John Scott: Architect

Speaking of Restoration

2012-01-31T13:01:00.001+13:00

1962 - Photo Maurice Smith

1992 - Photo Craig Martin

2008 - Photo Craig Martin

Futuna Open Day and Dulux Futuna Lecture

2012-01-31T12:54:00.001+13:00

FUTUNA CHAPEL OPEN DAY - 15 CPD Points

Viewing of building (one of NZ top 10 buildings and recipient of 25 year Award and NZIA Gold Medal), musical performance, facsimiles of original drawings on display, presentation by Nick Bevin Trust Chair of the planned restoration of the building’s exterior and a talk by a well known NZ Architect, David Mitchell, on his reading of John Scott the architect of Futuna.

David Mitchell is an architect whose work has figured prominently in New Zealand over the last twenty years. He has designed university buildings, teachers’ college buildings, schools and community projects, art galleries, office buildings, public housing, apartments, and numerous private houses. Though he travelled and worked overseas for most of the 1990’s he continued with private commissions in New Zealand. He returned to Auckland with Julie Stout to set up practice again in 2000.

He has taught design at the Auckland schools of architecture, written two books and many articles and presented a 6-part television series, The Elegant Shed, on New Zealand architecture.

In 2005, David was awarded the NZIA Gold Medal, the highest honour bestowed by the New Zealand Institute of Architects Incorporated, for an outstanding contribution to the theory and practice of architecture.

Date: Sunday 18 March
Time: 11.00am - 4.00pm
Music 12:00pm – 12:30pm
Restoration Presentation 1:30pm to 2:00pm
Talk 2:30pm to 3:00pm
Venue: Futuna Chapel, Futuna Close, 67 Friend Street, Karori, Wellington
Cost: Koha
Registration: None required.

DULUX FUTUNA LECTURE - 15 CPD Points

Following the Blue Mountains Master Class Rick Joy will present three lectures in New Zealand starting with the second Dulux Futuna lecture at Futuna Chapel.

Rick will talk about the underpinnings, inspirations and aspirations of his work, how he and his practice produce the work and how it is constructed. This lecture series is generously supported by Dulux in association with Intergrain and Metalcraft Roofing.

Sunday 18 March
6.30pm starts
Futuna Chapel, Futuna Close
67 Friend Street
Wellington
Cost:
$25.00 - Architects
$20.00 - Students

Monday 19 March
6.30pm starts
CPIT Campus
Madras Street
Christchurch
Cost:
$20.00 - Architects
$15.00 - Students

Thursday 22 March
6.30pm starts
Engineering Lecture Theatre 439
University of Auckland
20 Symonds Street
Auckland
Cost:
$25.00 - Architects
$20.00 - Students

To make a booking please click here and you will be directed to a booking form. Fill out your details and submit the form. You will receive an acknowledgement advising that an invoice will be emailed to you shortly. A booking is not confirmed until payment is received. Please note a $5 fee applies to each transaction (you may book several places under one booking) to help cover costs.

If you have any queries please contact the booking managers - The Whiteboard (NZ) Ltd on 04 499 9550 or email futunalectures@gmail.com.

Ice Cube Celebrates The Eames

2011-12-14T11:34:00.001+13:00

Eames House History

Whare Maori - Episode 9 John Scott

2011-07-11T16:22:00.001+12:00

Episode Nine – John Scott
This overview of arguably the most significant trained architect in New Zealand’s history,explores how Scott married modernity with traditional notions of space and design. We visit:-Futuna Chapel, Wellington/ Our Lady of Lourdes, Haumoana House, Hawkes Bay/ Ngamatea, Ngamatea.

Nicely done. View it on the Maori Television website...

Whare Maori pays tribute to John Scott

2011-07-08T17:53:00.001+12:00

One of New Zealand's greatest architects and the first Maori to practice architecture professionally in this country, John Scott, features on Maori Television series WHARE MAORI this weekend.

Reprieve for unwanted lake visitor centre

2011-07-08T14:50:00.000+12:00

The iconic visitor centre in Urewera National Park has received a stay of demolition — for now — but Department of Conservation staff have made it clear that they no longer want it...
Gisborne Herald Wednesday, July 06, 2011 • Kristine Walsh

Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre

2011-06-02T20:09:00.002+12:00

Back in January 2004 the John Scott designed visitor centre at Aniwaniwa looked like this:

In May 2011 it looks like this:

In 2004 the Centre was 30 years old. It showed a few signs of its age but no more than you would expect. Seven and a bit years later it is in a tragic state. I'd suggest that this is a maintenance issue rather than a design or build issue.

The Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre is an important Scott building. It is also an important part of New Zealand's architectural heritage. It needs to be saved and preserved, not demolished.

Lend your voice by signing the petition...

Download a copy of the petition here.

Petition launched to Save Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre

2011-05-19T16:45:00.012+12:00

DOC has gained permission to demolish the John Scott designed Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre at Lake Waikaremoana. Concerned architects and admirers of this significant piece of NZ architecture are working to save it from demolition. An application has been made for a Historic Places Trust classification and the Ministers of Conservation and Arts, Culture and Heritage lobbied to intervene. Lend your voice by signing the petition...

