New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 30/12 | Page 27
Left:A large light diffuser
beneath a central skylight in the
largest gallery brings natural light
into the space while cutting back
UV rays. The diffuser features a
Barrisol fabric stretched between
two concentric rings. It can
be lowered for maintenance
purposes.
Below right:This cross section
of the gallery highlights gallery
spaces on the upper floors, with
teaching and storage and work
areas on the lower levels.
Story by Colleen Hawkes
Photography by Jamie Cobel
“When light is reflected off a surface, the UV rays
are reduced by 50%,” the architect says. “If they
then bounce off another surface they are reduced
by an additional 50%. We applied this principle
here. The direct light is initially mitigated by a series
of fixed louvres on the skylight, which are set at
different angles to avoid direct sunlight. The light
reflects off these louvres first, then it bounces off
the diffuser, back up to the curved walls that form
the ceiling, before being reflected back down. The
UV levels are reduced with each reflection.
“It is a simple construction – essentially it is a
large piece of fabric stretched between two concentric steel rings, one large and one small. But it
does have a quality that is a little reminiscent of the
work of sculptor Anish Kapoor.”
Mitchell says the design team was aware of the
need to ensure the architecture would speak for
itself and not detract from the art.
“In designing a gallery there is always a fine
balance between architectural expression and
providing a great exhibition space. A successful
gallery will always do both.”
resources & more images
46068 at trendsideas.com
auckland art galllery
34402 at trendsideas.com
a video about this project
46069 at trendsideas.com
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