New Old Mountain: Material Dialogue of the Chinese Diaspora

The long-standing presence of the Chinese community in Te Aro's Frederick Street and Haining Street is a vital part of Wellington’s history. This history has been largely forgotten and partially erased with only three remaining Chinese Quarter buildings on Frederick Street. Although cultural significance of two Chinese Quarter buildings are acknowledged by heritage listings, the District Plan protects only the front façade while interior alterations are tolerated which erases the building’s lived history. The research intends to address the severed connection between these buildings, Frederick Street and the Chinese New Zealand community, as a remembrance of their history. The significance of historical architecture belonging to the minority ethnic diaspora is often challenged and at risk of demolition. This can be perceived as forms of power to gain control over marginalised communities. To foster an understanding of a historic building’s cultural value among the wider community, it can be important to preserve its interior authenticity while adapting it for new uses that invite active public engagement. ‘New Old Mountain: Material Dialogues of the Chinese Diaspora’ explores the interior material dialogue between the original, existing and new in expressing cultural memory while accommodating contemporary community needs. The speculative design explorations reveal the intangible stories of the Chinese diaspora through interiors of the remaining Chinese Mission Hall, Chinese Masonic Lodge and the Tung Jung Association building fabric. The design research includes potential for an urban connection designed as an extended interior corridor that serves to connect the buildings, the street and the New Frederick Park.