IntroductionArchitecture is an important part of any culture or society as it is a way of showing off their own culture’s architectural style.
The Europeans arrived and established Auckland prior to any of the other chosen cultures. They provided an influence and style that would’ve been tough to beat. Until the arrival of an Indian style of architecture which was about to change Auckland’s reputation and tourist industry for the better. The construction of the Civic Theatre.
It was the grandest and most elaborate theatre of its time and style. A sudden influx of Chinese migrants bought a style more complex and original than any other. The architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. A style of architecture that brought a piece of Chinese culture and would create a new community on the outskirts of Auckland. EuropeanTo this day, Auckland War Memorial Museum is a touchstone of remembrance for families and returned service personnel who wish to honour their loved ones and fallen comrades. The Auckland War Memorial Museum was built in the architectural style or neoclassicism. Neoclassical architecture, was the revival of classical architecture during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Neoclassical architecture is characterised by grandeur of scale, simplicity of geometric forms, Greek or Roman detail, dramatic use of columns, and a preference for blank walls. Neoclassicism thrived in Europe, with examples occurring in nearly every major city. The museum crafted from Portland stone and designed to reflect the heroic valour of the New Zealand soldier and the ‘classical’ tragedy of battles such as Gallipoli, the Museum’s colonnades are said to be almost identical to the Parthenon’s in Greece. Used since Roman times, Portland stone has been a hugely popular building material particularly when the desired architectural effect was one of grandeur.
It has notably been used in political, financial, regal, civil and commemorative architecture. In fact a staggering amount of hugely significant buildings, particularly in London, were constructed of Portland stone between the mid 1700’s and the 1930’s. It was popularised by Sir Christopher Wren, who is greatly accredited with having rebuilt over 50 churches in London after the Great Fire. his masterpiece was St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was constructed of Portland stone and completed in 1711. Other famous London landmarks constructed out of Portland stone include: Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster, Bank of England, Tower of London, and The Cenotaph. 8Portland stone, a creamy-white English limestone quarried in the Isle of Wight, was chosen over rock from Sydney and even local quarries. The architects chose this as the building material because it was rare for New Zealand buildings to use stone from the opposite side of the globe.
Europes architectural influence on New Zealand was all thanks to the importation of Portland stone. If it had been for the building material Auckland Museum may not hold such significance as it does today. Auckland Museum contributes to Auckland’s multiculturalism because it is a way of different cultures coming together and honouring those who fought for this country.
No matter what culture you belong to, Auckland Museum will be there as a way of commemoration for all. IndianAuckland’s Civic Theatre is one of the most elaborate atmospheric theatres in the world the civic theatre a magnificent achievement has been completed. No effort has been spared to give the public a structure which, will be an ornament to the city and also a pleasure to the eye.
The softness of the warm buff tones, the delicacy and refinement in choice of detail, combine to form an atmosphere that will surely stir the artistic appreciation of the passer-by. Within the wall of this magnificent feat of engineering built in the Indian architectural style of moorish revival, the surrounding walls feature Hugh niches containing seated Buddha’s in inscrutable contemplation. There are hundreds of different types of Buddha’s in India, and those from the ruins of Boro Budur have been used as an example; while the niches containing them are inspired by similar works to be found amongst the same ruins.
In order to produce the wonderful ensemble constitution this part of the theatre, the architects given rein to their imagination and embodied therein numerous other examples of Indian works of art from other temples grouped together to form one harmonious whole. For instance, apart from Buddha and their surrounding niches, many of the more important architectural features have been inspired by the ruins of the Temple of the Milk Maid at Ellora, an example of this being seen in the four columns in each of the end walls of the foyer. The huge ornate columns bracketed out from the walls in the centre of the foyer and supporting the massive decorated beams of the ceiling are inspired by those in the carved porticoes of the Indra Sabha Temple. The surrounding walls of the vestibule appear as massive masonry set with niches and supporting the clusters of columns which revive memories of the glories of Madura and his famous Hall of a Thousand Columns.Prancing steeds and elephants in numerous attitudes for a large portion of the richness of detail. In the centre of the foyer, over the entrance lobby, is a lofty wall space with sky overhead and surrounded by huge panels of elephants’ heads taken from the beautiful courts of the Indra Sabha Temple, which is second only in magnificence and beauty to the Kallasa.
Throughout the whole of this Theatre the general effect is an outdoor one, with the exception that in parts of the foyer the visitor is given the impression of standing on the balcony of an Indian Temple looking out through the numerous rich sculptures of the distant evening sky. Numerous coloured flowers and creepers are artistically placed to give a touch of age and nature and add life to the stiffness of the rich architectural massiveness.India’s impact on New Zealand was partly due to the rise of the Indian population in New Zealand. The rise of the Indian population then led to the need of a religious or cultural settlement for this culture. The Civic Theatre was influenced by an Indian style of architecture and not only resembles temples in India but also the Buddhist temples in Auckland. This contributes to Auckland being a multicultural society because The Civic tempts those from around the world to enjoy it’s beauty.ChineseThe Fo Guang Shan temple is a large temple and community centre o the Fo Guang Sha Buddhist movement in the East Tamaki/Flat Bush suburb of Auckland. It is the countries largest Buddhist temple.
The temple and complex were built over seven years at a cost of $20 million. It was designed in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. Tang Dynasty architecture f=refers to a style of architecture that has taken shape in China over the centuries.
The structural principles of Chinese architecture, determined by environmental conditions and social concepts, have remained largely unchanged for thousands of year, except for the decorative details. Buildings were situated on earthen platforms and made of timber frames, with overhanging eaves to protect their earthen walls and a structure of brackets supporting a heavy, tilted roof. This gave the buildings a strong horizontal emphasis. Fo Guang Shan New Zealand was established to propagate the ideals of Humanistic Buddhism as expounded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order. The temple serve as places of worship and promote interfaith, education and cultural diversity. The temples also organise many events that foster harmony and respect between various faiths of New Zealand.
Occupying an area of four hectares, Fo Guang Shan Auckland’s architecture is adapted from the palatial design of the Tang Dynasty; using greyish green glazed roof tiles, maroon stone pillars and vertical slat window frames to project magnificence, grandeur, cultivation and strength. China’s architectural influence on New Zealand was due to the Chinese’s migration here and the need of bringing a piece if their own culture to ours, which also helps Auckland become a multicultural society. It was also because of the Chinese’s way of creating a new community in our own, a community that isn’t hidden away or feels the need to seclude itself from the rest of Auckland. Instead the Fo Guang Shan temple is open to anyone and everyone from all religious backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities.
