Earthquake Museum

Double skins – The process of revealing and healing.

Large natural disasters, especially earthquakes have no defined point of healing, the healing process is an on going process that slowly rebuilds human character and the tangible surrounding. As the reconstruction takes place forms are lost, and new ones get revealed. The architectural form aims to abstract this concept and emulate a defined narrative through the use of the material pallet. This is a design for a 2500m2 earthquake museum and gallery in the heart of the wellington waterfront. The building design develops out of the concept of revealing and healing. This concept develops as a clear and rational layout of public and private zones, with simple circulation flows in public and back of house areas. The large gullwing roof surrounding the building provides a generous welcoming gesture and an area for outdoor ceremonial events such as Powhiri. A realistic structural design has also been developed.