Quality Learning Environments Assisting to Repair
01 Sep 2023
On Wednesday the 30th of August, LENZ hosted an evening exploring the spaces and places created at Mairehau Primary School in Christchurch. Attendees heard from John Bangma, Principal of Mairehau Primary School and Ursula Adams, Project Architect of Baldasso Cortese Noordanus Architects on the journey of designing, delivering and then occupying this project.
The redevelopment of Mairehau Primary School was approached with a focus on creating a connected campus with calming learning environments.
After the Christchurch 2011 earthquakes, a lot of research went into the “stress” of the school environment. The research Reducing Stress in Schools, by Kathleen Liberty was provided to the architects as a guide, influencing the design, with a strong focus on creating a calming colour palette incorporating colours from nature. A tour of the facilities further reinforced the guiding principles discussed.
As the term progresses, we look forward to our next event at Onehunga High School in Auckland on the 13th of September. Onehunga High School is a co-educational, multi-cultural state secondary school, which serves a wide range of ethnic, social, and economic situations. With inclusivity and diversity at its core, the school prides itself on creating meaningful learning pathways for all.
The site visit will provide an opportunity to hear from the School Leadership and Architect, explore the new sports facilities and art, science, and technology workshop in full operation mode as food technology students prepare and serve nibbles for attendees to enjoy at the event as part of their curriculum.
Article by: Sarah Hewlett Diprose, Chair - NZ Chapter
Photography: Dennis Radermacher, Lightforge Photography
The redevelopment of Mairehau Primary School was approached with a focus on creating a connected campus with calming learning environments.
After the Christchurch 2011 earthquakes, a lot of research went into the “stress” of the school environment. The research Reducing Stress in Schools, by Kathleen Liberty was provided to the architects as a guide, influencing the design, with a strong focus on creating a calming colour palette incorporating colours from nature. A tour of the facilities further reinforced the guiding principles discussed.
As the term progresses, we look forward to our next event at Onehunga High School in Auckland on the 13th of September. Onehunga High School is a co-educational, multi-cultural state secondary school, which serves a wide range of ethnic, social, and economic situations. With inclusivity and diversity at its core, the school prides itself on creating meaningful learning pathways for all.
The site visit will provide an opportunity to hear from the School Leadership and Architect, explore the new sports facilities and art, science, and technology workshop in full operation mode as food technology students prepare and serve nibbles for attendees to enjoy at the event as part of their curriculum.
Article by: Sarah Hewlett Diprose, Chair - NZ Chapter
Photography: Dennis Radermacher, Lightforge Photography
