Architects Abroad

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30940, 22 December 1965, Page 12

Architects Abroad

The Government is missing opportunities to show the world, through its buildings in capital cities abroad, something of the capacity of New Zealand architects and designers. The ability of our professional men to embody in buildings a style and quality to do justice to the character which the Dominion should want to cultivate in other countries cannot be doubted. To ignore our own architects now because they have been ignored in the past is no argument for engaging local architects when it is practicable to employ New Zealanders. The saving if any, in overseas funds would probably be small if New Zealand architects went overseas to work on New Zealand Government projects; but our embassies and high commissions should present to the nationals of the countries in which we are represented something authentically New Zealand. \ It is true that New Zealand House in London has added to the Dominion’s prestige and that the quality and modernity of the building do credit to London and New Zealand. But it is not in any particular sense a New Zealand building although many New Zealanders worked on the drawings. Many small countries have made an impression abroad quite out of proportion to their size by having their own architects design their buildings, whether pavilions at international fairs or permanent diplomatic buildings. Such buildings should recognise the local architectural environment but also speak out on behalf of their builders. New Zealand has few enough opportunities to do this; it should neglect none. Many of our architects have worked in other countries, particularly in Europe and in Japan. Their experience has been valuable. The Government Architect would no doubt welcome the opportunity to work abroad with local consultants. Air travel has made such jobs readily accessible. Indeed, New Zealand has much to gain from its architects working in other countries with new materials, construction methods, mechanical equipment, and furnishings.