Work

The existing laboratory spaces in the building had become crowded, impractical and, at times, unsafe. With consultant architects LabWorks Architects, the challenging brief was to transform the area into a safe, flexible teaching environment that caters for large numbers of students within the constraints of the existing concrete structure.

The building now houses state-of-the-art laboratories, including first-year science teaching labs and  2nd year, 3^rd year and post-graduate research labs, along with seminar rooms, meeting spaces and staff offices.

Drawing on modern learning and research approaches, formerly enclosed laboratory areas were opened up to improve collaboration. Breakout spaces within the laboratory zone itself allow for multiple classes to be held simultaneously while still enabling small group teaching and discussion.

In keeping with the university's commitment to being fully accessible, adjustable benching and fume cupboards were introduced to ensure the facilities meet the needs of people with disabilities. The project also fostered uptake of best-practice safety protocols. Technology to assist the students' learning is incorporated at every teaching location.

The new entrance forms the gateway to the science precinct and is signposted by a 13-tonne molecular steel structure which represents the importance of science within the University of Otago, both historically and in the future. 

Now completed, the university's new science precinct is on a par with the best of what's available internationally, and flexible enough to meet students' needs well into the future.