CITY TALKS: André Bishop
Low Downs and Slap Downs by the Sea Side

City Gallery Wellington, Civic Square
Monday 14 August, 6pm
Free entry

Somes Island Unbuilt

“I actually abhor historical correctness. It’s like imprisoning someone. History really starts with an idea … The fabric of your city develops because your society leaves some buildings and takes some out.” – Ian Athfield

André Bishop of Athfield Architects presents a selection of unbuilt projects along the Wellington waterfront showing the indomitable spirit of a practice responsible for some of the most ‘out there’ architecture in Wellington of the last 50 years.

While all architecture practices have a drawer full of unrealized schemes Ath’s unbuilt schemes along Wellington’s waterfront encapsulate the spirited approach the practice has conveyed since 1968 – observing and lovingly drawing the harbour’s edge as observed from a singular home and office famously cascading down a Khandallah ridge.

City Talks is an ongoing series initiated by the New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Branch and presented in partnership with City Gallery Wellington. Its purpose is to foster discussion about architecture for a broader audience in a city that cares to openly discuss ideas relevant to our future.

André Bishop was born in a Fiat 132, raised on the Otago Peninsula and grew up on his father’s tug boat whilst it toiled the Otago Harbour. Somewhat influenced by an inability to swim André has a fascination for the water’s edge and the various occupations and activities it can support. André first experienced the Athfield offices as a student at Victoria University, and joined the practice full time after graduating in 2008. Since then he has been exposed to a diverse range of projects of varying scales from pizzerias to town centre plans, all firmly grounded in a thorough understanding of site and context. André is currently involved with projects at various stages around North Kumutoto on the Wellington waterfront.

Lambton Harbour model

The talk will be followed by refreshments.

City Talks are free to attend and held in the Adam Auditorium, City Gallery Wellington, Civic Square. The talk schedule is as follows:

Monday 11 September, 6pm
Vajarasana Retreat Centre - non heroic architecture— Gill Matthewson

Monday 16 October, 6pm
Raupo to Deco — Adrian Humphris

Monday 20 November, 6pm
I bought a Building - Did I Mean To Do That? – Malcom Walker

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