Hirschfeld Gallery
Architect Bill Toomath: Liberating Everyday Life
29 January - 14 March 2010
Free entry
In a 1983 lecture for the New Zealand Institute of Architects conference, Bill Toomath listed his ‘strongest beliefs’ in architecture: a rational design basis; economy of means; clarity of form, technique and structure. All were to be regulated by discipline, a discipline shaped in response to local climate and materials. New Zealanders’ ordinary daily activities were foremost in his mind: the spaces he designed were to enable practical, enjoyable, livable everyday surroundings.
These principles have remained constant throughout forty years of practice. At their core, and underpinning this exhibition, is the idea of open planning. Resolved to make modern architecture a habitable reality for New Zealanders, Toomath opened the tightly compartmentalised houses of the pre-1950s, creating continuous spaces which catered for a more informal style of living. Advances in industrial design, materials and technologies made possible the design of buildings in which innovation and economy are equally important.
This exhibition looks at a modest number of projects within Toomath’s considerable output. Toomath Senior House, which he designed for his parents in 1948, is an early example of open planning. Our exhibition layout mimics that of his parent’s living room, and is divided according to the same logic and dimensions. On the gallery’s right hand wall the windows and room divisions of the house are ghosted in tape; it is as if you have entered the original blueprint. (The Toomath Senior House site plan can be found in the exhibition.)
Toomath’s practice spans the entire period of New Zealand modernism, and is distinct in its consistency of approach. Simplicity of form and means remain primary themes. Their development may be traced from his 1949 thesis design for a waterfront-sited National Art Museum, to his most recent work, a study built onto his Roseneath house precisely replicating a 15th century painting by Antonello da Messina, St Jerome in his Study. More than any previous one, this project reveals his extraordinary ability to adapt means to ends, to respond to unique needs by creating uniquely livable spaces.
Abby Cunnane
Hirschfeld Gallery Curator
With thanks to The Warren Trust, and to Click Suite for their generous support of this exhibition.
Architectural Tours
Long Live the Modern Tours with Julia Gatley
13/14 March 2010
Join Julia Gatley, curator of Long Live the Modern, showing at TheNewDowse from 31 January to 4 April 2010, on a bus tour of Modernist buildings in the Hutt Valley (Saturday 13 March) and Wellington (Sunday 14 March). Architect Bill Toomath will also be aboard, and will speak briefly about his design for the Wellington Teacher’s College in Karori. $15 per person. Visit www.newdowse.org.nz for further details.
Toomath Two Houses
Sunday 7 March 2010, 2pm
Two Bill Toomath designed homes in Mt Victoria will be open to view. Catch a bus up to the houses for a tour and afternoon tea for just $5. Places are limited to 30 seats, so get in quick to book. $5 per person.
2pm departure from Harris St, behind City Gallery Wellington
RSVP: arch@architecture.org.nz
http://architecture.org.nz/
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