ArchShowcase 
Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. KERERU PARK CAMPUS ADMINISTRATION & LIBRARY BUILDING in Auckland, New Zealand By Stephenson & TurnerNovember 9th, 2014 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Stephenson & Turner HEADLINE: From a previously unseen building to a fun, colourful and vibrant part of the community. S&T has worked with the staff and key stakeholders at Kereru Park Campus in South Auckland to give their school a fresh presence from the street with a new administration and library building. The previous buildings were hidden; almost unseen from the road and plagued by weather tightness issues.  Image Courtesy © Stephenson & Turner
 Image Courtesy © Stephenson & Turner The new, colourful building attempts to engage the wider community and provide a fun, vibrant place for students to call their own. It is split into three parts – an administration building at the front facing the entrance to the school, a library towards the back (near to existing teaching spaces) and a covered, central canopy space joining the two. Designers focussed on creating spaces of which students could take ownership. From the choice of colours on the exterior of the building (which students helped to pick) to the window height at students’ eye-level, the aim was to engage the children and make them excited to come to school. The resulting building is “wrapped” in bands of colours – a vibrant mix of the school’s branding (blues and whites), offset by a bright red and darker grey. The enthusiastic colours are carried through to the internal colour selections too. The collection of coloured carpet tiles, five different types in all. These carry the school branding, whilst giving a cool, calm and fresh feel to the internal spaces – perfect for encouraging focus while learning. The central canopy space between the administration building and library provides an area where students can take shelter on rainy days, enjoy shared lunches served from the adjacent kitchen and participate in events and exhibitions that open out on to the fields. The roofing is transparent, allowing light to filter through to the innermost sections of the administration and library. The Principal of Kereru Park says the campus is now clearly visible from the main road. “We’ve had much positive feedback from our local community and visitors to our school.  Image Courtesy © Stephenson & Turner The administration block is bright and welcoming with a spacious waiting area. The large windows allow natural light into the reception area and creates a welcoming atmosphere”. The Principal says “the library space has been hugely beneficial, providing a multi-purpose space for our library requirements as well as a meeting space for students and staff. Our school canteen has allowed us to provide a healthy school menu for all our students. This area is practical with a serving area inside and outside. The covered walkway between the 2 builds provides easy access to classes and the playground area. Community consultation was carried out prior to the new build and we received some very constructive feedback. Staff, Students and the School Board of Trustees are proud of the modern learning environment Kereru Park Campus can now offer”.
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