Entries open: Wellington Oriental Bay Pavilion competition
The Oriental Bay Pavilion sits on Oriental Parade in the heart of Wellington’s waterfront.
Wellington’s band rotunda in the early 20th century.
The site features a unique, semi-circular projection on to the harbour.
Throughout the 20th century, the site served many functions for public use.
The competition welcomes innovative ideas for the new building’s form and function.
ADEDU is hosting a competition seeking ideas for a creative exhibition centre in Wellington. This single-stage competition aims to find the best proposal for a site in the heart of Oriental Parade in Wellington.
Entries to the competition should provide an idea for the redesign of the band rotunda, a site with a rich history and a unique, semi-circular projection out onto the harbour.
Like any good New Zealand city, Wellington had a band rotunda erected on the waterfront for free musical performances. In the nineteenth century, a bathing pavilion was built on the site with a second floor subsequently added to the original art-deco structure in the late twentieth century which, until recently, accommodated a restaurant.
After an earthquake in 2016, a crack in the foundation of the building indicated that the added floor was too heavy for the original design. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the pavilion has played many roles, housing changing rooms, public meeting rooms, teaching rooms, a restaurant, and an art gallery.
The question now for Wellington city councillors and planners is whether to restore the building to its original design or to create a brand new structure that honours the site’s history but more appropriately expresses the spirit of the 21st century.
Since 2016, the band rotunda has been empty due to structural damage. Thus, ADEDU thinks it might be a good time for architects, designers and local residents to think about the future of this community space.
All submitted projects should be for a concept design. Winning designs will show a high level of creativity and adherence to all the guidelines of the competition. First, second, and third place cash prizes will be awarded as well as five honourable mentions. Winners will be announced on 15 November 2018.
Members of the jury are:
Andy Thomson | President of Oriental Bay Residents Association
Diane Brand | Professor at University of Auckland
Harris Maragkos | Associate Director of AECOM
Marc Aurel Schnabel | Professor at Victoria University of Wellington
Pamela Bell | CEO of Prefab New Zealand
Find out more about the site, the jury and the specific competition guidelines at adedu.co.nz.
Register yourself or your team of up to four members here.
Submissions are due by 30 October 2018.
This competition is supported by Victoria University of Wellington, The University of Auckland, Wellington Institute of Technology and Resene.
