Heke Rua Archives (2022)
Heke Rua Archives (2022)
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A design proposal for the National Archives building in Wellington inspired by harakeke (flax).Â
Seen within the atrium space, the shoots and leaves of harakeke are incorporated into the structure of the building.
Gaps around elements near the false ceiling help to accentuate the sense of continuity, as the building sprouts up from the ground.
Harakeke is a plant native to Aotearoa New Zealand which holds great cultural importance and is commonly found across the country. Its deep connection to Aotearoa allowed the building to reflect the land it sits upon.
Shoot (Open)
Leaves (Semi - Open)
Woven (Closed)
These three phases of flax inspired the formal qualities of the building as well as the spatial organization.
Concrete had the ability to be moulded and form the motifs seen in the exterior fabric of the building. Woven (Closed) spaces required no natural light within, leaved (Semi - open) spaces required some natural light, while shoot (open) spaces were open to light using a glass facade.
The building was also required to bridge across to the adjacent National Library.
The building uses layers as a means to protect spaces which require no direct sunlight, with a clear outer circulation layer.
The elevator shaft faces outward, breaking repetition, while the taper further expresses the 'growth' of the building.
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