Client:
The University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau
Location:
Tāmaki Makaurau
Completion:
2025
Size:
3,750m2
Design Partner:
Archifact - Architecture & Conservation Ltd
Title Image Reference:
James D. Richardson, Looking across Symonds Street from the..., c1930, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 7-A5860
Contact:
James Mooney
Situated on the corner of Symonds and Alfred Streets, Old Choral Hall sits at the heart of The University of Auckland’s City Campus. Classed as a Category 1 heritage building, the original hall was built in 1872 to a design by pre-eminent Auckland architect Edward Mahoney. The Neo-Classical Old Choral Hall was the third performance venue built by the Auckland Choral Society after the previous two buildings were destroyed by arson in January and December 1871 respectively. Since opening, these spaces have been variously added to, and modified, serving for some time as the University Science Building following the addition of several new wings in 1917 and again in 1925. The removal of the original masonry portico at the Symonds Street entry around the time of the Napier earthquake resulted in the building’s ‘incomplete’ appearance.
Architectus is working with Archifact – Architecture & Conservation Ltd on the refurbishment to accommodate the Faculty of Education and Social Work (EDSW), providing space for administration areas and students. Spread across two levels, the project provides a mixture of student-facing areas and informal social spaces on the ground floor with workspaces for support staff and the EDSW executive team on the upper floor. Additional interventions include upgraded amenities and shared learning spaces.
Key design moves include the removal of many of the unsympathetic additions and modifications to reinstate the clarity and legibility of the building’s form and restore the original larger, more flexible volumes and spaces where these better meet current needs. Extensive works include the improvement of the building’s seismic performance, accessibility and upgrade of services and amenities to meet the requirements of a 21st century campus. Reinstatement of the portico provides an opportunity to restore the original façade with a contemporary twist in the form of an integrated structural steel portal frame that plays a critical role in seismically stiffening the historic fabric.
A circulation ‘spine’ provides a new daylit, double height connective element linking the key campus pedestrian routes to the east and west of the building and enhancing wayfinding and accessibility. Extensive glazing throughout the ‘spine’ allows views out to the surrounding landscape and gardens.
The refurbished Old Choral Hall will provide a contemporary space for the University community at the heart of the campus. The works will ensure Old Choral Hall’s long-term use and relevance whilst respecting the significance of this heritage building. For the broader community, the project will restore and revitalise a historic landmark ensuring its ongoing contribution to Auckland’s past, present and future.
