As part of its ongoing vision for the wider development of Auckland Airport’s surrounding land holding, known collectively as The District, Auckland International Airport Limited has embarked on plans to develop two new collaborative spaces at The Quad precinct.

The first, situated on Leonard Isitt Drive, will be designed to meet the demand for shared working spaces that can be used as meeting, training and executive briefing centres. The building will provide a flexible facility for businesses and individuals to work, learn and collaborate in a location within close proximity to New Zealand’s major domestic and international air transport hub.

“We believe that this will be the first fully-integrated facility offering such a range of uses in a location that offers the rich connectivity of an airport. This is an exciting opportunity for business to challenge the conventions of collaboration. These new spaces will provide more than function and inspire how people here work together,” says Sean Thompson, business development manager at Auckland Airport.

“There are numerous examples of airports around the world that have applied the ‘Aerotropolis’ model and all have utilised space so that the local business community and travellers can share it effectively. Therefore, for Auckland Airport to invest in the creation of collaborative space is extremely positive and forward thinking. A sense of community is essential to sustain airport cities as vibrant hubs of innovation and economic growth,” says Future Cities Institute CEO Malcolm Fraser.

Auckland Airport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Future Cities, BizDojo, Synapsys and Agitavi and together, the consortium has developed an initial concept design in conjunction with award-winning architects Warren and Mahoney.

For the second project, final-year students from the University of Auckland School of Architecture and Planning have been invited to further the concept of the shared experience through the design of a new outdoor collaborative space. The brief requires students to create plans for a structure or space that will catalyse productive exchanges between workers. Lloyd Hartley Architects will mentor the students, providing professional consultation and take the best design through the construction phase.

Other upcoming projects at the airport include sporting, cultural and infrastructure developments.