The Ministry of Education appointed DGSE as the Design Lead and Architects for significant upgrades to Aotea College requiring the replacement of most existing buildings exhibiting weathertightness issues. Our work commenced with a review of previous Master Planning studies deemed unaffordable. As Education Planners we recommended a strategic reconsideration of a completely different approach and rebuild solution. This achieved both significant savings and greatly improved student learning outcomes.

Effectively the entire School has been reconstructed aside from the Gymnasium which was also upgraded. The completed design directly aligns with MOE Innovative Learning Environments initiatives. And housed under one roof. Four building wings contain a highly flexible mix of directed, self-directed and collaborative learning environments which also support specialist teachings zones for Science, Food Tec, Art and Technology. Considered focus was also placed on Student Pastoral Care requirements. A new Administration Block and Auditorium is located at the main School entry. Following completion of the new build, existing buildings are being demolished to create a mix of outdoor sports courts, improved parking and safer pedestrian circulation.

This achieved both significant savings and greatly improved student learning outcomes.