The project was planned, by Pattersons Associates, to coexist structurally with the adjacent Govett Brewster Art gallery. In the words of his author, "the new museum had to create a dialogue with its neighbour, but at the same time adopt a distinct identity".
The two buildings are linked internally and they have a circulation route designed to allow visitors to visit both. The facades' curves catch the light and transform its perception, to create a range of reflections, depending on the day and the season. At the same time, the skin - polished steel - ties the building with its locale, as it celebrates the pioneering steelworks in the country's Taranaki region.
Description of the project by Pattersons Associates
This is New Zealand’s only dedicated single Artist Gallery.
The Len Lye Contemporary Art Museum is designed to fulfil multiple requirements. It needed to integrate with a proposed new art and cultural precinct which links through to the commercial heart of the city and it also needed to seamlessly merge with an existing Art Gallery facility. The finished building introduces new gallery spaces, education studios, a cinema, the Len Lye Archive and a dedicated motor room for his kinetic works.
“[Len Lye would] be absolutely thrilled, he’d be dancing around in this place,” John Matthews, Len Lye Foundation Chairman.
The building of curved stainless steel and concrete incorporates a new urban sculpture square linking to a waterfront walkway. The 3000m building engages with the urban square via a light reflecting and transmitting facade. This transfers light in a holographic effect from one place to another to successfully enliven and activate both.
“It has oodles of zizz and is a fitting memorial to [Len Lye’s] genius,” Hon. Maggie Barry, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.
“The Len Lye Centre is artistically, spiritually and physically brilliant. The architect Andrew Patterson and contractors Clelands Construction and Rivet delivered on the dream. They have actually done what they said they would do. A simple but rare skill.” John Sergeant, Stuff.co.nz Opinion Columnist.
Len Lye is known for his kinetic work, sculptural art powered by electricity. The building uses a sustainable energy source to practically include ESD principles in a high performance environment which is required by International touring exhibition standards. This energy system has been negotiated with the projects sponsors, a major international sustainable energy corporation.
“From all accounts, the building is just magnificent.” David Alsop, Radio NZ Visual Arts Reporter.
“[It’s] the coolest building in New Zealand.” Art duo BMD.
