Abstract:
Historic buildings are irreplaceable, embodying shared public experiences and exhibiting qualities no longer achieved in new constructions such as iconic ornamentation or singular construction methods. It is these unique attributes and idiosyncrasies that contribute to the rich texture of successful, vibrant cities. The distinctive character and public significance of Auckland’s built heritage is frequently disregarded along with its potential for urban rejuvenation. Successful conservation and adaptation of historic buildings requires an approach that acknowledges the heritage guidelines, while producing a design which respects the old and allows the legibility of new adaptations and future uses. Marking the intersection of Hobson Street and Cook Street, the Thomas Doo Building stands alone, one of the few remaining examples of the Victorian period retail-and-residential building typology. Saved from demolition by the Auckland Council’s Built Heritage Acquisition Fund, the current owners of the building propose to partially refurbish the existing building and erect a new fourteen-storey apartment tower above. This thesis provides an alternative solution for the Thomas Doo Building that explores the adaptive re-use approach of heritage conservation theory through the combination of heritage fabric and music performance. From its prime location immediately adjacent to Auckland’s performance hub, the site is ideally suited to re-use as a recital hall. The design adapts the existing building into a mixed-use foyer space and café-bar-restaurant with the addition of a 578 seat recital hall along Cook Street. The alterations and additions retain the integrity and significance of the historic building, addressing the need to keep the building relevant without overwhelming the prominent two-storey city placeholder. Without directly copying, the contemporary form makes reference to qualities in the original Thomas Doo Building design such as scale, materiality and architectural details, engendering a sense of continuity throughout. This thesis presents the new addition as a subtle counterpoint to the existing, allowing the design integrity of both architectural languages to remain discernable and relevant.