Brutalist Building of  Educational and architectural heritage -Otago University

As the daughter of renowned structural engineer, Lou Robinson, who dedicated his life to preserving architectural heritage, the significance of safeguarding our cultural landmarks, runs deep - and this building, one of his early designs - along with Ted McCoy, must be safeguarded. 

My father helped preserve unique architectural specimens: from churches, to monuments, and also educational buildings. 

I am reaching out to every resident of Dunedin, and New Zealand at large, to save a remarkable emblem of our architectural history: the University of Otago’s brutalist-style building, The Archway Lecture Theatres - a series of 4 interconnected educational structures designed in 1975 by the visionary architect, the late Ted McCoy of McCoy and Wixon Architects, sits beautifully, as it has, for 50 years. 

This brutalist style masterpiece is more than just concrete and steel; it is a testament to 50 years of education, and is homage to a particular style of architectural expression that has quietly enriched our community and educational landscape. Located in the Quadrangle area of the university grounds, this building not only survived the test of time but has also gracefully passed a recent earthquake assessment conducted by the Dunedin City Council. These facts signify its resilience and adaptation to modern needs, safeguarding those within its walls.

Moreover, with its potential to qualify as a Heritage listed building under the esteemed Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the building stands at the threshold of being able to be officially listed.
However, its future remains precariously in the balance.

The threat of demolition casts a shadow over what is not just a static structure but a dynamic part of Dunedin’s cultural and educational heritage.

Preservation of architecture such as this brutalist gem is crucial. It represents not only a specific period of architectural ingenuity but also serves as a physical link to our past achievements and artistic expressions. By saving this building, we are not only honoring the past but also ensuring that future generations can witness and learn from these iconic designs.

Concrete in its form yet deeply humanistic in its purpose, this building embodies style, form, and function. Let's unite to ensure its preservation. Help us protect our architectural legacy and support our call to have this building recognized and protected under New Zealand’s heritage guidelines.

We urge the University of Otago, local council members, and the wider community to reconsider any plans of demolition and instead pursue its formal recognition and conservation. Sign this petition to help us safeguard Dunedin’s brutalist heritage, ensuring its stories continue to echo through history for many more years to come.

this could be a base for architecture, modernist design, or the centre of arts.

Save this Seventies building!