Megson, C. (n.d.) Unidentified house with a curved roof. Megson Collection (CM115). Architecture Archive, University of Auckland Library, Auckland, N.Z.
Anyone walking past the entrance to the Architecture and Planning Library recently will have seen a display of architectural drawings by former University of Auckland School of Architecture academic Claude Megson (1936-1994). His archive is just one of the many significant collections of architectural drawings and associated records held by the Architecture Archive.
In addition to teaching at the University, Megson maintained an active private practice, which is richly illustrated in his archive. Containing almost 1400 sheets of drawings, relating to approximately 120 separate projects, the collection is a visual feast. The examples here, and on display, demonstrate the quality and diversity of the drawings within the collection.
Megson, C. (1976) East elevation Bowker House. Megson Collection (CM44). Architecture Archive, University of Auckland Library, Auckland, N.Z.
The display coincides with the recent publication of Claude Megson Counter Constructions, written and published by Giles Reid, one of Megson’s former students now an architect based in London. He says the book “…features five of Megson’s most significant houses, designed in the 1970s, when his architecture was at its most daring and experimental.”1 Numerous reproductions of Megson’s original drawings held in the Architecture Archive are included in the publication alongside recent photographs of the houses featured.
Anyone wishing to learn more about Megson and his design philosophy will also find the following items in the Architecture and Planning Library:
Megson, C. (1973) Sketch of the Norris House living room. Megson Collection (CM45). Architecture Archive, University of Auckland Library, Auckland, N.Z.
Megson’s own writing
- MArch thesis
Formal aspects of the house: A philosophical discourse on the family house in Auckland - University of Auckland School of Architecture Study paper
The search for spatial meaning that clarifies and enriches human existence
Undergraduate thesis and dissertation about Megson’s work
School of Architecture and Planning Professor Andrew Barrie’s guide to Megson’s work
To view more of the items held in Megson’s archive, or to learn more about the Architecture Archive, please contact Sarah Cox, Architecture Archivist, to arrange an appointment to visit.
Sarah Cox, Architecture Archivist, Architecture and Planning Library
References
1 Reid, Giles. “Claude Megson Counter Constructions”. Giles Reid. 31 March 2017. www.counterconstructions.com
Megson, C. (1973) Axonometric view Rees Townhouses. Megson Collection (CM71). Architecture Archive, University of Auckland Library, Auckland, N.Z.