St Pius X School Glenn Innes : matter tells space how to curve, space tells matter how to move

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How can the architectural redevelopment of St Pius X School preserve and accommodate its unique spirit and culture?

St Pius X School in Glenn Innes, Auckland, New Zealand consists of a unique make up that distinguishes [it] from other schools. St Pius X School is a Catholic school, accommodating yeas 1-8 with a demographic of 99% Pasifika pupils. Glenn Innes is a low-socio economic area and is predicted to grow within the next decade as housing increases in and around the Tāmaki region (Point England, Panmure and Glenn Innes). Despite the lack of Pasifika people in the local area, the school continues to flourish with Pasifika pupils. The rundown 1950s buildings achieve the bare minimum to optimise the school's unique qualities.

The project explores the ways to continue this culture and develop architectural solutions to revitalise the school's property. This includes interweaving community presence into the school's fabric. New 21st century pedagogy will also be implemented to accommodate for modern and versatile learning environments. Developing an architectural solution involved looking into architectural precedents and examing Pasifika pattern behaviours. The users of the school are intergenerational which means the facilities on-site are also accessed outside of school hours. This perpetuates the existing culture of St Pius X School while achieving an updated modern learning environment.