About the Project
Karori Anglican Churches (KAC) engaged Co-Design Architects to design a community facility that would help connect people in Karori, the largest suburb in Wellington. The proposed facility would replace the old parish hall, which sits in the heart of Karori.
KAC wants to offer an accessible and friendly facility, for all ages, that is:
- People-centred
- Relational
- Collaborative
- An open and inviting space
The creation of the preliminary design was a collaborative process with KAC and the Karori community. We held a number of meetings with a KAC reference group and planning team, as well as interviews and a design workshop with the church and Karori community.
The preliminary design is envisaged to be developed in two stages. The design features an entrance courtyard and a variety of indoor and outdoor social spaces.
Stage one consists of a main activity hub, soft play area, commercial kitchen and eating areas at street level, and lettable space for community activities. The facility links through to the existing Early Childcare Education Centre.
Stage two consists of further multipurpose activity spaces.
Pedestrian safety and vehicle access was also a key priority of the design, which has been addressed by the creation of a perimeter drive way, safe drop off-zones, go-slow zones and additional car parks.
The client asked for an uncomplicated facility with simple lines, and great architecture, and is delighted with the design.
