Ivan Mercep facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ivan Mercep
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Museum of New Zealand
Te Papa Tongarewa |
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| Born | 22 February 1930 Taumarunui, New Zealand
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| Died | 8 April 2014 (aged 84) Auckland, New Zealand
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| Alma mater | University of Auckland |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Spouse(s) | Halina Eva Trusz |
| Awards | NZIA Gold Medal (2008) |
| Practice | JASMaD (1963–89) Jasmax (1989–2014) |
| Buildings | Te Papa Waikato Museum |
Ivan Mercep (born 22 February 1930, died 8 April 2014) was a very important New Zealand architect. He helped design some of New Zealand's most famous buildings.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ivan Mercep was born in Taumarunui, New Zealand, in 1930. His family had come from Croatia. He went to school at Sacred Heart College, Auckland. After that, he studied at Auckland University College. He earned his architecture degree in 1954. Ivan Mercep married Halina Eva Trusz. One of their sons, Simon Mercep, became a well-known broadcaster.
His Work as an Architect
After finishing university, Ivan Mercep spent six years working and travelling overseas. He came back to New Zealand in 1960. In 1963, he joined with Rodney Davies, Stephen Jelicich, and Graham Smith. They started an architecture company called JASMaD. This company later became Jasmax, which is now one of the biggest architecture firms in New Zealand. In 1964, he officially became a registered architect in New Zealand.
Important Buildings He Designed
Ivan Mercep helped design several important buildings. These include the Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland. He also worked on Waipapa Marae at the University of Auckland. He was the main architect for Samoa House, also known as Maota Samoa. This building is on Karangahape Road in Auckland. It was finished in 1978 and was built to house the Samoan consulate-general. Samoa House won a national award from the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 1980.
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Waipapa Marae, University of Auckland
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Samoa House (centre left) on Karangahape Road
One of his most famous projects was the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This large museum is in Wellington and is a major landmark.
Awards and Recognition
Ivan Mercep received several important awards for his work. In 1997, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This award was given for his great contributions to architecture. In 2008, he received the gold medal from the New Zealand Institute of Architects. This is the highest award an architect can get in New Zealand.
See also
In Spanish: Ivan Mercep para niños
