Andrew Patterson (architect)

Andrew Patterson (born 1 January 1960) is a New Zealand Architect and director of Patterson Associates, based in Auckland, New Zealand. In 2011 Patterson Associates, was one of the first five international firms to be named by World Architecture News in their 21 for 21 program recognising firms which are ‘’shaping the future of architecture in the 21 century’’.^[1] His work is known for its use of patterns from both the natural environment and indigenous culture in order to create buildings with a sense of belonging.^[2]

This philosophy is illustrated in his work in sustainable architecture.^[3] The Geyser building, in Auckland is the recipient of New Zealand’s only 6 Green Star (rating).^[4] Other notable building projects include the Michael Hill Golf Clubhouse in Queenstown.^[5] and the Mai Mai House ^[6] Patterson won the supreme award at NZ’s 2013 Interior Awards for the New Zealand pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair.^[7] Recently he has been engaged to design the Len Lye centre in New Plymouth ^[8]

Early life and education

Born in the Waikato region, Andrew completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree at The University of Auckland in 1984 and started his own practice at age 26. In 1988 Andrew represented New Zealand at the New Breed Architectural Exhibition in Sydney. He received his first National Award for Architecture in the same year. Since then he has been awarded New Zealand’s highest award in architecture on five separate occasions.^[9] He is Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (FNZIA).^[10]

Architectural philosophy

Patterson’s architectural philosophy is one that is bound by the environment in which he works. For him, architecture is an extension of the surrounding physical ecology, this is underpinned by the Māori belief the people are a natural off spring of the land and sky.^{[2] [11]}

This philosophy rejects traditional western distinctions between natural and man made environments.^[12][13] Architecture is simply a physical extension of human kind and must, according to Patterson, create or extend the sense of belonging people feel towards what they inhabit, this could be explained as form following whanau.^[12] Patterson has been vocal in pushing for greater use of indigenous New Zealand stories and symbols in the design of public buildings.^[14] An emphasis on belonging logically creates a sense of identity to a place and, correspondingly, a sense of identity in the users or inhabitants of a place. The Geyser building is an example.^[15] Patterson’s uses a pattern derived from the tassles of the korowai or traditional Māori cloak on the façade of the Geyser building.^[16] His interest in Māori culture is also evident in the Anvil building which used "cloud forms as conceptual drivers" relating to the Māori creation myth of Ranginui and Papatuanuku.^[17]

Notable projects

• Christchurch Botanic Garden Centre, Christchurch (2014)
• Len Lye Centre, New Plymouth (2013)
• Geyser, Auckland (2012)
• Frankfurt Book Fair Pavilion, Frankfurt (2012)
• Anvil Building, Auckland (2011)
• Local Rock House, Waiheke Island, Auckland (2011)
• Parihoa House, Auckland (2009)
• The Michael Hill Clubhouse, Arrowtown (2008)
• Mai Mai House, Auckland (2008)
• Cumulus, Auckland (2003)
• D72, Auckland (1996)
• Knight-Klisser House, Auckland (1992)
• Axis Building, Auckland (1991)

Awards

• Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Auckland 2013;
• 21 for 21 Award, World Architecture News, 2011;
• NZIA Architecture Award (Local Rock House), 2011;
• World Architecture Festival Shortlist (Sports & Leisure) 2008 and World Architecture Festival Shortlist (Houses) 2008;
• NZIA National and Supreme award for architecture (Hills Golf Clubhouse), 2008;
• NZIA National Award for architecture (Mai Mai House), 2008;
• NZIA National Award for architecture (AJ Hackett Bungy Visitor Centre), 2008;
• NZIA Award for architecture (Stratus), 2005;
• NZIA Supreme Award for architecture (Cumulus), 2003;
• NZIA Award for architecture (Site 3), 2002

References

External links

• Patterson Architects website