Blog 5

Locovisual


Building Researched:
Bank of New Zealand (Te Aro Branch Building)
192-194 Cuba Street

"Bank of New Zealand" photo taken by Jay Tapp

I decided to research the old Bank of New Zealand building, since I have done a bit of research on it before. This building sparked my interest because it is a good example of an old heritage building in New Zealand that in my opinion has been ruined by modern architecture. As we can see in this photo I took, it shows the whole building from side on with the new interior inside which is now Burger King. At the top of the building there's also a new apartment building thats been built directly on top of this fine piece of architecture. The Te Aro Branch of the Bank of New Zealand was constructed in 1912-1913 and was designed by William Turnbull. This building is a great example of the ancient Edwardian Baroque style, adapting the needs of commercial buildings back during that time. "Its solidity evokes dignity, stability, security - and these imposing splendid facades have a great concern for concentrating ornament to give a convincing impression of power and wealth." - NZHPT BCC Report, p2. As such, this building symbolized the greatest prosperity of British imperial and commercial power. 
By introducing an entirely new storey on top of this heritage building, in my opinion ruins the value and history of it. The new apartment building that's been built on top of it, is completely different compared to the rest of it, being designed with a modern architecture style. William Turnbull would not be impressed if he'd seen this. But that's only the exterior, the interior has also been transformed drastically, with it being Burger King. The lighting has been changed as well along with the value of the building in the present day. 


Main resources:


Garnett, O. (2002). Living in Style: A Guide to Historic Decoration and Ornament.
            London, National Trust Enterprises Ltd.


Gatley, J. (1996). Bank of New Zealand Te Aro Branch.
           Wellington, New Zealand.

Other resources:


Heritage Building Search. (n.d.). Retrieved from.
           http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/heritage/details.php?id=238&m=building&p=0


Bank Of New Zealand (Te Aro Branch Building). (n.d.). Retrieved from.
           http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=1338