Mayfair Community Arts and Culture

Practice
Irving Smith Architects Ltd

Category
Public Architecture

Location
Nelson/Marlborough

While seemingly simple, this project had a sophisticated brief - to reinvent the earthquake-damaged Mayfair Cinema as a multi-purpose cinema, theatre, gallery and conference venue, and ensure it lasts another 90 years. The architects have cleverly responded to these multifarious demands, creating a comfortable, functional, hard-working building. A key addition was a terrace at the upper level to take advantage of the theatre’s waterfront site and add life to the facade. Archaeological finds that added significant complexity to the build were worked through simply and quickly - a testament to the architects and clients, and their strong relationships with the wider community.

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