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Christchurch Central Library

CompanySchmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Lead DesignersSchmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and Architectus

Design TeamSouthbase Construction, Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers Ltd, Matapopore Charitable Trust

Project LocationChristchurch, New Zealand

ClientChristchurch City Council

CreditsPhotos by Adam Mørk

Prize(s)Silver in Architecture Categories / Institutional

Project LinkView

Entry Description

Tūranga, the new central library in Christchurch, New Zealand is a visually stunning symbol of hope, unity, and rebirth at the center of the city’s redevelopment following devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. The project blends a rich tapestry of local cultural heritage with resilient engineering. The golden veil is inspired by the local harakeke flax, and roof terraces are oriented towards significant cultural landmarks. Tūranga is engineered to withstand future potential earthquakes and stand as a unifying landmark in Christchurch for generations to come.

Bio

Schmidt Hammer Lassen is a Danish architecture firm with offices in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Shanghai. SHL's design approach is rooted in the studio's DNA as a multicultural collective that works globally but has an inherent Scandinavian legacy. The tradition of human-centric architecture with social and environmental sustainability is ingrained in the work.

With over 30 years of experience, SHL is one of Scandinavia's most recognised and award-winning architectural practices. In 2018, the studio became part of global architecture firm Perkins&Will.