Architecture

Architecture arises from the basic human need for shelter and security. The earliest architecture was the rudimentary dwelling - the kind of elementary buildings generally described as vernacular architecture. This term refers to buildings which are erected for purely practical purposes. What is generally recognised as architecture, though, has the additional characteristic of an aesthetic quality: so that when you enter a fine architectural space you experience a sense of well-being or delight. Vernacular building can be aesthetically pleasing too, but the effect is not necessarily intended or consciously designed. An architectural quality is achieved through a design process, which brings into play the elements of site, materials, construction, light, acoustics and space.

Not all of the buildings collected here are significant architecture. But they give you an idea of some of the structures that have been built in New Zealand since the arrival of the Pakeha.

From around 1840, colonists set about building the houses and farm buildings, banks, pubs and churches, that we now refer to as colonial architecture. The crude, improvised one-room huts of the early pioneering days soon gave way to more substantial dwellings, some of which were designed by architects who had been born and or trained in England. While they sought to adapt to the necessities of life in New Zealand, the colonial architects also wished to apply the aesthetics they had learnt in England. Understandably, English tastes for neo-classicism and the gothic revival turned up in early New Zealand buildings.

The colonial situation, though, with its limited availability of materials, expertise and construction techniques, meant that architects were compelled to adapt to the place. Think for instance of the way timber was made to resemble stone in some early buildings. These quirks could be endearing and often made public buildings more 'friendly' than their European counterparts.

In this sub-topic we also focus on the post-second world war period. New Zealand-trained architects were responding to the aesthetics and ideas of international modernism at the same time as they were suggesting there should be a recognisable New Zealand architecture grounded in the traditions of local vernacular building.

Barnett, Gerald. Architecture. National Library of New Zealand Discover: Te Kohanga Taonga, updated June 29 2002. URL: http://discover.natlib.govt.nz