Peter James Bossley (born 1950) is a New Zealand architect based in Auckland, most recognised for his role leading the design team for the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.[1] Bossley was an adjunct professor at the Unitec Institute of Technology School of Architecture.[2] He has received numerous awards, including the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Gold Medal in 2012 for outstanding contributions to the practice of architecture.[3]

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Early life and education

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Bossley was born in Nelson, New Zealand in 1950 and attended Nelson College in 1962,[4] followed by his final years at Christchurch Boys' High School.[5]

He initially trained as an architectural technician gaining a NZCD (Arch) in 1974, and then attended the University of Auckland, graduating with BArch (Hons) in 1977.[6]

Career

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As a young architect, Bossley set up a practice with fellow graduates a year after completing his studies. The firm was first called Pete Bossley Architects, and then became Bossley Cheshire Architects, a joint practice with Pip Cheshire from 1984 to 1988.[7] In 1989 Bossley Cheshire merged with Jasmad and Gibbs Harris to form Jasmax, of which Bossley was a director from 1989 to 1996.[1] In 1997/8 he undertook the role of adjunct professor at the newly established Unitec School of Architecture, and continued to lecture there for many years.[2] In 1996 Pete Bossley Architects was reestablished.[8] In 2012 a new company, Bossley Architects, was formed.[9]

Architectural style and projects

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While studying architecture, Bossley demonstrated an unorthodox personal style, and a strong empathy towards a building's natural environment.[3] These aspects are apparent in some of Bossley's most well-known residential designs such as the Waterfall Bay House,[10] the Brown Vujcich House,[11] and the Okitu House,[12] all of which were award-winning residential designs.[13] Bossley's residential designs are characterized by innovative structural elements, bright colour accents, strong geometry, and dramatic individuality.[6] Bossley recently designed the pavilion holiday accommodation in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, a structure that has the distinction of being located adjacent to a house designed by acclaimed Māori architect John Scott.[14]

Notable works

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Awards

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Bossley and his practice have received over 60 New Zealand Institute of Architects awards,[13] and the Home of the Year Award sponsored by Home Magazine four times– first for the Island Complex House, Moturua in 1998, second for the Beach Retreat, Bay of Islands in 2004. Finally for Clifftops House for City Home of the Year 2022 and Interiors Home of the Year 2022. [17] In 2012 Bossley was awarded the New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 2012 for outstanding contributions to the practice of architecture.[3] He is also a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects.[18]

Publications

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Architects of the New Millennium p.167
  2. ^ a b Exhibition Design: An Overview Archived 4 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine New Zealand Maritime Museum
  3. ^ a b c 2012 Gold Medal Pete Bossley: Architectural Adventurer Archived 24 February 2013 at the Wayback Machine New Zealand Institute of Architects
  4. ^ Nelson College Old Boys' Register, 1856–2006, 6th edition (CD-ROM)
  5. ^ "A Perilous Art" Archived 30 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine, agm.co.nz; accessed 9 April 2014.
  6. ^ a b Auckland University Architecture Archive, November 2011; accessed 9 April 2014.
  7. ^ Business.Govt.NZ Bossley Cheshire Architects Business Registration
  8. ^ Business.Govt.NZ Pete Bossley Architects Business Registration
  9. ^ Business.Govt.NZ Bossley Architects Limited Business Registration
  10. ^ Hyatt, Peter, Masters of Light, Images publishing group 2007, pp. 100
  11. ^ Down to Earth, Habitus issue 15, 2012
  12. ^ Okitu House
  13. ^ a b Pete Bossley Design and Professional Awards
  14. ^ The Pavilion Design Project Archived 31 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ Beach Houses of Australia and New Zealand
  16. ^ Voyager of the Seas, World Architecture News
  17. ^ Home of the Year Hall of Fame Home New Zealand
  18. ^ "NZIA fellows". Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
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