Turanga - Christchurch Central Library, Christchurch

Architect/Designer: Architectus

After Christchurch’s central library was severely damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes, a replacement library was identified as a key project to assist the revitalisation of the city centre and Cathedral Square. The building was designed to be a beacon, creating a vibrant edge to Cathedral Square and a dialogue between the civic space of the square and the activities within the library – particularly the key public space of the Community Area.

This project illustrates the changing role of libraries in today's environment, a social hub for the community to access and share knowledge through a range of media. This building had to be welcoming, diverse, and representative of the community it serves which it definitely achieved as seen through the various awards it won; NZIA Canterbury Architecture Award for – Public Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Resene Colour Award, Property Council Rider Levett Bucknall Industry Awards for Civic and Arts and the Supreme Award.

Products: