Nor’West
Nor’West
2015, Central City, Christchurch
The site is located opposite a notable public space and the recently refurbished historic Victoria Street Clock Tower. The project is a replacement to a series of smaller scale retail buildings that were demolished due to damaged sustained in the earthquakes. On this highly visible corner, we envisioned a bold building form to improve the definition of the 'street wall' for both Victoria and Salisbury streets, and reinforce the street pattern, notably the angular arrangement resulting from the slicing effect of Victoria Street. The site is truncated at the street corner, so the building shape is chiselled and cranked to allow for a sharp punctuation to the tip which provides refinement to the corner and a sense of drama.
Each street elevation responds to the distinct change in context. The north elevation is screened with a series of vertical corten fins which provide projection from afternoon sun and sense of modulation facing the high traffic flow along Salisbury Street. The Victoria Street facade offers a simple, taut glass skin to the street and a calm backdrop to the public space. The street corner is established and reinforced by these significantly different treatments. The articulation of the facade is expressively detailed, intended to establish a conversation with the finely grained detail of the Victorian clock tower.
Photography credit: Simon Elvidge
