A concept design for a world-class facility that retains a strong connection with the local cultural landscape.

A collaboration between industry, research and education, the Lincoln University AgResearch Joint Facility project involved concept designs for the development of a new ‘Hub’ on the Lincoln University campus, encouraging interaction and engagement between students, scientists and the wider research community.

An extensive master planning phase provided an over-arching vision for the project. The Hub celebrates the unique mix of early Ngāi Tahu (Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki / Te Taumutu Rūnanga) and more recent European heritage – both with strong relationships to the land.

Client

Lincoln University/AgResearch, sub-contracted to Warren+Mahoney

Location

Canterbury

Project team

Mark Brown
Tim Church
Jane Rennie
Laura Pyne
Hamish Cochrane

Worked with

Aurecon
Beca
LAB-Works
RMG
TCG
The Project Office
Warren+Mahoney
Woods-Bagot

Project date

2017

This relationship is reflected in the landscape design. The strong interrelationship between predominantly ‘dry’ Canterbury Plains and ‘wet’ areas around the fringes of Te Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere informed the design of the external realm, particularly the approach to Low Impact Design features that treat and manage the stormwater runoff from the site.

We worked closely with Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu to establish a cultural aspect to the design thinking. This was expressed by references to Kaitōrete and Te Waihora, ecological plantings and water sensitive design elements, rural landscape design references, ‘Living Lab’ elements, and design integration with the existing campus landscape.

The contemporary multi-faceted landscape concept provided for science, research and design opportunities in an attractive setting. The suggested Atea/Plaza space and associated lawn provided for external spatial flexibility for events, functions, displays, and other activities related to research and teaching, and profiling the Hub activities.

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