AUT MD Building

Colour plays an important role in both Pacific Island culture and Early Childhood education. Colour has been used in multiple ways throughout the building to define individual spaces, to craft an identity for the specialism and to create a playful, engaging and welcoming learning environment.

Consultation for selecting the colours was carried out with user groups to ensure the spaces reflected the energy and enthusiasm of the students and teaching staff. Inspiration came from tropical flowers, from bright Pacific prints and from tapa cloth. Colours were chosen to complement surrounding materials and the environment.

When the ground floor circulation was widened, bold feature colours of Resene Guru, Resene Lipstick, Resene Phoenix and Resene Karma were applied to the main structure which was exposed, defining the circulation spine and forming the back bone of the building.

In the classrooms complementary pinboard colours were used to enrich each space together with a neutral, textured basket weave wall lining, referencing Pacific and Maori cultures.

Glass transfers of fern and basket weave visually link the building with the neighbouring MC building and were selected in conjunction with that building’s architects.

Finishing touches include Resene Mojito on the doors, Resene Poprock on the glass splashbacks and Resene White on ceilings and architraves.

The result has proven very successful with staff and students alike and the flexibility of the overall design has allowed the university to engage the classrooms for a broader range of subjects than originally envisioned.

Colours used: Resene Guru, Resene Karma, Resene Lipstick, Resene Mojito, Resene Phoenix, Resene Poprock, Resene White.

Products used: Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer, Resene Lustacryl, Resene Quick Dry, Resene Zylone Sheen.

Architectural Specifier: Babbage Architecture
Building Contractor: Alliance Construction Ltd
Painting Contractor: NTP Painting and Decorating Services Ltd
Photographer: Joanne Ryves and Charlotte Rose, Babbage Architecture
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2011

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