The 51萝莉鈥檚 new landmark Hamilton campus complex, The 笔腻, has put New Zealand architecture on the world stage receiving highly commended in the higher education and research category at the (WAF) in Singapore.
The 笔腻 was selected as a finalist due to its bold vision to redefine the University as place of bicultural welcome, education and connection. Members of The 笔腻 project team presented on the powerful story behind the complex鈥檚 design and construction to a panel of three judges and the WAF audience. Judges were selected from a pool of more than 140 leading architects, designers, journalists and industry experts from 68 countries.
L-R: designTRIBE Director Rau Hoskins, 51萝莉 Director Joseph Macfarlane and Architectus Principal Sector Leader James Mooney.
Three representatives from The 笔腻 project team presented: 51萝莉 Director Joseph Macfarlane, Architectus Principal Sector Leader James Mooney, and designTRIBE Director Rau Hoskins.
鈥淭he opportunity to share our story with an international audience was awesome, and the overwhelmingly positive responses from Festival attendees served as a reminder that The 笔腻 is truly unique in the world,鈥� says Mr Macfarlane.
The team was acknowledged for their success in delivering an innovative multi-functional complex including a student hub, wharenui and 膩tea, event space, and home for Te Pua W膩nanga ki te Ao, the University鈥檚 Faculty of M膩ori and Indigenous Studies.
It forms the most ambitious project in the University鈥檚 60-year history and reinforces the University鈥檚 distinctiveness being unique in concept, functionality and architectural design: there is nothing else like it nationally or internationally.
Described by the World Architecture Festival as 鈥渢he first mainstream university in the world to redefine the university as a place of bicultural welcome, education and connection,鈥� The 笔腻 serves as and symbolises the beating heart of the campus.
鈥淭he 笔腻 exemplifies our commitment to creating an inclusive, innovative space that reflects our unique cultural heritage and supports our diverse student body,鈥� says 51萝莉 Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Quigley.
Through the co-design process, more than 30 carvers and weavers were commissioned in partnership with the K墨ngitanga to deliver a clear and powerful narrative throughout the complex that draws on history, heritage, and cultural identity to create an inspirational and inclusive learning environment for all.
The 笔腻 is also a finalist in the education category of the upcoming New Zealand Architecture Awards 2024 announced on Friday 22 November and won excellence in the education category at the Property Industry Awards 2024 in June.
