MediaWorks

Warren and Mahoney with AECOM
New Zealand

Mediaworks, located in a warehouse that spans a floorplate of 4500 square metres, is home to eight radio brands who are together for the first time in this new environment. Each different radio brand has their own tastes, personalities and ideas – and this is represented in the visual manifestation of sound, creating energy and drama.

The building, a 1970’s storage warehouse, comprises of 16 studios, 400 plus staff and state-of-the-art technical infrastructure that unifies their broadcast performance and ultimately enables video recording for the migration to live televised brand content.

There were three fundamental architectural components to the design; the location of the main entrance, configuration of the mezzanine and the mass of the studio and these underpinned the development of the site.

The fitout looks as much to the past as the future, inspired by music that reflects a nostalgic love for old and new. The reception area is predominately a concrete and steel aesthetic contrasted by soft absorptive materials, retro timbers and finishes and joinery. Events are held in a boldly coloured external pavilion with grandstand seating, planting features and space for outdoor celebrations.

To amplify the rebel spirt of MediaWorks, Autex designed bespoke feature wall treatments; three abstract expressions of sound – Anechoic (mustard), Noise (crimson) and Beats (khaki). The acoustic material, ideal for providing high-performance sound absorption was custom tinted and crafted to fold like origami to create distinct shapes with little wastage.

Raw exposed galvanised steel and warm natural timber reflects and complements a language of technical precision and comfort. Exposed services, steel framed walls, timbers and retro-styled partitioning re-energises the interior, transforming a once undeveloped warehouse into the physical and metaphorical ‘amplifier’ of New Zealand broadcasting.

 

Furniture: Simon James Design, Tim Webber Design, Herman Miller, Aspect, Vitra, Knoll, Crestline. Lighting: Thorn, LightPlan. Finishes: Autex, Laminex Melteca, Forbo, Resene, Dulux. Fittings & Fixtures: Miele, Fisher & Paykel, Electrolux, Hafele, Burns & Ferrall, CMS, Crestron.

 

Photography: Sam Hartnett