Landscape Architecture School
1The new Landscape Architecture Building at Lincoln University is the only purpose-designed landscape architecture studio in New Zealand. It brings the 19th century university complex up to date with a pivoting, sliding, flexible extension. The project had a very tight budget – about two thirds the level of similar University building budgets. To add to that, the School wanted a highly sustainable design, and there was the need for the careful insertion of a new structure within a sensitive established context of well loved, low rise, red brick buildings.
2The building includes a suite of computer labs on the ground floor and a dedicated studio space on the first floor, linked by an atrium that can be utilised for exhibitions and gatherings. At the east end of the building, there is a two storey section containing offices and meeting rooms.
3An interesting feature of the structure is the curved roof following the form of a tapered cone, yet designed and constructed in structural steel. Our engineers loved the geometry of the structure, and enjoyed bringing the design together in a way that worked with the existing buildings. The ultimate result is a structure that’s compelling, energising, and a great place to learn.
The building won a NZIA Award for Public Architecture in Canterbury.
