Kate Edger Information Commons University of Auckland

The University of Auckland enjoys a reputation for innovation.  This project, The Kate Edger Information Commons, was commissioned by the Vice Chancellor to provide a vibrant centre for student life and study.  The university also wanted a building that would further enhance its innovation reputation.  

Positioned at the heart of the campus, the building combines a 1,100 computer station information commons facility with a large format bookshop, coffee shops, banking, student health, and associated retail shops.

Positioned on Symonds Street, it’s at the heart of the campus as well as being at the centre of both public vehicle and student pedestrian movements.  The design brief therefore called for a facility that would act as an effective conductor of student movements while, at the same time, making a confident statement about university life in Auckland.

From the exterior, the building is very open to view.  But the interior is very calm.  This combination allows student life to engage with the public, while also providing an effective study environment.  The public-facing east façade of the building is fully glazed and draped in stainless steel mesh screens.  This technique allows good levels of ambient light and yet keeps out glare and unwanted solar gains.

Since its completion, the building has been very successful, both technically – with low energy costs, durability and flexibility – and socially.