68 | T T Anne Boswell Providing a safer place for healing Strong, iwi-led co-design from the outset ensured a powerful narrative that helped guide and enrich the design. Architects 44 - Te Whare Awhi Ora ARCHITECTURE A culturally authentic, healing space for those experiencing addiction or mental health problems in Te Tairawhiti has been realised after four years in the making – and the architectural firms behind the project, Architects 44 and Mode Design, couldn’t be prouder of the space they have helped create. Bucking the trend of a sterile environment that makes patients feel institutionalised, the 12-bed facility, Te Whare Awhi Ora, is the result of a collaboration between Architects 44 and Auckland architectural firm Mode Design, and the Ministry of Health. “We are woven into the fabric in Te Tairawhiti. We focus on work in our rohe; we have been here a long time, and we want to be here for a long time still. We are looking after our place.” BUILDING TOGETHER SINCE 1955. For over 70 years, DStevens has worked alongside architects who share our commitment to quality, craft, and enduring design. Proud to partner with Architects 44. +64 6 867 5700 www.dstevens.co.nz Lone Star Gisborne Designed by Architects 44 Built by DStevens 336 Childers Road Gisborne, New Zealand Architects 44 director Dan King says that the space is a far cry from the old building the facility moved from, which he describes as “dire”. “The new space is vibrant, and it is a truly culturally authentic building,” he says. Dan says they found the brief of creating a space connecting patients and healthcare professionals with nature and culture was achieved naturally. Strong, iwi-led co-design from the outset ensured a powerful narrative that helped guide and enrich the design. One of the key brief requirements from the Ministry of Health was to facilitate a new delivery model for mental health services, to create a place of healing that did not feel like a prison. Local Maori artist Nick Tupara led a team of carvers and weavers to help create a design palette that flowed through the whole project, from custom whariki floor mat patterns to woven acoustic wall panels and hand-carved pou. “It was as far removed from institutional as you can get,” Dan says. The project is designed under the Living Building Challenge, a rigorous sustainability certification programme that promotes regenerative building practices, aiming to create structures that positively impact their environment and communities.
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