The prestigious award was presented to the Gallery’s architects, Sydney-based fjmt and Auckland-based Archimedia, at the New Zealand Architecture Awards dinner on 25 May.

The awards’ jury led by Wellington architect Hugh Tennent, commended the architects for both the design of the Gallery, produced by fjmt director Richard Francis-Jones, and for their perseverance in steering the building through a “lengthy and much-scrutinised construction process” which included restoring and strengthening the 1888 building.

The judges said there were high hopes for this building, and big challenges to overcome. 

“On all fronts, the architects have risen to the occasion. The existing building looks stunning, the new building looks even better, and the two parts work well together. And with its generous terraces the Art Gallery now makes the most of its connections to Albert Park.”

Judges also praised the building’s “moments of drama” such as “the beautifully crafted kauri canopies over the atrium and forecourt that elevate a visit into an occasion”.

Inside the Gallery, the architecture, “with its high quality detailing, easily navigable and highly functional galleries, and carefully delineated but unlaboured distinction between new and existing structure, imparts the confidence that comes from high level competence”.

The three other contenders for the New Zealand Architecture Medal were Knoll Ridge Café on Mt Ruapehu, designed by Harris Butt Architecture; a house at Piha designed by Herbst Architects; and Remarkables Primary School, Queenstown, designed by Babbage Consultants.

Read Architecture New Zealand’s interview (published in May/June issue) with 2012 NZIA Gold Medal winner, Pete Bossley, here.

Read detailed project review on the Auckland Art Gallery by Marshall Cook and Sarah Hopkinson, published earlier on ArchitectureNow here.