Update (11 September 2019): Jasmax and Grimshaw have been awarded a WAFX Award for Cultural Identity for the City Rail Link project as part of the World Architecture Festival (WAF). The WAFX Awards “celebrate proposals from across the globe tacking subjects ranging from ageing and health to cultural identity and carbon reduction,” according to the organisers. Of the 10 projects that received awards, an overall winner will be announced at the WAF in Amsterdam, which takes place from 4 to 6 December 2019.

A new video from City Rail Link (CRL) explains the indigenous design thinking behind three proposed stations on the line.

The video features Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, Māori design advocate and cultural advisor for the project Rau Hoskins and consultant architect Chris Jack of Jasmax, among others speaking about the processes and materials used in the design of the CRL stations.

The design concepts have been informed by several iwi in Tāmaki Makaurau, with the main idea being formed around the Maori creation story of Rangi-nui and Papa-tū-ā-nuki. Hoskins notes, “We wanted to make sure that we had a narrative that enabled each of those mana whenua groups to buy into this process and into the design opportunities arising from the narrative, but we also wanted to make sure that the reflection of the Rangi and Papa separation korero was of Tāmaki, so it was not generic to Aotearoa, but it was the version that applied here.”

After explaining the three core themes for the materiality – biophilic design, raw sophistication and pattern language – the video delves into the specific stories behind three CRL stations: Aotea Station (Waihorotiu), Karanga-ā-Hape Station and Mt Eden Station (Maungawhau). The design for each has been informed by the unique positioning of the station. Aotea Station drawing inspiration from the Waihorotiu stream, Karanga-ā-Hape Station from the stories of Hape and Tāne Mahuta and Mt Eden Station from its volcanic locale.

Watch the full video here: