Auckland

Architecture for Humanity: Auckland Chapter (AfH AKL) was invited to make a proposal for Northcross Intermediate’s Technology Block upgrade. The design team at AfH-AKL recognises that the current cluster of classrooms being used for technology subjects face some challenges in the years ahead with rapid development in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education and believe that the current layout will quickly be outmoded. The consultation process with the teachers of the proposed technology blocks has raised some valid concerns over limited space and the need to make the most of the school’s existing resources. The teachers at Northcross also anticipate more collaboration between classrooms and need for flexibility around teaching spaces. The design team recognises that more effective teaching would take place where the classroom is able to accommodate the changing needs of the student’s education, instead of the education having to be changed around the classroom. However, the design team also believes that well designed learning environments can enrich, empower and inspire learning. The design team has done its best to understand the various issues, challenges and opportunities presented in the project brief. GENERAL RENOVATION & MATERIALITY • Use of recycled power poles for columns. Made from Australian Hardwood from NZ power and transistor poles sourced from Kauri Warehouse, NZ. With simple black steel connections. • Photovoltaic thin-film technology on glass roof which will generate electricity form the sun. Also helps to shade the courtyard in summer. Glass is doubled glazed argon filled to stop excessive heat gain in summer and loss in winter. • Natural day lighting in courtyard. • Passive ventilation using stack-effect with opening in roof for hot air to escape when lower access corridors into courtyard are open. • Mechanically controlled open-able clerestory between classrooms can be opened to increase natural cross ventilation right throughout the tech block and help with temperature stabilisation. • All classrooms open up to the interior courtyard so there is a greater feeling of interconnectivity between tech block classrooms and collaborative projects are more achievable in all weather conditions. • The courtyard space has a polished concrete floor to be durable enough for a variety of projects, wet and bulky included. • Windows between some adjoining classroom s to maintain interconnectivity and allow as much internal natural day lighting as possible. Sound rated glass to maintain acoustic separation. • Energy monitors so students can see how much power is being used. • Glass ‘Windows’ into walls to reveal construction such as studs, insulation, as well as wiring. • Double doors in corridors. • Back entrance large enough to move bigger projects through. 3.6m maximum. • Acoustically zoned for quiet and noisy classrooms. (Possibility for Soft Tech and Electronics to be swapped depending on their use.) FOOD TECHNOLOGY • Shared washing-up facilites with Bio Tech including hand washing basins, sinks, dishwasher drawers, washing machine and tumble dryer. • Set out with perimeter benches with group stove, oven, sinks and storage underneath. Each group has an island workbench with storage underneath. • Storage under benches and cupboards. • Isolatable access past Bio from Food to outside where vegetable/herb garden could be planted. • Larger than original footprint for Int. Mat. Tech. Room. • Large 5 panel door opens into internal courtyard space. Ideal for catering events or projects and can be used as servery space/cafe. BIO TECHNOLOGY • Shared washing-up facilities with Food Tech including hand washing basins, sinks, dishwasher drawers, washing machine and tumble dryer. • Set out with perimeter benches with sinks and storage underneath. Each group has an island workbench with storage underneath. • Storage room. • Predominantly original walls. • Access to outside where vegetable/plant garden could be planted. INTEGRATED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY • Direct internal access to Technicians Room. • Large 5 panel folding doors open up to internal courtyard appropriate for larger building projects. • Storage room. • Perimeter benches for machinery. • Large group work island benches. SOFT TECHNOLOGY • Predominantly original walls. • Large 3 panel door into internal courtyard space • Storage room • Perimeter benches and group work islands • Large tables for fabric and pattern cutting. • Quiet because doesn’t share wall with a second Tech class. MEDIA TECHNOLOGY • Shared Viewing Room with Design Tech. Could start out as a shared computer lab until laptops are standard and any space is a computer space. • Future proofing. • Predominantly original walls. • Internal room to deter theft as it may have expensive equipment. • Storage room • Large 5 panel folding door opens up to internal courtyard space. Ideal for extension of presentation space directed towards large groups seated on steps. Also good for easy movement of many students when working on collaborative projects. DESIGN TECHNOLOGY • Shared Viewing Room with Media Tech. Could start out as a shared computer lab until laptops are standard and any space is a computer space. • Future proofing. • Storage room • Complete new build replaces relocatable classroom. ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY • Large 3 panel folding door opens up to internal courtyard space. • Perimeter benches and group work islands • Storage room • Complete new build replaces current Soft Tech room. TECHNICIANS ROOM • Access to back car park. • Predominantly original walls including storage for long timber. TEACHER'S WORKROOM • Shared workroom for technology teachers. • Easy to access for teachers from shared internal courtyard. • Shared facilities such as phone, fax, photocopiers, printers, kitchenette, meeting table and lesson preparation workspace. • Visual link to back entrance to discourage theft. • Complete new build. COMMUNAL INTERNAL COURTYARD • Can be use das a ‘Campfire Space’ for large student groups to have meetings and project briefings. Seating on steps is provided on perimeter. • Can be used as a ‘Watering Hole Space’ for group projects where students can learn from their peers. • Wheelchair access to all rooms via a ramp in front of Food Tech. • Watertight all weather courtyard. • Can be used as a small amphitheatre for show casing projects to classes. • Large open plan space able to adapt for future requirements. • Could have couches for quiet ‘Cave’ retreat space isolated from classrooms. • Multifunctional. GARDEN • Shared garden for Bio Tech and Food Tech for vegetables, fruit, plants, herbs, flowers etc. • Direct access from Bio and Food. CAR PARK • Same number of car parks but rearranged and loose grass to two new parks.