The Dunedin Botanic Garden tea kiosk is a rare New Zealand example of novelty architecture, also called programmatic or mimetic architecture.
It is a type of architecture in which buildings are designed to look like objects, often related to what they are used for or what may be sold there.
For example, gas stations that look like petrol pumps, cafes that look like coffee pots or hot dog stands that look like hot dogs. The unusual shapes could be used as a way of advertising and often serve as landmarks.
Our tea kiosk was designed to look like a sun umbrella. If you look at the roof you will see the umbrella panels and inside you can see the umbrella pole running through the building on an angle.
In 1964, to mark its centenary, the Otago Savings Banks donated £15,000 towards the building of a tea kiosk in the lower garden.
The ‘‘umbrella’’ concept came from parks and reserves carpenter John McDougall and the plans drawn up by Dunedin City Council architect George Spencer.
The building was constructed by W.H. Naylor Ltd for £18,753. The kiosk was opened in November 1966. The first lessee was Pauline Laing.
At the time not everyone was happy with the design and still today there are many who think it is out of place in the botanic garden.
For now, the tea kiosk is here to stay with a new tenant on the way and refurbishment about to begin. Love it or hate it, the kiosk has always been a talking point.
Personally, I think it is a fantastic building that has stood the test of time and should be embraced for what it is - our own unique piece of architecture.
• Alice Lloyd-Fitt is the propagation officer at the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
