Eye Institute

By Archimedia

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The site adjoins a busy arterial road running along an isthmus ridgeline and falls to the west. There are views across the Newmarket Valley in an arc to several volcanic cones.

The site lies within a healthcare precinct which is progressively displacing an established residential suburb immediately to the west.

The client brief identified sculptural, tectonic forms floating above a transparent base. The tenant brief included examination and specialised surgical suites over the lower two levels, with administration on the third floor and two parking basements.

Site planning options were investigated to determine the impact these would have on adjoining residential neighbours. The preferred operational configuration included a porte cochere entry forecourt set slightly below street level. The upper levels of the building were cantilevered above to provide shelter and better align with the street edge. East facing glazing and balconies provide passive surveillance and animate the street elevation.

Once the operational planning had been analysed and refined, the “spirit” of the project was investigated and the identity of the tenant expressed within the building envelope. This involved a subtle modification of the form to better reference “Eye Institute”.

The association with “the eye” suggested a transformation of the rectilinear building section referencing an ellipse, and responding to the declining topography, resulted in an inclined “crease” down the length of the building.

The form of the envelope is progressively fragmented to better reflect the grain of the residential suburb behind.

The interiors accommodate multiple clinical functions, but in public spaces are based on the relationship between the geometric ellipse of an eye and the warm organic field of flesh that frames the eye.

Key spaces are focused on white geometric joinery set within undulating walls of clear finished vertical timber battens.

Remuera, 2011

Project Team

  • Lindsay Mackie
  • Russell Pinel

Photography:  Archimedia

Press & Awards

  • DINZ Best Awards Spatial-Healthcare Bronze Award 2016
  • Interior Awards Workplace Finalist 2015

Professionals used in
Eye Institute

Archimedia
Archimedia
Architects

More projects from
Archimedia

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About the
Professional

Archimedia is a New Zealand architecture practice with NZRAB and Green Star accredited staff, offering design services in the disciplines of architecture, interiors and ecology.

Archimedia uses the word “ecology” to extend the concept of sustainability to urban design and master planning and integrates this holistic strategy into every project.

Archimedia prioritises client project requirements, functionality, operational efficiency, feasibility, and programme. Once these fundamentals are soundly established, Archimedia pursues a sculptural architecture expressive of individual or collective identity.

Identity

  • Archimedia practices architecture as “material identity” – a crafted expression of individual or collective “identity” – embodying a synthesis of people, place and time.
  • Archimedia investigates “identity” with each client and endows buildings with a perceptible meaning that expresses this “identity” – the philosophical parti for all Archimedia projects.
  • Archimedia respects all cultures and their protocols and the fundamental connectedness of all humanity.

Human Experience

  • Archimedia is ambitious for the betterment of both humankind and the environment.
  • Archimedia approachs design with the intent that human beings register an “experience” of architecture which uplifts their daily existence.

Environment

  • Archimedia strives for “beauty”, the exceptional and the inspirational in each and every commission, irrespective of budget.
  • Archimedia believes in tectonics – a poetic configuration of land, space and structure.
  • Archimedia believes in positive intervention – sustainability that enhances eco-systems.

Process

  • Archimedia believes that the very best process and the very best technology are critical contributors in our quest for the exceptional.
  • Archimedia invests resources to create a better design solution.

Collaboration

  • Archimedia believes in collaboration between equals and the power of teamwork.
  • Archimedia's staff are consultative by nature and use processes that encourage user decision making wherever possible.
At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.