Of People and Performance

There is nothing that can compare to the experiences and energy that is found in live performance, especially those that take place in spaces where the architecture is designed to enhance it. With the world opening back up again after the effects of the Coronavirus, now is the time to invest in and focus on performing arts and the joy and connection they can provide.

Wellington fosters a reputation for being a creative city full of performance and opportunities. However, there is a huge gap in the performing arts facilities provided with no mid-sized theatres and minimal places for local creatives to form new connections. This thesis aims to bridge this gap with a performing arts building that includes a flexible 400-800 seat theatre.

The design outcome makes use of personification to bring the essence of performers into the architecture itself. The three key architectural spaces that span the full height of the building take on the roles of the showman, the dancer, and the storyteller. Focus is also on creating spaces that are flexible, versatile and accessible to the diverse Wellington performing arts community.

This thesis informs an architecture that is itself a performer and also an audience for the performance of the inhabitants.