Tōmuri - Overdue: a mixed-use cultural hub in inner-city Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand's "cultural and creative capital," is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, vibrant coffee culture, and world-class film industry. However, despite its cultural richness, the city lacks a centralized facility to celebrate and promote its unique contributions, particularly in film. This thesis proposes the design of a mixed-use cultural centre that will address this gap by providing a dedicated space to support Wellington’s cultural and economic landscape. The cultural centre will incorporate an IMAX theatre, a cinema complex, cafes, restaurants, retail spaces, a library, a shared office space, and community gathering areas, meeting the needs of both residents and visitors. Positioned within a key cultural district near Wellington’s landmarks, the centre aims to offer a protected, all-weather environment that aligns with the city’s windy climate. This cultural hub aspires to become an architectural icon that celebrates Wellington's identity through a thoughtful integration of Māori cultural elements and design features that promote social cohesion, urban revitalization, and community pride. By creating spaces for events, exhibitions, and daily interactions, the project seeks to enhance Wellington’s role as a cultural destination, stimulate economic activity, and foster a sense of community and cultural pride.