Auckland-based architecture, design and craft gallery, Objectspace has opened a new and additional space in Ōtautahi, at the Sir Miles Warren Gallery, 65 Cambridge Terrace. 

Launching its programme with Oceanic Architectural Routes: The photographic archive of Mike Austin, Objectspace is a welcome addition to the city.  Warren Feeney interviewed Objectspace Director, Kim Paton, about what to expect and look forward to.

Kim Paton:  We have been generously gifted the gallery site through the incredible support of the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects and The Warren Trust, and all parties are keen to see how it goes throughout 2023 and we’ll evaluate if we continue beyond this year.

Objectspace is a national organization and the way in which we are funded by Creative New Zealand is to be a leadership organisation for the discipline fields of craft, design and architecture. Previously we’ve undertaken significant touring exhibitions and this opportunity extends that work to the next level, giving us the continuity of our own space and a chance to deliver programmes to audiences in two locations.

Our programme is planned and underway. Some exhibitions are designed for both venues and there is plenty of programming that responds to Christchurch’s architectural context, as well as the local contemporary practitioner / maker community. 

We have an exhibition in development, curated by John Walsh on the subject of Sir Miles Warren watercolours.  We also have an exhibition coming up about the loss of a recent beloved Athfield Architects building and an exhibition-collaboration with The National which explores domestic spaces – a mediation on how we adorn our houses and cherish objects.

 The exhibition presents never before seen watercolours that were done during Sir Miles' extensive travels to Europe with John and Fay Coley. They demonstrate his extraordinary skill, and interestingly, their subject is a striking contrast to the buildings he designed. The exhibition foregrounds the value of drawing and sketching for architecture and importantly presents these watercolours inside an iconic Sir Miles building where the range between the buildings he studied and those he designed can be experienced in full effect.

Details: Curated by Albert L. Refiti,   Oceanic Architectural Routes: The photographic archive of Mike Austin.  Open and free to visit, 9 March to 30 April 2023.  Objectspace, 65 Cambridge Terrace, Central Christchurch.  Access through the left on the street front and through the garden.  Gallery hours: Thursday – Sunday 10am - 4pm

IMAGES: 

1.       Opening exhibition: Oceanic Architectural Routes: The photographic archive of Mike Austin.

2.       Opening exhibition: Oceanic Architectural Routes: The photographic archive of Mike Austin.