PROJECT
AUT MD Building
CLIENT
AUT
LOCATION
Manukau, Auckland
COST
Undisclosed
DATE
Completed February 2010
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AUT Refurbishment (704KB)
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has established a new presence in South Auckland with the opening of its Manukau Campus in 2010. The ‘MD’ building was a refurbishment of an existing commercial building into vibrant teaching spaces, administration offices and cafeteria, specifically to accommodate AUT’s Bachelor of Education Pasifika Early Childhood Teaching specialism.
The front of the building at ground level was recessed to create a covered collonade for shelter and to provide the connection to the future pedestian circulation on the site. To modernise the entrance, a double height foyer was created by removing part of the first floor and a bespoke design reception counter now welcomes visitors, attractively detailed with natural timber.
The ground floor circulation was widened to allow for large groups of students moving between classes, forming the spine of the building. Above the main entrance on the first floor, the building now boasts floor to ceiling windows, letting light flood into the foyer and creating a fresh look to the previously tired building.
Both floors were re-partitioned to create flexible lecture spaces and offices for teaching staff. Quite extensive consultation was carried out with user groups to ensure the spaces reflected the needs, energy and enthusiasm of the students and lecturers.
Colour has been used in multiple ways throughout the building to define individual spaces, to craft an identity for the specialism and to create a playful, engaging and welcoming learning environment. Inspiration came from tropical flowers, from bright Pacific prints and from tapa cloth. In the classrooms complementary pinboard colours were used to enrich each space together with a neutral, textured basket weave wall lining, referencing Pacific and Maori cultures. Glass transfers of fern and basket weave visually link the building with the neighbouring campus buildings.
The result has proven very successful with staff and students alike and the flexibility of the overall design has allowed the university to engage the classrooms for a broader range of subjects than originally envisioned.
Disciplines involved in this Learning project were: