University of Auckland Business School

By Archimedia

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A composition of layered sinuous blades reach out to embrace the community, providing a dramatic sculpture of reflection, luminance and animation. Multiple layers of meaning and interpretation enrich the development providing a distinctive image for the school that places it within an international stage as a leader in teaching, research and scholarship.

Organic forms gather the activity and energy of the site into a major new public square, anchoring the building and reinterpreting the topography of the immediate sloping site and Auckland’s volcanic harbour forms.

The fluid and open expression provides a strong contemporary counterpoint to the traditional insular European buildings that characterised the beginnings of the University.

A powerful new symbol of research and knowledge is proposed, providing an appropriate international projection for the School that values excellence, innovation, progressiveness, and openness, whilst welcoming and embracing the local community.

A subtle combination of a conventional panellised system of metal, timber and glass provides a sophisticated layered and breathable façade.

Low energy mixed-mode systems of environmental control are employed to provide appropriate environmental conditions throughout the complex. The energy fins provide shafts for the introduction of filtered natural light and ventilation deep within the interior volumes.

A podium of basalt and soft landscaping anchors the proposal providing a platform that adjusts the scale of the new development, to provide a significant raised urban square and main entry level to the Business School.

Auckland, 2001

Project Team

  • Lindsay Mackie
  • Russell Pinel

Photography:  Archimedia

Press & Awards

  • Arch Daily Short-Listed in Best Buildings Education Category 2010
  • PCNZ Merit Award Education Building 2008
  • WAF Short-Listed in Education Category 2008
  • NZIA Local Award for Architecture 2008
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Products used in
University of Auckland Business School

PW1000 4 sided flush glazed unitised curtainwall
PW1000 4 sided flush glazed unitised curtainwall
By Thermosash
Solar Shading Systems
Solar Shading Systems
By Thermosash
Total Vision Structural Glass
Total Vision Structural Glass
By Thermosash

Professionals used in
University of Auckland Business School

Archimedia
Archimedia
Architects
- 2019
Thermosash
Thermosash
Manufacturers and Suppliers
- 2020

More projects from
Archimedia

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About the
Professional

Archimedia is a New Zealand architecture practice with NZRAB and Green Star accredited staff, offering design services in the disciplines of architecture, interiors and ecology.

Archimedia uses the word “ecology” to extend the concept of sustainability to urban design and master planning and integrates this holistic strategy into every project.

Archimedia prioritises client project requirements, functionality, operational efficiency, feasibility, and programme. Once these fundamentals are soundly established, Archimedia pursues a sculptural architecture expressive of individual or collective identity.

Identity

  • Archimedia practices architecture as “material identity” – a crafted expression of individual or collective “identity” – embodying a synthesis of people, place and time.
  • Archimedia investigates “identity” with each client and endows buildings with a perceptible meaning that expresses this “identity” – the philosophical parti for all Archimedia projects.
  • Archimedia respects all cultures and their protocols and the fundamental connectedness of all humanity.

Human Experience

  • Archimedia is ambitious for the betterment of both humankind and the environment.
  • Archimedia approachs design with the intent that human beings register an “experience” of architecture which uplifts their daily existence.

Environment

  • Archimedia strives for “beauty”, the exceptional and the inspirational in each and every commission, irrespective of budget.
  • Archimedia believes in tectonics – a poetic configuration of land, space and structure.
  • Archimedia believes in positive intervention – sustainability that enhances eco-systems.

Process

  • Archimedia believes that the very best process and the very best technology are critical contributors in our quest for the exceptional.
  • Archimedia invests resources to create a better design solution.

Collaboration

  • Archimedia believes in collaboration between equals and the power of teamwork.
  • Archimedia's staff are consultative by nature and use processes that encourage user decision making wherever possible.