Dezeen · Creativity & design

Grimshaw designs Auckland rail stations inspired by Māori narratives

Architecture studio Grimshaw has designed three new stations for Auckland's City Rail Link, integrating Māori cultural values and narratives into their design. The stations aim to connect the buildings to their specific sites and the broader cultural landscape of the area.

The three stations—Te Waihorotiu, Karanga-a-Hape, and Maungawhau—are part of a project to double Auckland's rail network capacity. Developed in partnership with Mana Whenua, the Māori group with customary authority over the land, the designs are guided by the Te Aranga Māori Design Principles.

Grimshaw employed architectural elements and materiality to express Te Whaiao, the Māori creation story representing the dawn. Four key elements—Sky, Earth, Threshold, and Fourth—were interpreted into the station designs, with facade patterns inspired by traditional Māori artwork and local geology reflected in flooring choices.

Each station features site-specific artworks nominated by Mana Whenua, integrated into the building fabric. At Te Waihorotiu, an installation by Graham Tipene evokes bulrush reeds and includes a kauri wood carving of a sea-serpent guardian. Karanga-a-Hape station includes snail-shell sculptures and a ceiling artwork representing the Māori lunar calendar.

Tessa Harris designed triangular forms for Maungawhau Station, referencing the volcanic mountain it is named after. A consistent design language, including wall-lining and batten ceilings, was used across all three stations to create a cohesive network.

Grimshaw stated the project is the largest transport infrastructure undertaking in New Zealand, aiming to create enduring value by connecting transport, public space, and cultural identity for the city and its future generations.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.