Ian Athfield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Ian Athfield KNZM
Athfield in 2013
Born	(1940-07-15)15 July 1940 Christchurch, New Zealand
Died	16 January 2015(2015-01-16) (aged 74) Wellington, New Zealand
Alma mater	University of Auckland
Occupation	Architect
Practice	Athfield Architects

Sir Ian Charles Athfield (15 July 1940 – 16 January 2015) was a famous New Zealand architect. He was born in Christchurch and finished his architecture studies at the University of Auckland in 1963.

That same year, he started working at Structon Group Architects. By 1965, he became a partner. In 1968, he helped start his own company, Athfield Architects. Sir Ian passed away in 2015 in Wellington.

Ian Athfield's Cool Designs

In 1965, Ian Athfield began designing his own home, Athfield House. This was a big project for his family and his studio. It is in Khandallah, Wellington. This unique group of buildings really stands out from the usual houses nearby.

His early buildings used many different materials. These included corrugated iron, plaster, and even fibreglass. At the time, many buildings looked plain and "modern." Athfield wanted to build in a more traditional style. He used features like steep roofs, wooden walls, and verandahs.

He also found ideas from the buildings in the Greek Islands. These buildings often have smooth plaster walls and small windows. But he also liked the very precise designs of Mies van der Rohe. He combined all these different ideas into his own special style.

During the 1970s, Athfield designed and updated many homes. He created a unique look by repeating small design parts. He also made buildings with complex shapes. Some people called his houses 'cartoon houses,' but he didn't mind.

Some also said his houses were pretty but not practical. However, Athfield believed that "in a house, you should get a surprise every time you turn a corner."

In the 1980s, Athfield's company grew. They started working on more than just houses. They designed churches, pubs, and even large commercial buildings. His well-known projects include the Wellington Central Library and Jade Stadium in Christchurch. He also worked on the Bangkok rapid transport system.

He was once the President of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. He also judged many design contests. He gave speeches at conferences around the world. Later projects included the Chews Lane Precinct and the Wellington Overseas Passenger Terminal.

A movie about Athfield, called Architect of Dreams, was made for a film festival. After the big earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 in Canterbury, Athfield helped with the rebuilding of Christchurch.

Awards and Special Honours

Ian Athfield won over 60 national and international awards for his architecture. In 1976, he won first prize in a global competition for city design in developing countries. He also won 13 top awards from the NZIA for his amazing projects.

In 2004, he received the highest honour from the New Zealand Institute of Architects, the Gold Medal. He was the first New Zealand architect to become an APEC architect.

Athfield received the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal. In 1996, he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This was for his great work in architecture. In 2015, he was promoted to Knight Companion of the same order.

He also received special awards from universities. In 1997, he got a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Auckland. In 2000, Victoria University of Wellington gave him an honorary degree.

Famous Buildings He Designed

Images for kids

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  Wellington City Library

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  Arlington Council Flats, Wellington (taken down 2021)

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  Buck House, Te Mata Estate

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  Adam Art Gallery, Victoria University of Wellington

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  Wellington City Library (now closed for reconstruction)

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  Civic Square, Wellington

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  Odlins Building/NZX, Wellington

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  Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt

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  Chews Lane precinct, Wellington

See also

• Roger Walker
• Miles Warren