Project Info
Architects: RTA Studio, Richard Naish
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Area: 1750.0 sqm
Year: 2009
Photographs: Simon Devitt
Introduction
The brief called for two lecture theatres, one larger (300) than the other (150), together with a larger multifunctional foyer/exhibition/function space. This lead to the conception of 2 respectively contrasting metaphysical conditions to generate architectural form: Landform and Sky.
Details
The ‘landform’ houses the two lecture theatres. These geomorphic forms rise out of the volcanic geology of the region (lying buried below the ground surface). The smaller of the two theatres slides out of the other. This cave-like form offers the necessary architectural attributes to control the interior conditions required for high-tech audio-visual lecture theatres. The ‘sky’ encloses the multifunctional space by way of clouds clinging to the landform and covering the plateau below. This floating series of roofs allows a flexibility of function to occur below by way of operable walls and furniture arrangement. The layering of roofs in a saw-tooth formation also allows natural light to enter the space like sun through the clouds.
The building seeks to respond to its unique context and location in the Pacific Rim by acknowledging the local aspects of the site and the culture of Auckland. The geomorphology of the site has evolved from unique events both volcanic and subsequently sedimentary and metamorphic. This has left a Geological Encryption seen in the stratification of the surrounding landform. Auckland has one of the largest and most diverse occupations of Polynesian people in the world. Tattooing is common to all these cultures. This Cultural Encryption can be seen in a cross section of Aucklands’ people.
This Campus has a Health Care focus on its education programme. DNA is the Genetic Encryption that is the ‘building block’ of the human anatomy. The building utilises a number of ecologically sustainable principles: mixed mode ventilation, recycled carpet tiles, rainwater harvesting, low energy light fittings, passive solar design, low embodied energy materials.