Art News Autumn 2005 

IT'S A WRAP 

In the line of arts/design collaboration, the Glen Eden Library has a theatrical twist. The team assembled by Waitakere City Council consisted of John Parker ceramicist and theatre designer of equal renown ‑ and architects Warren and Mahoney. Both viewed the building as a seamless sculptural work and as a receptacle for a living and changing response to the community's treasures and heritage. The building itself opens like a book to a villa of the Waitakere Ranges and frames a seven‑metre pou whenua created by Te Kawerau A Maki carvers.

As one approaches the entrance, this is reflected in a double‑sided glass wall, which will hold a changing display of art objects, local treasures and quirky collections. At night the front window of the building shows a compilation of video snippets of heritage, arts and local activity.

But the "wrap" is where John Parker, theatre designer, shows his flair. The internal wall, which runs the length of the library, has been painted like a huge set piece to show the geological substrata of the land beneath the building. In rich volcanic reds through to charcoal greys, these layers then run seamlessly across the floor in a custom‑made carpet that continues and connects the colours and textures of the wall.

On the wall itself are five "museum cases", each holding an installation work by a local artist reflecting a time zone. The artists are Phillipa Crane, Peter Lange, Wiremu Diamond, Niki Hastings‑McFall and Joanna Campbell. "Rock" cushions with hidden critters in the children's section are by Claire Inwood.

It's a building that invites and intrigues. Library Manager Sue Scott wants Waitakere's local libraries to be like community living rooms. This one rocks.

Carpet designs