The award-winning Tūranga is a landmark building in Christchurch’s rebuild, culturally and architecturally. Reaching out well beyond its footprint – to the surrounding city and landscape, building on Ngāi Tūāhuriri’s narrative through important navigational reference points – it expresses the principle of whakamanuhiri, of welcoming in guests.
The inclusive, light-filled space of the ground floor extends the civic space of the square and connects through to the performing arts precinct, while the generous central stairway invites the public inwards and upwards towards knowledge, an ascent that is accentuated by the ‘Harry Potter’ staircases. Roomy, connective and alive, the building flows from the dynamic lower floors to the slower, more reflective and compact upper floors.
Publicly accessible restrooms; wheelchair/walking aid/pram accessible; service animals allowed; child friendly
ARCHITECT
Architectus & Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects with Ngāi Tūāhuriri & Matapopore, 2018