Library Building : Te Kete Wānanga
Design and Construction
- Design: Athfield Architects
- Project Management: Arrow International.
- Based around the concept of a wharewaka or waka in a shed
- This analogy reflects the culture, geography and educational philosophy of Whitireia - positioned next to the Ngāti Toa marae, the polytechnic has strong links with the local iwi
- The site connects the land with the sea
- Users of the building will be making a journey through learning
- Building is reminiscent of a waka hull: the north windows curve like a boat, while the sunscreens are in the shape of hoe or paddles
Naming
- Te Kete Wānanga is a receptacle of knowledge and understanding or a 'basket of knowledge.' It is a place that enables learning to occur and be sustained
- The name reflects the educational philosophy of the polytechnic
- The Library shares the building with other services involved in delivering knowledge and information to the campus
- Learning Skills is the library's neighbour in the outrigger section of the building which houses offices
- On the second level is the Online Learning and Quality Development Centres
Features of the Building
- Curved wall and a continuous roof which symbolises the shed that the waka is stored in
- Exposed concrete walls, used to moderate internal temperatures, are part of a passive ventilation system which allows for fresh air rather than air conditioning
- Surrounding the building is a pond which wastewater drains into
- This water barrier also acts as a form of library security and enables users are able to sit out on a deck and enjoy the harbour view
- The pond flows into a repo or swamp, planted with reeds, which filters the water before it reaching the harbour
Interior Design
- Furnishings and the colour scheme reflect the landscape and plantings.
- Oranges, greens and browns are the main colours
- Library shelving and book ends are olive green and patterned with hoe
- The front desk parallels the shape of the building
Openings
- The building has had three openings
- April 21, the whakanoa or blessing ceremony was led by Ngāti Toa
- April 22, the Library shifted to the new building
- April 28, the library re-opened in its new building
- May 26, official opening by the Prime Minister, Helen Clark
- Cultural mix of the campus was reflected in the ceremony ? the Prime Minister was welcomed by a karanga performed by the Ngāti Toa and putātara (conch shells) being blow by students from Whitireia Performing Arts
- Speakers praised the role that the libraries play in our society. The Prime Minister stated that:
The main focus of the Learning Centre is the new library. I am someone who is very passionate about libraries and books. I believe libraries are one of the most important facilities any education institution at any level can offer its students, whether we're talking about our kindies, our schools, or anywhere in tertiary education.
Awards
In 2006, the library won a NZIA (New Zealand Institute of Architecture) Resene Local Award and a a NZIA Resene colour award. Click here to view the citation for the building.