TE TOI UKU

Preserving the iconic Crown Lynn Heritage

Year: 2016

Site: New Lynn, Auckland

Tutor: Patrick Loo

The project Te Toi Uku is a collaborative design proposal for a museum to house the historical Crown Lynn collection, proposed with group member known as MERPA* located in the suburban community area of New Lynn. This design was a challenge of integrating civic project within the residential area of the community as well as preserving the historical significance of the site . Revolving around the site's shape, the design of the museum focused on the idea of a rationalized circulation, experienced by unique "x" atrium splitting four main elevated sections revealing the heart of the atrium, which displays the museum's preserved kiln which used to create the famous Crown Lynn ceramics. The brick-patterned perforated copper facade pays an homage to the dominant material of the locality of the museum and the kiln. The design was inspired by OMA's Seattle Central Library, which was known for its rational spatial organization and arrangement.

*MERPA members: Alexei Matene, Mick Charoenphan, Patrick Sherwood, Phillip Mitchell, Emilio Ocampo, Meixin Ye and Phoebe Wang