking account of the historical context, future city planning, environmental context and including an analysis of the building with special consideration of heritage values.