Mountain Fountain: The Decommissioning and Relocation of an Auckland Icon
The journey of the Mountain Fountain sculpture is a testament to the complex intersection of urban planning, structural engineering, and public art. Once a centerpiece of Aotea Square, the sculpture underwent a tumultuous period of decommissioning and relocation before finding a permanent home that aligned with both its aesthetic and spiritual value.
The Conflict at Aotea Square
In 2005, the Auckland City Council proposed the demolition of the Mountain Fountain as part of a broader redesign of Aotea Square. The council aimed to transform the area into a wide-open space suitable for public meetings, concerts, and performances. However, this plan met with significant resistance from the public and New Zealand's arts community, forcing the council to reconsider the demolition.
Beyond the aesthetic goals of the redesign, there were critical structural concerns. The sculpture was causing damage to the roof of the Civic Theatre underground car park located beneath the square. As part of an $80 million restoration project for the square and the car park, the Auckland City Council eventually removed the sculpture and placed it in storage in 2008.
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The Decision to Relocate
By June 2009, an advisory panel for public art voted unanimously to move the Mountain Fountain to a new site. The panel cited two primary reasons for this decision: the sculpture's negative impact on the event space and the necessity of ensuring the car park roof's waterproofing. From an artistic standpoint, the panel argued that the sculpture was out of scale and dwarfed by the vastness of the open square, suggesting it would be more effective in a smaller setting.
Engineering constraints further solidified the decision. The sculpture's water system could not be embedded into the newly designed car park roof, making a return to Aotea Square impossible. While the artist, Stringer, was open to the relocation, he criticized the council's process, labeling their justifications as "spurious" and noting a lack of communication with his engineer.
Finding a New Home
The advisory panel initially proposed three potential sites for the sculpture: Victoria Park, Parliament Reserve, and Selwyn Reserve in Mission Bay. They recommended a process of public consultation to finalize the choice. However, a new direction emerged when John Wilson, a council member of Holy Trinity Cathedral, discovered the relocation plans and contacted Stringer.
Following consultations between Stringer, the public, and council art advisors, the Mountain Fountain was relocated to the forecourt of Holy Trinity Cathedral. The sculpture was officially dedicated in its new location on September 12, 2010.
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Artistic and Personal Significance
The relocation proved to be a successful marriage of form and function. Stringer and Wilson observed a complementary synergy between the zigzag shapes of the sculpture and the three peaks of the cathedral's roofline. This placement also fulfilled the original vision of the cathedral's architect, Richard Toy, who had intended for an artwork to be situated next to the building.
While some critics, such as New Zealand Herald arts writer Janet McAllister, expressed concern that non-Christian ratepayers might feel uncomfortable with the art being on diocese land, Stringer viewed the move as a "resurrection." For the artist, the process was deeply personal; he recalled visiting his terminally ill father at Auckland City Hospital while building the sculpture in 1980, making the rebuilding of the fountain a renewal of those memories.
Key Facts
- Original Location: Aotea Square, Auckland.
- Final Location: Forecourt of Holy Trinity Cathedral.
- Relocation Date: Dedicated September 12, 2010.
- Primary Conflict: Structural damage to the Civic Theatre underground car park roof.
- Project Budget: Part of an $80 million restoration of Aotea Square and the car park.
- Key Figures: Artist Stringer, Cathedral member John Wilson, and Architect Richard Toy.
| Aspect | Aotea Square (Original) | Holy Trinity Cathedral (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Spatial Fit | Dwarfed by large open space | Synergistic with roofline peaks |
| Engineering | Damaged car park roof | Compatible site |
| Purpose | Public square centerpiece | Complementary cathedral art |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Mountain Fountain removed from Aotea Square?
The sculpture was removed because it caused structural problems for the Civic Theatre underground car park roof and conflicted with the council's plan to create a wide-open space for public events and performances.
Why couldn't the sculpture be reinstalled in the square?
From an engineering perspective, the sculpture's water system could not be embedded into the new car park roof design. Additionally, the art advisory panel felt the sculpture was out of scale for the large square.
Who was involved in finding the sculpture's new location?
The relocation was made possible through the efforts of Holy Trinity Cathedral council member John Wilson, the artist Stringer, the Auckland City Council, and council art advisors.
What is the significance of the sculpture's placement at the cathedral?
The sculpture's zigzag shapes complement the three peaks of the cathedral's roofline, fulfilling the original vision of architect Richard Toy. For the artist, the relocation represented a personal and artistic "resurrection."
Were there any objections to the new location?
Janet McAllister of the New Zealand Herald suggested that some non-Christian ratepayers might feel uncomfortable with the sculpture being located on diocese land.