“We have grown from the humble old houses in Kelburn Parade, to our Te Aro campus in Vivian Street and Dixon Street, and our recent expansion to Zhengzhou, China,” says Robyn Phipps, Dean of the faculty. “The programmes that we deliver have grown, also, and we have become the most comprehensive Architecture, Design and Built Environment provider in New Zealand.”

Today, the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation includes landscape architecture, industrial design, digital media, interior architecture, building science, fashion design, interaction design, construction management, construction health and safety, construction law and building surveying, and many more majors.

Phipps explains that, for the special occasion, the faculty was gifted the name Paparahi, meaning foundation but also footprints or a track. “‘Papa’ represents the layers of learning and creative practice that have been built up over time, resulting in ‘rahi,’ a reference to our great store of knowledge and the significance of our collective work.”

The celebrations included a gala dinner at Tākina, an exhibition at the School’s Te Aro campus, showcasing work by students, staff and alumni, and a symposium, ‘Threads and Trajectories’, featuring alumni from across all disciplines, including Professor Mark Burry, best known for his role as senior architect and researcher at Barcelona’s Basilica de la Sagrada Família. Also speaking at the symposium were awardwinning director and creative director Alan Bibby, and Dr Thomas Daniell, a leading voice in contemporary architecture with a particular focus on Japan.