Arts Centre of Christchurch
By DPA Architects
The Arts Centre of Christchurch comprises a complex of Gothic Revival buildings in the centre of Christchurch. The oldest buildings date from the 1860s and were designed by notable architects including Benjamin Mountfort, Samuel Hurst Seager, William Armson and Collins and Harman.
The buildings were substantially damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes and are in the process of being structurally upgraded and refurnished. DPA Architects has been appointed as site-wide heritage architects for this $290M project, one of the largest conservation projects in the southern hemisphere.
The Great Hall reopened in 2016 after being extensively repaired and restored. Work included the reinstatement of a large stained glass Memorial Window dating from 1938.
The restoration of the Great Hall was recognised as one of the best examples of seismic strengthening on a heritage building at the Canterbury Heritage Awards. It was the recipient of the Christchurch Heritage Trust Supreme Award for 2016.
Awards
Clock Tower Building and Great Hall
NZ Architecture Award, 2017
UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards 2017, Award of Merit
The Great Hall
Canterbury Heritage Awards, 2016
Best Seismic Strengthening on a Heritage Building
Christchurch Heritage Trust Supreme Award
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Arts Centre of Christchurch
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Arts Centre of Christchurch
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About the
Professional
DPA Architects was founded by Dave Pearson in 1996 with the aim of providing clients with expertise in heritage architecture.
Since that time, DPA Architects has become one of New Zealand’s foremost architectural practices specialising in that area. The practice continues to strive for excellence in architecture and seeks to provide the best possible outcome for its clients.
DPA Architects has also developed a high level of technical expertise through involvement with a large number of projects ranging from large commercial projects to small domestic alterations. Projects have included restaurants, churches, educational facilities, town halls, railway stations, dwellings, historic military buildings, museums, theatres, office buildings, community facilities, cemeteries, old hotels, and courthouses.
The practice has been closely involved with the Christchurch rebuild since the earthquakes in 2010-2012. As a result, we have developed considerable understanding of building behaviour during earthquakes as well as extensive experience in retrofitting buildings to resist seismic forces.
Heritage buildings are often required to meet current design standards. DPA Architects are experienced in the upgrading of these buildings including the provision of disabled access.
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