Chris - I am so glad you are highlighting this. I have lived in the CBD for 12 years, during which time I've seen the slow, agonizing decline of the this gig day by day, square foot by square foot. I remember remarking to my friends when it first opened (late 1999 I think?) that the architecture would date quickly. And lo and behold... it did. Part of its problem is that it seems to have been designed specifically for its original anchor tenants - esp. Borders, the Cinemas, Imax and Planet Hollywood. The consequent layout, while creating a stimulating experience back in the day, makes the repurposing of any space virtually out of the question without significant reconstruction.
And now we are left with this gigantic rotting structure smack bang in the middle of the main civic space in NZ's largest city.
In many ways the complex epitomises the history of urban planning in Auckland: short-term gain for long-term pain. And Skyworld's inexcusable neglect is now mirrored the length of Queen St, starting with the shoebox "retail" spaces in those mindless apartment developments designed for swift returns to offshore developers, seeping down to the equally poorly managed shops around the Civic Theatre, the neglected Strand and Mid-City arcades, the formerly oh-so-classy Atrium on Elliott, all nestled within a cityscape of some of the worst urban architecture in the First World.
The only thing stopping me from wishing SkyWorld would burn to the ground (aside from the remaining businesses therein) is the threat such a conflagration would pose to the majestic Civic Theatre next door - one of the few buildings in the CBD that we would be significantly poorer for losing.
Thanks Frank! I'm working on a post on the planned renovations, which are actually pretty great (if they ever go ahead). If it's okay with you I wouldn't mind using a couple of your comments in the piece - would that be okay? Hopefully we can get it restored to its former glory!
I remember when it first opened, I was about 12 and the place was a complete vapour wave dream. The arcade, cinema, rocket elevator and pizza planet - was incredible for NZ at the time.
Hi Chris, I used to be obsessed with this building and researched it for an essay when I was studying architecture. I was amazed that despite its size and presence in the ‘civic hub’ of Auckland, it was never talked about it in architecture school - no one seemed to think it was worthy of discussion. I would be happy to share the research and discuss it further if you are interested - how do I get in touch? Thanks, Sam
Chris - I am so glad you are highlighting this. I have lived in the CBD for 12 years, during which time I've seen the slow, agonizing decline of the this gig day by day, square foot by square foot. I remember remarking to my friends when it first opened (late 1999 I think?) that the architecture would date quickly. And lo and behold... it did. Part of its problem is that it seems to have been designed specifically for its original anchor tenants - esp. Borders, the Cinemas, Imax and Planet Hollywood. The consequent layout, while creating a stimulating experience back in the day, makes the repurposing of any space virtually out of the question without significant reconstruction.
And now we are left with this gigantic rotting structure smack bang in the middle of the main civic space in NZ's largest city.
In many ways the complex epitomises the history of urban planning in Auckland: short-term gain for long-term pain. And Skyworld's inexcusable neglect is now mirrored the length of Queen St, starting with the shoebox "retail" spaces in those mindless apartment developments designed for swift returns to offshore developers, seeping down to the equally poorly managed shops around the Civic Theatre, the neglected Strand and Mid-City arcades, the formerly oh-so-classy Atrium on Elliott, all nestled within a cityscape of some of the worst urban architecture in the First World.
The only thing stopping me from wishing SkyWorld would burn to the ground (aside from the remaining businesses therein) is the threat such a conflagration would pose to the majestic Civic Theatre next door - one of the few buildings in the CBD that we would be significantly poorer for losing.
Thanks Frank! I'm working on a post on the planned renovations, which are actually pretty great (if they ever go ahead). If it's okay with you I wouldn't mind using a couple of your comments in the piece - would that be okay? Hopefully we can get it restored to its former glory!
Totally fine to use any comments you like.
And amen re restoration!
I remember when it first opened, I was about 12 and the place was a complete vapour wave dream. The arcade, cinema, rocket elevator and pizza planet - was incredible for NZ at the time.
Yang Guo Fu is Chinese
Thanks for pointing that out Lindsay, apologies for the error - my bad. That's been corrected.
Hi Chris, I used to be obsessed with this building and researched it for an essay when I was studying architecture. I was amazed that despite its size and presence in the ‘civic hub’ of Auckland, it was never talked about it in architecture school - no one seemed to think it was worthy of discussion. I would be happy to share the research and discuss it further if you are interested - how do I get in touch? Thanks, Sam
Yes please! Email me at iamchrisschulz@gmail.com