The proposed development of Auckland Art Gallery has taken the beautiful tree canopy of Albert Park as its point of inspiration.

Challenged with the task of restoring the heritage building of the original gallery the Australian architectural firm FJMT and Archimedia have come up with an incredible proposal to reinvent the whole way the gallery orientates itself to the surrounding landscape. The proposed development of Auckland Art Gallery has taken the beautiful tree canopy of Albert Park as its point of inspiration.

Challenged with the task of restoring the heritage building of the original gallery the Australian architectural firm FJMT and Archimedia have come up with an incredible proposal to reinvent the whole way the gallery orientates itself to the surrounding landscape.The model of the proposed development was launched on 5 May 2005 at the Gallery by the Mayor of Auckland Dick Hubbard.

Architect Richard Francis-Jones says the proposed building has been "developed from a concept which relates as much to the organic natural forms of the landscape as it does from architectural order and the character of the important heritage buildings.

"The new building is characterised through a series of fine 'tree-like' canopies that define and cover the entry forecourt, atrium and gallery areas. These light-profiled forms 'hover' over the stone walls and terraces creating a memorable image closely related to the beautiful overhanging canopy of pohutukawa trees."

Construction is expected to commence late 2006.

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki 2009 development project is estimated to cost $90 million. The gallery's owner, the Auckland City Council, has agreed to contingent funding of $25 million towards the development over the next five years. The rest will be fundraised in what John Judge Chairperson of the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation describes as "the largest public fundraising effort in New Zealand ever".

05/7/05