New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 35/02C | Page 28

as an appropriate aesthetic for the new Treasury
offices. One key aspect of this – along with agile
workspaces – was to ensure a relaxed inclusivity to
all who walk through the Treasury’s doors.
Boxes ticked by the culturally respectful, human-
centric design include: family-friendly spaces that
make feeding a baby or looking after a small child
easy; gender neutral bathroom and shower areas;
neighbourhood kitchens that facilitate independent
coffee or meal making for a person in a wheelchair.
“Reception was developed to flow between a
range of `welcoming activities’ – from the typical
standing interactions, to lowered counters and
check-in areas, to more informal coffee table and
soft seat relaxation and chatting spaces,” says
Deacon. “In addition, the gender neutral bath-
rooms are located alongside a family room and
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wellness room in the reception area.”
The Treasury wharenui dictated the wider design
for the fit-out, including the level three meeting
spaces. Choices about its position were based
around tikanga and consideration of the gathering
of manuhiri, or visitors, and tangata whenua, or
Treasury people.
“This space is for staff use as much as for formal
meetings and it was a big call to let its position
drive the position of all the meeting rooms on
the floor. We worked with master carvers and
kaumātua to ensure that old and new elements are
blended seamlessly together and to use technology
to make it a truly multi-purpose space.”
“One challenge was the column in the middle of
the reception,” says Deacon. “To address this, we
created a koru ceiling feature that emanates from
Below:Informal, comfortable
meeting and relaxation spaces
near reception.
Facing page:Pride of place –
the wharenui enjoys views across
to New Zealand’s most iconic
government building. The central
pou connects to all floors.
Following pages:Traditional
Māori carvings and advanced AV
systems coexist in the light-filled
meeting house.