Holland Power

Imperial Lane is forgotten, unused, and dismissed, becoming another part of Tamaki Makaurau that is lost within the buildings—situated next to fort lane, which is used as a shortcut for a daily commute, never a destination.

Welcomed is a public community space that brings vibrancy to Fort Lane, welcoming the community around lower Queen Street and allowing for a space that brings the surrounding communities together. Surrounding artists are welcomed to work within the space, bringing an open studio space that is missing within Tamaki Makaurau. The public laneway welcomes the public, becoming a break or a pause from their linear commute around lower Queen Street.

The first floor is dedicated to the public. The public laneway becomes seating for surrounding commuters to take a break from the city, and the cafe and bar encourage the public to stay, becoming a haven for communication. The upper levels are directed toward collaboration, encouraging all individuals to use the space as their own, allowing the community to work on any project they desire. With individual workspaces, open studios, workshops, and a public screening room, The Welcomed caters to all.

The interior-to-exterior facade takes inspiration from the CMYK Colour Mode, wherein a linear perspective the repetitiveness of Magenta, Blue, and yellow introduce a moving image when moving through Imperial Lane—shifting the perspective to how we are welcomed into Imperial lane.

Working together as one, Welcomed is a space for all.