Cultural artwork a cornerstone of The Symphony Centre's design

Hidden beneath the bustling city flows Waihorotiu stream. Once part of a thriving wetland that ran past the Hototiu pā down to the Waitematā, the stream was a source of life, providing fresh water for iwi living nearby. The stream was also a symbol of mauri - life force - for iwi and hapū.

In recognition of Waihorotiu, and looking back to a time before towers of concrete, glass and steel arose, Mana Whenua gifted Auckland's new central train station the name Te Waihototiu. 

The design of Te Waihorotiu Station and The Symphony Centre which will rise above it centres on the creation story of Rangi and Papa and features a Poutama pattern that emanates from the subterranean station to the 21 story building facade above.

Endorsed by Mana Whenua, renowned artists Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), Ted Ngataki (Ngāti Tamaho), and Maaka Potini (Ngāti Tamaoho) were engaged to incorporate this continuing cultural story into the design of The Symphony Centre. 

Te Aranga design principles have also been incorporated throughout the design process. A set of seven outcome-based principles founded on Māori cultural values to enhance iwi/hapū identity in the physical environment, Te Aranga Design Principles arose from a widely held desire to enhance Mana Whenua presence, visibility, and participation in the design of Aotearoa’s built environment and seeks to foster and guide culturally appropriate responses to urban design frameworks.

The Symphony Centre public realm incorporates four key Mana Whenua design narratives that have inspired and informed design decisions. From design decisions around landscaping to paving, feature Pou artwork wrapped pillars and bespoke cultural patterns bevelled into concrete terrace facades, to the tree planting and ecology - Mana Whenua storytelling guides patrons as they exit Te Waihorotiu station and hands them into the heart of Aotea Arts Quarter.

1.  Papatūānuku - Groundplane Connection

Specific Narrative Context:

Papatūānuku - Earthmother

Tāmaki Makaurau context referencing the relationship to Te Waitematā and Waitematā Sandstone expressed in the groundplane of the development. 

2.  Ngā Atua - Tamariki of Rangi + Papa

Specific Narrative Context:

Rongomatāne & Haumietiketike (cultivated and uncultivated crops) references to the historic wetland and expressed in the ‘public layer’ of the development - the ground floor and public realm.

3.  Te Kore - The Void

Specific Narrative Context:

Te Kore - The Void expressed in the structure of the building signifies the process and kōrero of Te Ao Māori creation history. The layer that sits between Nga Atua representing the forces of Tānemahuta separating his parents by thrusting his legs skyward, pushing his parents apart to create Te Aomarama.

4.  Ranginui - Upper Sky Element

Specific Narrative Context:

The poutama pattern concept of the steps Tānemahuta took to the highest realm is expressed in the facade of the building, and is a continuation of Te Wai Horotiu Station Box narrative. Opportunities for Matariki and Puanga in the approach to overhead lighting in the laneway.

Names have been gifted by Mana Whenua to The Symphony Centre and The Lanes street level restaurant and retail destination that further build on this cultural narrative. Learn more here.