Download a copy of the petition here.

St Canice's revisited

2011-04-30T16:34:00.010+12:00

Yesterday I went to an ADNZ (Nelson Marlborough) meeting held at St Canice's Church in Westport. Russell Walden and Julia Gatley spoke - Russell telling the story of his life from a wheelchair and Julia her DOCOMOMO talk with a some added detail about St Canice's and John Scott.

I don't think that Russell Walden was very impressed with the church, at least he went out of his way to point out what was wrong with it, as is his way, perhaps. (He was also critical of New Zealand architecture, architectural academia, and architects.) I agree with him that the church is cluttered, that the Stations of the Cross are weak, that the incorporation of the gothic stained glass from the previous St Canice's was unnecessary, and that the crucifix should be on the large wall to the left of the altar rather than bolted to the thin pillar behind.

As Russell pointed out there is often a disconnect between the architect and the Church, that neither knows the other well enough for the relationship to produce a wonderful building. I think the size of the cultural/aesthetic gap in Westport was shown most starkly when we went to the church hall for afternoon tea, the hall being the most architecturally barren building you could imagine, a blank box with high windows, cream interior walls and contrasting forest green steel beams.

It surprises me that John Scott managed to design a church of this quality in this environment. It is not a lavish building, it is a plain and simple church that is also architecturally interesting. And I like it's quirks - the almost Spanish bell tower, the door-handle coat hooks, the concrete and wood pews, the stone altar, even the gothic windows. I think it is much better architecture than the Church deserves, and would be much improved with the removal of the plaster-cast saints, odd antique furniture, expansive notice boards, and oversize loud speakers (the two speakers high above the altar are architectural blasphemy). It is sad that the yellow acrylic has turned clear in the sun as the light from the celestials would be warmer.

I like the way Scott has constructed the church; the proportions of the windows and concrete block walls, the geometry and elegance of the floor plan, the use of light and contrast, the choice of materials (especially the matai ceiling and brick floor). I also like the way it is clearly related to Scott's other churches, it is part of a series, the development of ideas, but that it is also unique and can stand on its own.

There is much more to like about this building than dislike and it is a shame that its flaws, rather than its qualities were Russell's focus yesterday. This church needs to be loved as a building, its spirit nurtured, and we all have a role in that.

Whare Maori

2011-04-30T16:16:00.003+12:00

Whare Maori architecture series commences transmission on Sunday, 8th of May at 8pm on Maori Television. Programme on John Scott (episode 9) airs on July 9.

FUTUNA CHAPEL - 50th ANNIVERSARY MODEL

2011-04-30T14:31:00.001+12:00

50th ANNIVERSARY MODEL 1961-2011 Scale 1:100

This 50th Anniversary Edition is limited to 50 numbered models, each comprising 44 parts, assembled during the weekend of the Anniversary by students from the Victoria University of Wellington School of Architecture and supplied with a matching custom fitted storage box that doubles as a display plinth and contains an engraved token denoting the Limited Edition Number. The name of the model assembler is recorded on the Certificate of Authenticity that accompanies the limited edition model.

The kit was designed by Hamilton modeler Tony Richardson using Inkscape vector graphics, then laser cut by Ponoko in Wellington from 4mm Italian poplar plywood donated by Plytech. The model is as close to scale as is possible with the materials available using this technology.

This Limited Edition will never be repeated, as the patterns for the model have been permanently erased.

Price: $300 incl GST + post and packaging. (free delivery in Wellington CPD)

The model is also available in a Standard Limited Edition of 25 un-numbered copies supplied as a DIY flat pack comprising 48 parts and without the storage/display box. Included are the assembly instructions, PVA glue, pegs and assembly jig. Some minor beveling is required for accurate fitting of the four roof valley beams.

Price: $250 incl GST + post and packaging (free delivery in Wellington CPD)

On receipt of your funds into the Trust Bank account (details below) your model will be dispatched
Friends of Futuna Charitable Trust Account.
National Bank North, Lambton Quay
Account number: 06 0581 0136554 00
Use your name as the reference and ‘Model’ as the code

Futuna Ponoko Model

2011-03-27T15:30:00.002+13:00

Nice project for those long winter nights? More on the Ponoko blog.

Rick LaPlastrier and Kim Hill

2011-03-27T15:21:00.007+13:00

Rick LaPlastrier came over for the Futuna 50th. Kim Hill missed an opportunity here (RNZ Interview) but whatever...

A portfolio of Rick's work is here.

Futuna 50th Anniversary

2011-02-14T17:40:00.005+13:00

Click to enlarge or download in pdf format: Poster & Programme.

North & South

2010-10-16T19:09:00.003+13:00

There is an article in the November North & South on the Futuna Chapel and the mystery surrounding the missing figure of Christ. My bet is the developer knows more than he is telling...

Futuna - To the Future, Nov 2nd

2010-10-16T19:06:00.001+13:00

Click to enlarge.

