with the solid louvres signalling the entrance and showing through to the inner cedar cladding .
“ These were practical choices , too ,” Hill says . “ The concrete panels provided acoustic mass for the music spaces behind , while the cedar acts to both soften and connect to the look of the concrete . These materials also continue into the interior to draw you into the building .”
The concept of a collaborative urban laneway or atrium underpinned the design of both the building form and interior spaces .
“ The primary building form and mass was kept as simple as possible to allow for the range of flexible learning and social spaces required . Essentially , the design is made up of two large north and south buildings linked via the central atrium .”
The facility ’ s versatile learning and social environments connect across this central , three-storey atrium or Learning Laneway ( Nga Ara ).
“ As the social hub of the building , the design and fit-out of the laneway focused on creating exciting , dynamic spaces through the use of quality , durable materials that also reflected a sense of warmth and welcome ,” says Hill . “ At the same time they had to
Below : The three-storey atrium , or Learning Laneway is flooded with light due to a lantern-effect top floor ringed with windows . Carpet patterning evokes the look of dappled sunlight .
Facing page : The modern learning environments offer a balance between specialist versus generic , and open versus closed spaces , to maximise multidisciplinary engagement across various programmes .