Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre | Woods Bagot + Warren & Mahoney

Architect Bruno Mendes designed the convention center during a workshop in Christchurch. He was inspired by the uniquely tied estuary of the River Rakaia, which he photographed and used as design inspiration. This unconventional approach aims to create a bicultural feel and separates itself from the typical “big box” meeting room layout.

About Te Pae

The recently completed Te Pae is a significant architectural landmark that pays homage to the area’s cultural heritage. It is an integral part of ongoing urban development efforts and reflects craftsmanship, cultural sensitivity, and deep respect for the Ngai Tahu / Ngai Tuahuriri people. Puamiria Parata-Gudal, a descendant of these people, provides valuable insight and guidance for Mendes and his team during the process. The Te Pae program recognizes and respects the rich history of Ngai Tahu and the European community of Otautahi (Christchurch) and renews its emphasis on recognizing and celebrating the Māori language, art, and history.

Parata-Goodall believes Christchurch is now a city of new conversations. She stops in front of Te Pe and asks a passerby if they can see the dams; want to hear about the traditions of the Aoraki people and the creation of the South Island.”. “She sees these conversations as a narrative.” for her ancestral voice on the land. Te Pae is a unique gathering place that breaks the mold of traditional places. It is small in size and is made up of nearly 43,000 trees individually numbered representing the river lands in the Canterbury Plain and building a wet front.

Integrating the office into the city center and overlooking the river, the architects made a smart decision to match Christchurch’s new urban feel. The main entrance on Oxford Terrace provides easy access to the waterfront, the other in the Te Papa Otakaro /Avon River area. Te Pae’s design not only reduces the weight of the building but also allows for 2,000 delegates to be there at once.

The center of the venue absorbs all the functionality of the ‘big box’, forming a flowing façade surrounding the building; Otakaro offers breathtaking views of the River Avon and Cathedral Square. Unlike other airport-like convention centers with tall, dark roads, Pe is distinguished by organic, well-lit streets Offering panoramic views.

Convention centers often lack responsiveness and flexibility with their surroundings. But in Pae’s case, the architects took great care to design the building and blend it seamlessly into the city. To.” community members and delegates have felt connected to attending Christchurch events in Pae. surrounding the interior of the building.” There are sweeping views of the local landscape, such as Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, and the river. This deliberate layout choice ensures that the building interacts meaningfully with its surroundings.

“I think that’s what’s special about the project,” says Mendes. “You’re connected to Christchurch and it couldn’t be anywhere else.” Warren and Mahoney principal Peter Marshall says the facility is a much-needed asset for the city, that reflects the identity of its place. “We feel very proud to have partnered with Ōtākaro, Matapopore Trust, and Woods Bagot on this world-class facility for the people of Christchurch,” says Marshall. “Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with a warm and welcoming experience through the unique storyline that links people and place.”

Project Info:

Architects: Warren & Mahoney, Woods Bagot
Area: 28000 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Dennis Radermacher
Manufacturers: Sculptform, Asona, Fibre ‘C’, HUFCOR, Poltrona Frau, Rimex
Lead Architect: Bruno Mendes
Builder: CPB Contractors
Structural Engineer: Holmes Consulting Group
Civil Engineer: Eliot Sinclair and Partners
Mechanical Engineer: WSP Norge, WSP
Electrical Engineer: WSP Norge, WSP
Quantity Surveyor: Stewart Harrison Quantity Surveyor, Rawlinsons
Landscape: Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects
Interior Design: Warren and Mahoney, Woods Bagot
Geotechnical Consultant: Tonkin + Taylor
Traffic Consultant: Stantec
Acoustics: WSP Norge, WSP
Project Manager: Aurecon
Hydraulic Engineer: WSP
Fire Consultant: WSP
City: Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Country: New Zealand