City Talks: André Bishop of Athfield Architects

Overview

"I actually abhor historical correctness. It's like imprisoning someone. History really starts with an idea … The fabric of your city develops because your society leaves some buildings and takes some out." — Ian Athfield

André Bishop is next on the City Talks speaker roster, and will on Monday night present an intriguing selection of unbuilt projects meant for the Wellington waterfront. His work with Athfield Architects is known for reshaping New Zealand's architecture over the past fifty years, and the practise is responsible for some pretty "out there" building. These unrealised designs epitomise the spirited approach the practice has had since its establishment in 1968. From their perch on top of a Khandallah ridge, Athfield has a perfect vantage point over its beloved harbour for pushing the architectural envelope and envisioning what the city's waterfront could be.