Cr Lee Vandervis was critical of the ‘‘titivation of the Civic Centre second floor’’.
He did not believe offices for the chief executive, senior staff and the mayor needed a complete rearrangement.
‘‘Some fresh paint and paper would have done the job,’’ Cr Vandervis said.
The upgrade to the Civic Centre second floor was last night recognised at the Southern Architecture Awards, winning the interior architecture category.
It was described as creating a contemporary workplace environment, providing a better connection between public and staff areas and featuring a striking conference room ceiling.
The council said the award was recognition for a functional, accessible and culturally integrated design.
Parker Warburton Team Architects won the award, in association with Aukaha and Kaitiaki Studios.
‘‘The wider programme addressed a range of significant building and infrastructure issues across the Civic Centre, including replacing a leaking roof, upgrading ageing windows and fire sprinkler systems, removing asbestos-containing materials, repairing deteriorating concrete, improving accessibility, and modernising building services while floors were vacant,’’ she said.
‘‘When the project reached the civic level, council had the opportunity to create a space that not only accommodated more than 60 staff, elected members and executive leadership effectively, but was also suitable for hosting official visitors and dignitaries in a modern civic setting.’’
Cr Vandervis said the council’s revamp had echoes of the Otago Regional Council’s estimated $56.4m ‘‘palatial’’ new headquarters in Dunedin.
‘‘Hopefully, amalgamation may see an end to such bureaucratic self-serving in local government,’’ he said.
City council chief executive Sandy Graham said the award recognised a successful balance achieved between functionality, civic identity and cultural expression within a modern workplace environment.
‘‘This is first and foremost a working civic building, but it is also a space that represents our city, our people and the way we welcome others into Dunedin,’’ she said.
Ms Graham said the council had worked closely with mana whenua through Aukaha to incorporate the values and narratives of Te Taki Haruru, the council’s Māori strategic framework, into the design.
‘‘This project has created a welcoming and professional environment for the community, elected members, staff and the many visitors and dignitaries we host throughout the year.’’
Cr Doug Hall did not agree with Cr Vandervis.
‘‘On the face of it, I think the project has turned out well and I can understand why it has received recognition through the Southern Architecture Awards,’’ Cr Hall said.
‘‘The upgraded space is modern, functional, and makes much better use of the Civic Centre environment than what existed previously.’’
He took issue with Cr Vandervis arguing there was a ‘‘cultural imbalance’’ — Cr Hall said it was entirely reasonable for Māori heritage to be reflected in civic spaces.
A $2.1m investment was significant and ratepayers were right to expect scrutiny, he said.
‘‘However, from what I have seen, the refurbishment appears to have delivered genuine improvements to how the space operates, rather than simply cosmetic changes.’’
