Rainscreen

Rainscreen, 2006, Athfield Architects, Simon Morris and Fraser Engineering

The large perforated aluminium structure that adorns the façade of this building, Rainscreen was developed by Athfield Architects (architects of TheNewDowse 2006 development), artist Simon Morris and Lower Hutt-based firm Fraser Engineering.

Architecturally Rainscreen provides TheNewDowse with a distinctive and expressive visual identity. Functionally it contributes to the energy efficiency of the building. The screen’s movable panels are designed to manage the effects of critical western sun strike. This both reduces the air conditioning load to the upper galleries and ensures a more comfortable café environment.

“The New Dowse Façade commission provided a great opportunity to explore my current interests on a very large and public scale. The primary focus of my work is the examination of visual systems, how they fit into the world and help reveal and extend our experience of space and site. This project offered the chance to produce a new work linking interests across painting, site responsive wall drawing, site-specific installations, architectural and industry related collaborations.”

Artist, Simon Morris

Rainscreen was commissioned by The Dowse Foundation, with the support of The Chartwell Trust, Building Solutions, Fraser Engineering & Creative New Zealand.