Starship Whiti Ora
Starship Foundation recently received funding for a new research and innovation centre, dedicated to ensuring that all tamariki in Aotearoa have access to world-class healthcare. Work included renovations of the three-story 1970s building, located opposite the hospital, at 111 Grafton Road.
Dame Rangimārie Naida Glavish of Ngāti Whātua gifted Starship the cultural narrative that tells the story of the pīpīwharauroa bird (shining bronze cuckoo) who lays its eggs in the nest of the riroriro (grey warbler), for the riroriro bird to nurture and care for as its own, symbolising the care and nurture provided by Starship to tamariki entrusted into their care. This narrative forms the basis and inspiration for this project.
The purpose of the new space is to foster research, innovation, collaboration, and education for the betterment of children and whānau in Aotearoa. Whiti Ora will promote a strong research culture, enhance clinical pathways, test new services, and serve as a platform for donor appreciation and events.
Interior designers, TOA Architects, expanded on the cultural narrative to include the story of the pīpīwharauroa as it travelled to Aotearoa, a journey of growth and renewal. The building itself is represented as Te Waonui o Tāne, with each level reflecting different elements of the ngāhere (forest).
The interior design of Whiti Ora incorporates artwork, vibrant colours and elements of nature to create a therapeutic and engaging environment for children, whilst integrating elements of the ngāhere and Starship’s identity. The ground level draws on a playful style and vibrant colours to ensure children feel at home in the workspace. On the first floor, the use of timber, ply, browns, greens, and pops of colour aims to create a more calming atmosphere for the busy working environment.
Jacobsen recommended Shaw Contract Color Frame carpet tiles for the floors, which were designed to mimic the niho taniwha pattern (guardian’s teeth), commonly seen in tukutuku (latticework panels) on marae and in Māori artwork, as a wayfinding tool to guide people through the building.
The Color Frame range is a truly circular product, which means that when the carpet completes its life cycle, we will reclaim and recycle it into new carpet products through our free Jacobsen Re.Form programme.
Recycled and natural materials, such as Maxwell Rodgers Mana fabric collection with harakeke and wool, tōtara and kōwhai wood, ply, and Autex panels made of recycled bottle caps, were incorporated to reference the ngāhere (native forest) and align with Starship’s sustainability principles.
Whiti Ora has been highly successful, with the facility being regularly used for events such as graduation ceremonies, welcoming ceremonies for new staff, donors and visitors, workshops, and strategic planning for hospital leadership. Additionally, the space hosts art exhibitions created by Starship children to raise funds for the hospital and educational seminars focused on research and innovation to attract top medical staff.
Starship Whiti Ora by TOA Architects has been announced as a 2024 Shaw Contract Design Awards Best of Region winner.
Out of almost 700 submissions spanning 36 countries, 43 exceptional projects have emerged as Best of Region Winners in the 2024 Shaw Contract Design Awards programme. Carefully selected by distinguished panels of international judges, these projects showcase the pinnacle of regional design excellence, and included 5 exceptional projects from Australia and New Zealand.
