Auckland Art Gallery

Client

Auckland Council

Location

Auckland

Completion date

2011

The redeveloped Gallery provides a focus for Auckland's cultural precinct where the public can enjoy a diverse range of exhibits, experience the ambience of the building and adjacent park, and gather for functions and seminars.

Our Brief

The goal of the acoustic design was to create suitable internal acoustic environments, and limit noise disturbance, whilst remaining sensitive to the architectural vision.

The project incorporates contemporary and heritage buildings, new entry forecourt, flexible atrium/function space, auditorium and new and refurbished gallery areas. The refurbishment doubled the gallery's curatorial capacity, and included an array of international state-of-the art back-of house areas.

Challenges

Key challenges included:

The design of the internal acoustic treatment for all areas including the atrium, gallery and auditorium. The main atrium links several gallery areas and features a tree like canopy which is the most recognisable architectural feature of the refurbishment. A full acoustic computer model of the space was constructed and auralisations provided to ensure that the space achieved the clients acoustic requirements without compromising key architectural elements.
Sound insulation design for between spaces and for the control of external noise. Achieving adequate impact sound insulation was a particular challenge with existing timber floor structures retained in much of the older gallery areas.
Mechanical Services Noise Control with regards to the specification of noise control equipment.