A default convention for naming polytechnic buildings was to assign a letter of the alphabet along with ''block'', although the Robertson Library, Manaaki, Poho and the Sargood Centre, were exceptions, chief executive Phil Ker said in a report to the polytechnic council.
''The current use of the term `block' is not only uninspiring but also meant we are forgoing the opportunity for building nomenclature to celebrate aspects of our history, including significant people or events.''
It also meant the polytechnic could not capitalise on opportunities for sponsorship, he said.
The polytechnic surveyed its staff last year to see what they thought of the naming policy and many agreed to move to descriptive naming of buildings and spaces.
There was little support for sponsorship of whole buildings but more support for sponsorship of spaces within them, he said.
Polytechnic council chairwoman Kathy Grant said the response indicated it was an issue that was of interest to staff - they wanted a change and an improvement in the naming of buildings.
While the administration building had been named the Geoff Mason Administration Building, many did not know, let alone use, the name.
''If we go to name buildings we need to be committed to this. The name needs to be used if it's allocated.''
The polytechnic should start looking for a name for its new learning link building immediately, with a view to it being in place by the time construction was completed, she said.
Council member Gillian Bremner said while she did not like the alphabet labels, they did make it easier for people to find their way around.
Mr Ker said the length of building names needed to be considered, as new signage on all sides of the buildings would have to be put up.
He noted there were opportunities to seek sponsorship for areas such as the innovation laboratory.
''It is a place of innovation and is very successful, so to link with a company which prides itself on innovation [would be positive].''
Guidelines would also need to be developed around bicultural signage, he added. The polytechnic council agreed the search for a name for its new learning link building should begin immediately.