'Seminal' Scott building mothballed

2010-10-01T13:06:00.005+13:00

A building of "seminal" national architectural history has been mothballed and its future is uncertain after it was classified as unsanitary. More

Sounds like we are being softened up for something to me. $1.6m to repair?

Pattison House

2010-09-25T18:03:00.003+12:00

BBC Modern Masters series 2010

2010-09-04T12:35:00.004+12:00

While we're speaking of chapels, this is a clip from the BBC Modern Masters series about Matisse's Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence built and decorated between 1949 and 1951.

The Elegant Shed - Scott Interview

2010-08-24T16:29:00.005+12:00

From the 1984 television programme The Elegant Shed, presented by David Mitchell. Lovely interview with John Scott. Stunning shots of the Apatu house at Ngamatea towards the end. You have to forgive the music...

St John's College Chapel

2010-08-23T21:02:00.005+12:00

I visited St John's College last week. Scott designed several of the buildings here, including the chapel, very early in his career (1955). You can see a number of ideas explored in the chapel that he uses in other buildings later. The roof design is interesting with the beams making a transition from inside to outside to create the space for the narrow windows that break up the roofline. Another set of narrow windows is created by the beams at the junction of the the roof and wall. The chapel is currently being renovated, with the centre skylight missing in these photos.

The original staffroom at St John's (below) is also a delight. The 1955 classroom blocks are worth a look too.

Futuna Chapel 1992

2010-08-19T17:06:00.013+12:00

These are all from a roll of film I took in July 1992, the weekend Scott died. They are taken in the late afternoon with a wide angle lens, probably 28mm, on 35mm film (ah, the good old days).

The Elegant Shed - Futuna Chapel

2010-08-14T11:31:00.004+12:00

A short clip from the 1984 TV programme The Elegant Shed hosted by David Mitchell. The complete episode is here.

Martin House

2010-08-07T18:51:00.008+12:00

Heritage protection

2010-08-07T16:43:00.009+12:00

There has been some discussion in the media this week regarding private homes being listed in district plans as heritage buildings. I have some sympathy with owners objecting to having to seek resource consent to do alterations or renovations or change colour-schemes for their houses.

But I also think that if councils had acted earlier on listing significant buildings in district plans we might have had better "maintenance" solutions for a number of Scott buildings, including the re-roofing of both the Futuna Chapel and Our Lady of Lourdes, and the replacement of the coloured acrylic windows with clear glass in St Joseph the Worker in Turangi, all of which have buggered up a lovely feature of each building.

It seems important to me that district councils and the Historic Places Trust take a more active role in protecting 20th century buildings, before ill-considered alterations stuff them. By just recognising that a building is significant we go some way to encouraging owners to think twice before ripping out the wooden joinery and replacing it with aluminium, or ripping off a tiled or stainless steel roof and replacing it with something inferior.

The Futuna roof, before (left) and after (right).

Our Lady of Lourdes, before and after.

Scott Open Home segment

2010-08-07T16:17:00.004+12:00

A clip form the TV1 Open Home programme broadcast in 1994 (?) Shows a number of Scott houses.

GP Surgery, Southland Road, Hastings

2010-08-01T14:18:00.003+12:00

GP Surgery, Southland Road, Hastings, 1977

Small Church, Whakatu, near Hastings

2010-08-01T13:18:00.003+12:00

I know nothing about this church, reputedly designed by John Scott. I took these photos around Christmas 2008. I have no idea when it was built. If you have any details let me know.

St Canice's, 6 July 2010

2010-07-14T14:10:00.000+12:00

St Canice's, Westport, New Zealand. Opened 14 December 1975. Taken on my iPhone on my way down the West Coast in early July, 2010. I do love this building. More photos on the St Canice's web page.

Our Lady of Lourdes wins Enduring Architecture Award

2010-05-20T17:41:00.003+12:00

Three early photos of Our lady of Lourdes, before the 1990s addition and the recent change to the roof.

Hawke's Bay Today report
Institute of Architecture Citation

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception 1972 (?)

2010-04-20T14:32:00.001+12:00

This church, designed by John Scott, is in Pakipaki, near Hastings, NZ. Photographed 12 & 14 April, 2010.

What were they thinking?

2010-04-12T17:11:00.004+12:00

All the windows in St Joseph the Worker, in Turangi, have been replaced. All the coloured acrylic is now clear glass and lots of finer details have been lost, like the coloured light along the top edge of the wall behind the altar (see below).

I think that the reason that churches have coloured windows is to let the light in, but not the view. The atmosphere in this church has been altered tremendously. Some might say vandalised.

Futuna Interior, 9 April 2010

2010-04-09T16:47:00.005+12:00

Taken on the iPhone, passing through. 50th anniversary next year. Futuna Trust

Martin Bach, Hokitika

2010-02-21T17:53:00.004+13:00

Interiors taken at the same time as the HOME magazine shoot.

Not seen in HOME

2010-02-21T17:49:00.000+13:00

For some reason they didn't show this side of the Martin bach in the HOME article.

The Martin bach in HOME

2010-02-20T17:48:00.000+13:00

John Scott's bach for the Martins featured recently in HOME NZ.