Future of the past : the place of adaptive reuse in revitalizing a historic church

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How can adaptive reuse be applied to a historic church in Auckland CBD to protect the cultural and historical values of the building and improve community interaction?

ABSTRACT: The importance of conservation in architecture is to preserve the evidence of cultural development and historical values in a particular social context. The lack of awareness and attention to this often leads to a dramatic end, demolition or structural collapse. An increasing number of historic buildings are facing significant issues, and because of the lack of attention, are failing to express their cultural and architectural value to the public. Throughout different eras, architects have made steps to improve the quality and function of buildings, and consequently, this has resulted in changes to the architecture. Due to this, old buildings with architectural and cultural value gradually fall out of favour, and f a c e difficulties with their preservation.

Heritage New Zealand is taking steps to conserve historic buildings to save their heritage. Heritage buildings are often conserved but are not always well utilised by the public; and it is only when people engage with the buildings that they become aware of their historic importance. This poses a relevant question, , : is it possible for adaptive reuse to regenerate the depreciated value of the country’s heritage.

This project aims to investigate the problems faced by St. David’s Presbyterian Church in Auckland, and to take necessary action to protect the significant church. Since the church is a historic war memorial, protection of the building is essential to respect and honour the men who sacrificed their lives for their country. The project will explore an appropriate design for the adaptive reuse of the heritage building. The building will be reused and given a new programme, a performance centre, art gallery and Art-in-Residency..

Systematic research, study and analysis of the church and its social and cultural dignity will provide information on significant issues. For the required design decisions, the project explores various literature, precedents and site investigations. The design focuses on the creative integration of the old and the new, such as the incorporation of modern technology for strengthening the existing building, contemporary materials, and minimal additions are explored and applied to the building. Creating a functional building that serves the public in order to improve social bondage is required in this situation.