Visitors to the MIT Manukau (MITM) Campus may have noticed a revitalised atmosphere in one of our most cherished communal areas — the atrium.
New furniture at Manukau Campus’s atrium
After over a decade of use, the previous furniture had become worn, mismatched, and no longer reflected the professional and welcoming environment we strive to offer our students, staff, and visitors. Recognising the atrium’s importance as a vibrant hub for informal gatherings, quiet study, and staff connections, we recently completed a furniture upgrade to breathe new life into the space.
The S-shaped furniture in front of the lifts
The new furniture is not only modern and durable but also thoughtfully colour-matched to complement the existing interior palette, which reflects the kaupapa of the campus.
Te Waonui o Te Mātauranga — The Forest of Learning — is the guiding design theme for the building. The colour scheme draws inspiration from the Māori poutama, or ‘staircase of knowledge’, symbolising the progression of learning and personal growth.
“The ground floor represents Tangata Whenua, with deep, earthy tones. As you move upward, the colours transition to the greens and blues of water and sky, culminating in magenta — representing the spiritual realm. These transitions mirror the intellectual and physical journey through the building.”
A special thank you to Rumyana Belcheva, Property and Infrastructure Services Coordinator for her role in ensuring the updated furniture harmonises with this design vision. The result is a refreshed atrium that feels both familiar and invigorated — more vibrant, welcoming, and cohesive than ever before.
We’ve already received positive feedback, with many describing the new look as “modern” and “fresh.”
This upgrade is part of our broader commitment to improving campus facilities — including the recent transformation of Room 330 into a new, purpose-built boardroom — to better support the evolving needs of our students and staff.
Upgrade of Room 330
The ground floor furniture represents more earthy tones
