Christchurch Justice & Emergency Services Precinct
By WSP Architecture
A world class facility that reflects a civic presence, stands for the integrity of the occupants, and of which the people of Christchurch can be proud.
This world class precinct is the largest combined justice and emergency services facility in Australasia and was the first government funded Anchor Project to be constructed as a key priority of the blueprint for Christchurch City rebuild after the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.
Bringing together 9 individual government entities under the same roof, WSP Architecture in partnership with Warren & Mahoney and Cox Architecture created a design which demonstrates how the sector agencies can be accommodated together on the nominated site in a way that realises the benefits of co-location while still respecting the individual operation and identity of each of the member organisations. The Precinct represents a new model for collaborative service provision that demonstrates the benefit of a more efficient and cost effective public service through genuine closer working relationships within a shared location.
Extensive stakeholder engagement was undertaken to establish the user requirements of each sector and collaboration with Ngāi Tuahuriri ensured that the design narrative of the Precinct acknowledged the rich and varied history of Ōtautahi and reflected the aspirations and values of Ngāi Tahu.
Base isolated and designed to IL4, the Precinct will withstand significant seismic events and remain operational to provide central services to the Christchurch community following an earthquake or significant event.
Opened in 2017 the Precinct is intended to enhance the public perception of the administration of government agencies and invites interaction, provides high quality public and occupant amenity, and enables a positive user experience by offering a new relationship with the public delivered through less intimidating buildings which support contemporary service models ultimately establishing a new civic attitude for the city.
Awards:
- 2018 NZIA Canterbury Branch Award – Public Architecture
- 2018 NZIA Canterbury Branch Award – Interior Architecture
- NZ Property Council – Award of Excellence
- Commendation for Public Architecture, International category AIA International Chapter 2019
- Best Design Award ‘Nga Aho’ Gold Award for exemplar engagement with Ngai Tuahuriri - Matapopore Charitable Trust
Products used in
Christchurch Justice & Emergency Services Precinct
Professionals used in
Christchurch Justice & Emergency Services Precinct
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About the
Professional
Creating what matters for future generations is the philosophy that underpins our core values and how we approach our architectural commissions.
We have over 150 years of history as a public architecture practice. Our acquired knowledge and skills over this time are coupled with continual research and innovation. Coupled with our wide project experience we apply this in our design work to create efficient, resilient, sustainable solutions benefiting the communities across New Zealand.
Our history is embedded in our core values focusing on the public good and creating an enduring legacy. With this in mind we build our relationships allowing us to engage and collaborate closely with our clients. We explore with openness and transparency, to deliver the best solution with integrity and responsibility, and valuing the natural environment and resources.
We are proud of having contributed to developing the vertical and horizontal infrastructure and environments that our nation relies upon over the last 150 years history and we continue our vision to create what matters to future generations.