Provenance

Archimedia is a New Zealand architecture practice with NZRAB and green star accredited staff, offering design services in the disciplines of architecture, interiors and ecology. Delivering Architecture involves intervention in both natural eco-systems and the built environment – the context within which human beings live their lives.

Archimedia uses the word “ecology” to extend the concept of sustainability to urban design and master planning and integrates this holistic strategy into every project.

Archimedia prioritises client project requirements, budget, functionality, operational efficiency, feasibility, and programme. Once these fundamentals are soundly established, Archimedia pursues a sculptural architecture expressive of individual or collective identity.

Hierarchy of  Design Strategies

Identity

• Archimedia practice architecture as “material identity” – a crafted expression of individual or collective “identity” – embodying a synthesis of people, place and time.
• Archimedia investigates “identity” with each Client and endows buildings with a perceptible meaning that expresses this “identity” – the philosophical parti for all Archimedia projects.

Human Experience

• Archimedia are ambitious for the betterment of both humankind and the environment.
• Archimedia approach design with the intent that human beings register an “experience” of architecture which uplifts their daily existence.
• Archimedia respect all cultures, their protocols and the connectedness of all humanity.

Environment

• Archimedia strive for “beauty”, the exceptional and the inspirational in each and every commission, irrespective of budget.
• Archimedia believe in positive intervention – sustainability that enhances eco-systems.
• Archimedia believe in tectonics – a poetic configuration of land, space and structure.

Collaboration

• Archimedia believe in relationships, collaboration between equals and the power of teamwork.
• Archimedia staff are consultative by nature and use processes that encourage user decision making wherever possible

Process

• Archimedia believe that the very best process and the very best technology are critical components in our quest for the exceptional.
• Archimedia will invest whatever resources are required to find the best design solution.
• Archimedia design process is research-based to bring together in a coherent way, strands of stories, history, culture, topography, typologies and tectonics to create a “narrative” that has evolved authentically from this research– a narrative which could only belong to the specific context of the commission.
• From this narrative of text and images, a wellspring of ideas is formed that directs design decisions made on a journey of creativity and refinement, pursuing a beautiful, functional, inhabited sculpture.