The landmark arts and media building at Nelson's NMIT is currently well under construction; it is a world-first both for the innovative use of wood in the structure of a multi-storied building and in its incorporation of a new generation of earthquake-resistant technology.
All structural beams, columns and floors will be constructed out of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), which has excellent strength properties and is fire resistant. Andrew Irving says "The building's simple elegance belies the research behind it."