Progressive and Responsive Modern Learning Environments

A major $300 Million project is being completed across New Zealand. For the last 3 ½ years NBRSARCHITECTURE has been design adviser to the Ministry of Education for four new schools in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.

The large-scale project has delivered state of the art, culturally sensitive and responsive Modern Learning Environments (MLE) as part of a major NZ Government spend in education. The project was established to support role growth and infrastructure replacement demands across the north and south islands. NBRS Design Director Andrew Duffin along with Associate Director Andrew Tripet have set the design agenda and outcome driven response for these projects, working in the Public Private Partnerships structure alongside Aurecon NZ.

NBRSARCHITECTURE has engaged with the Ministry of Education, school boards and design teams to ensure the end solutions are progressive and responsive, delivering real insights and understanding of the needs of the school communities. The four schools required whole new campuses, all designed uniquely. Each school features social spaces, auditorium, gymnasium, administration, faculty specialist facilities and open learning spaces that accommodate MLE modalities. Cultural sensitivities were also of prime importance, respecting Pacifica and Maori communities.

The architectural designs were completed by Auckland based architects ASC. Three of the schools are now fully operational, with the fourth school in Queenstown to be completed by Term 1, 2018. All schools have been designed to a 5-green-star rating, creating life-changing environments and learning spaces which will lead students to pathways beyond secondary education.