The unobstructed trail to the world and beyond

Designed by Warren and Mahoney

From the architects:

Te Ara Ātea, the new library, community and performance facility designed by Warren and Mahoney, is the anchor landmark building for the future Rolleston Town Centre, situated on an area that was previously part of the Rolleston Reserve.

Following Selwyn District Council’s extensive community consultation, Warren and Mahoney utilised this vital local knowledge to form the backbone of the briefing and design process, delivering a community facility that is directly formed from its community’s needs.

In consultation with Te Taumutu Rūnanga, the name Te Ara Ātea was gifted to the project, meaning ‘unobstructed trail to the world and beyond'.

The Tūterakiwhanoa and Te Kete Ika a Rākaihautū traditions became key design drivers throughout the design stages of the project. The cultural narrative is expressed both externally within the façade and entrances and internally within the interior of the larger library, community and performance spaces. 

These are connected via a fluid double-height atrium with a centrally located jewel-like space called Te Waka Huia, providing a display, research and reflection space for significant local taonga (treasure).

Internally, the key themes of the narrative have been integrated in both a playful and meaningful way, creating an environment and experience that is rich and multi-layered, provoking a sense of delight and discovery.

Alongside the cultural narrative, strong historical rail, rural and Selwyn District contextual ties are also referenced. 

In partnership with Warren and Mahoney, Workshop e – leaders in exhibition and experiential design, development and production – created digital and analogue elements that weave together a tapestry of story and history, embedding visitors into the unique cultural and geographical context. 

With a rich culture narrative and a blank canvas to work from, the team created a distinctive civic project that is unique in its outcome.

Integrated artwork and museum collections feature throughout, adding another layer of discovery. 

A 35m long curved digital wall plays artwork and will evolve over time with a range of digital artists being invited to engage with the technology. 

c“The space has a strong community focus and challenges the typical preconceptions of a ‘library’," says Warren and Mahoney associate principal and interior designer on the project Bridget Watson.

“Selwyn District Council and the collaboration of the wider design team worked hard to connect community needs with cultural heritage at all levels – the result is not only a library but a flexible, multi-purpose community and performance space that acts as a hybrid museum and live history tour.”

Warren and Mahoney project principal Jonathan Coote says the facility has been designed closely with a great deal of engagement to allow for future flexibility.

“Te Ara Ātea acts as a beacon, not only in location, but for the diverse and growing Selwyn District community it serves," says Coote. “The multi-functional space encourages and facilitates community gathering, activities, recreation and reflection. 

"The design outcome that has been achieved with this project is a testament to a strong cultural narrative, coupled with a people-centric approach.”

About Warren and Mahoney

Warren and Mahoney is a 380-strong international design team working as one studio across seven locations, weaving together the strands of culture, sustainability and technology to create influential client outcomes. 

Backed by a 65-year history and originating from Aotearoa New Zealand, their work is measured by its impact on people, culture, our natural world and the future. 

Designed by: Warren and Mahoney

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Simon Devitt and Grant Davis