Culture and travel centre : cultural and functional diversity

Abstract

Expression of Cultural diversity The focus of this research is the design of a Culture and Travel Centre in Auckland, in order to explore how architecture can represent cultural diversity. The Centre will provide a permanent venue for various cultural groups in Auckland when they wish to host an event. It is also a platform to bring together travelers and Auckland people through various cultural activities, and attract more visiting travelers to Auckland’s waterfront environment.

This research investigates the precedents of multi-cultural architecture on their spatial and conceptual qualities. The relationships between multi-cultural space and multi-functional space have been explored in order to enable quite different activities to take place in a single building, as well as for different cultural groups to express themselves. An extensive process of sketching, drawing and digital modeling was used to define, explore and interpret the spatial, functional and structural possibilities. This led to a design outcome which is based on the idea of a single super-block structure which encloses an array of movable, telescopic units which frame a very large central hall. This arrangement enables efficient and safe staging for several different uses – exhibitions, performance and social functions – of any size – small, medium, large – at any time, as well as being an expression of cultural identity by extensive use of media technology. Project site: Wynard Quarter Waterfront, Auckland.