Te Ao Marama Whare (Rangiora High School Cultural Learning Center)

The design was developed based on the rationalisation of the supplied master plan and Rangiora High School (RHS) brief and scope. As the existing RHS is physically spread out, the Whare is to feel like the beating heart and soul of the school. The Whare is to provide a sense of connection and a welcoming pathway to RHS, hence the visual entry off Wales Street facing due north and incorporating a line of sight out to Maukatere (Mt Grey).

This Whare has a focus as a learning space but also includes the following flexibility;

- space for Whanau to gather

- collaborative learning hub

- Hui; a space to congregate and assemble

- wet floor/tech space area for related teaching (extension of main teaching space) and forms a functional area for gathering and sharing Kai

- focused covered main entry area ideal for a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony)

- service the wider community but primary focus is on the students. Some additional key drivers and design items are as per below;

- functional outdoor learning areas flexible for different sized groups.

- maintains strong connectivity and seamless flow from existing surrounding blocks

The design incorporates a simple gable roof, that floats and shelters the main dynamic teaching space. The entry is addressed via the north elevation incorporating a peered back Maree design intent. This spirited facade helps send a strong message of arrival and place of whakaruruhau (shelter).

Overall massing of the building is subdued by lowering the roof height at the edges (north & west elevations), which dissolves/hides the large internal volume to ensure a human scale to the exterior perimeter, while adding visual tension to the roof line. Concrete columns/plinths supporting the corners of roof, help reinforce the anchoring of the Whare to its site.

The design for the Whare at Rangiora High School has been carefully developed in response to the rationalization of the supplied master plan and the school's brief and scope. As the existing school is physically dispersed, the Whare is envisioned as the heart and soul of the campus, providing a strong sense of connection and a welcoming gateway to RHS. Positioned to address Wales Street with a northern visual entry, the building establishes a direct line of sight to Maukatere (Mt Grey), reinforcing its relationship with the surrounding landscape.

While primarily designed as a learning space, the Whare integrates a high degree of flexibility to accommodate a range of functions. It serves as a place for Whānau to gather, a collaborative learning hub, and a venue for Hui, supporting both formal and informal assemblies. The inclusion of a wet floor and tech space extends the main teaching area, providing a functional environment for hands-on learning while also forming a shared space for the preparation and sharing of kai. A covered entry area creates a significant threshold, ideal for pōwhiri and ceremonial welcomes, ensuring the Whare is not only a place of learning but also a space for cultural engagement.

The design prioritizes connection to the wider community while maintaining a student-centered focus. Outdoor learning areas are thoughtfully planned to be adaptable to different group sizes, ensuring flexibility in use. Seamless integration with surrounding school blocks allows for strong connectivity, reinforcing the Whare’s role as a central, unifying element within the campus.

A simple yet expressive gable roof shelters the dynamic teaching space, creating an uplifting interior volume while maintaining a refined and understated exterior. The north elevation is designed with a restrained reference to a Marae, offering a sense of arrival and a place of whakaruruhau (shelter). To maintain a human scale and avoid an imposing presence, the overall massing of the building is carefully modulated. The roof height is lowered at the north and west elevations, subtly dissolving the large internal volume while introducing a dynamic visual tension to the roofline. Concrete columns and plinths at the roof’s corners anchor the structure to the site, reinforcing a sense of permanence and stability.

This considered approach to form, materiality, and spatial arrangement ensures the Whare is not only a functional and flexible learning environment but also a place of cultural significance and belonging within Rangiora High School.