New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 35/01C | Page 74

used only when needed, while the cross-ventilated
spaces between cooled volumes act as thermal
buffers, emulating traditional tropical verandas.
As a result, the building is punctuated by alter-
nating terraces, landscaped balconies and informal
spaces. There are no formal boundaries between
places to study, work and socialise in. And as part
of this, SDE4’s large, open platforms are configured
to promote interaction and visual connectivity.
“Circulation corridors and flights of stairs link and
penetrate these platforms, allowing spaces to bleed
from one learning and research space to another,
fostering a collaborative design ethos,” says Lee.
Erik L’Heureux, vice dean special projects at
the School of Design and Environment, says SDE4
represents a framework for learning, teaching, and
research designed for the 21st C university – literally.
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“For instance, the interstitial space between the
inner and outer skins on the east and west facade
is designated for research,” he says. “Elements of
the façade can be dismantled and replaced with
new systems depending on research needs.
“So, the building serves as a canvas for test-
bedding and developing green building technology
– effectively, becoming a living laboratory.”
Another key aspect of the architecture that helps
dictate the free-flowing nature of the interiors is the
large over-sailing roof. This protrudes along the
south elevation sheltering a giant open-air tropical
portico and is built around and over existing mature
trees. This openness allows spaces to flow freely
across the length of the building, bringing
the surrounding landscape into close proximity with
the interior spaces. The east and west facades are
Previous pages:The innovative
SDE4 building is much like a
massive portico with internal
cubes of air-conditioned
spaces where required. The
building is immersed in its
landscaping – providing its own
lessons for students in terms of
environmental education.
Below:The ground-floor entry
to the building is under the
sail-over roof. The strong, raw
material palette celebrates the
natural characteristics of steel,
perforated metal and concrete.
Facing page:Elements of the
façade can be dismantled and
replaced with new systems as
part of the learning experience.