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Video showcases world-first building

Monday 18 June 2012, 3:03PM

By Massey University

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WELLINGTON CITY

Massey University has released a video showcasing the design and construction of its new creative arts building, Te Ara Hihiko, in Wellington. It is the first in the world to use a post-tensioned timber seismic frame, developed in New Zealand to be resilient in earthquakes. New Zealander of the Year, Weta Workshop’s Design and Effects Supervisor Sir Richard Taylor will officially open the building on Friday (June 22).

The video features the architects (Athfield Architects), engineers (Dunning Thornton Consultants Ltd), and project managers (Arrow International), alongside Massey University representatives.

The building provides Massey’s College of Creative Arts with:
•    More functional workspaces that inspire creativity and innovation
•    Facilities that match or exceed the best in industry, such as the new green screen for filmmaking.
•    Flexible gallery spaces for student and staff work and international touring exhibitions.
•    Spaces of the standard required for accreditation to host top flight international postgraduate students.

In production testing, the key structural features of the building were found to withstand ground shaking and acceleration greater than that experienced in the Christchurch February 2011 earthquake.

Media are welcome to attend the opening on Friday June 22, from 10.30am. Mana whenua dedication is at 9am; media wishing to be present for this should clear their attendance in advance by contacting Michele Hollis on 021 821 835. Main access to the building, and car parking, is off Tasman Street, Entrance E, at Massey’s Wellington campus.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6sn9ixX9eY