WSP Tāmaki Makaurau Office
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Overview
In the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau, the new WSP Westhaven office refurbishment was recently unveiled, epitomising the fusion of indigenous design principles and cutting-edge functionality.
WSP had recently committed to a 9-year lease but the building required a refreshed look and refined features. To align the objectives with the predetermined budget and timeline, WSP sought the experience of the team at Expedite Projects.
Project journey
This project was driven by indigenous wisdom, cultural practices, and sustainable innovation. WSP had a profound commitment to indigenous values and design ethos, collaborating closely with Māori staff and artists. As a result, every facet of this workplace is infused with the essence of Te Ao Māori.
Every element provides a story of connection, reverence, and resilience, from the symbolic computer-routed waharoa to the majestic pou tuarongo. Paying homage to the land's rich history, the office design resonates with the proverbial wisdom, "Me hoki whakamuri, kia anga whakamua" – acknowledging the past to guide the future.
Beyond the visual elements, the spatial planning of the office space embraces cultural inclusivity, with dedicated areas for traditional ceremonies like pōwhiri and mihi whakatau. Local artists Jordan Clarke and Chemice Ahu also contributed poignant reminders of the enduring bond between land and people.
Simultaneously, the new office is a beacon of sustainability and innovation. It has been infused with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient features. It anticipates the evolving needs of a dynamic workforce and champions inclusivity.
As the largest floorplate in Auckland, this immense open-plan workplace is home to more than 500 staff. WSP Westhaven demonstrates the enduring spirit of collaboration, innovation and cultural heritage. It illustrates how co-creation and cultural diversity can shape the workplaces of tomorrow.
Outputs
Due to the increasing demand of high grade office space in Auckland, WSP sought a solution for a swift and efficient project delivery to refurbish their existing office space. Employing a lean methodology and single-source delivery, Expedite was able to reduce the total program time, completing the project in 8 weeks while utilising the Christmas holidays.
Our approach revolved around our client's requirements for the space and the importance of minimising disruption, carbon footprint, indigenous design principles and maximising time on site. Expedite unified all the professional disciplines and delivered on time to a tightly formed budget. We were able to maximise the talent around us by using a team of WSP kaimahi Māori (Māori staff) and Maori artists to develop the fit out's indigenous design.
