The 11,000m2 Mana Hauora (MH) Building is the first major development at AUT’s South Campus in Manukau, South Auckland. As the first university based in this part of the city, the campus redevelopment is to play a vital role in lifting local uptake of university education. AUT South’s objective of expanding university participation directly supports government policy goals in regard to social and economic development as well as education goals in regard to Maori, Pasifika, and youth.
The building specifically aims to provide high quality and adaptable learning spaces for the growing campus, as well as establishing a social and community heart, which will support connection across the campus for future developments. The L shaped building, which encloses a new green quad, is composed of 3 storey and 4 storey academic buildings connected by an atrium
The atrium is the heart of the building and functions as a multipurpose forum. As well as housing key circulation routes and anchoring collaborative social learning spaces, it has also been designed to support and welcome local community and business use.
And so, along with two multimodal lecture theatres and kitchen facilities, AUT South now has the capacity to host a wide range of conferences,events and functions; extending their support out into the local community.
The building’s concept commenced with all consultants workshopping in an integrated design process to identify design features that would add value on multiple sustainability and aspirational fronts. Raised access floors form an air plenum and services reticulation zone, significantly increasing the adaptability of interior spaces while also providing an ultra-low energy displacement ventilation system.
The various façade solutions respond to different requirements of solar shading,daylight, enclosure and connection while being unified by the common palette of scoria-red aluminium and glass, which complement and enhance the mature trees in the park like surroundings.