The Auckland Art Gallery - Toi o Tāmaki - wanted to double its gallery space by restoring and adapting its historic galleries and creating a new exhibition area to complement them.

A series of emblematic, sculpted tree-like canopies, whose soffits are of geometrically cut timber from massive Kauri trees, enclose the forecourt, atrium and gallery areas. The result is a delightful sequence of transparent, naturally lit galleries in which internal and external views are created to provide rich backgrounds for the art and to enhance the experience of the visitor.