Whakamaru - Wellington City Mission

Architecture is at its most powerful when it serves a higher social purpose. In late 2024, just as the finishing touches were being completed, I had the privilege of photographing Whakamaru, the transformative new hub for the Wellington City Mission, designed by the talented team at Three Line Studio.

Capturing this project was more than just a technical exercise in lines and light, it was an exploration of how a building can provide "Whakamaru" - a place of shelter, protection, and being safe.

From a design perspective, Three Line Studio has achieved a difficult balance by creating a facility that feels both monumental in its mission and intimate in its delivery. The architecture moves away from the traditional, often clinical feel of social service centers. Instead, it embraces warmth, transparency, and a sense of "home."

The use of natural materials and a thoughtful layout ensures that the space feels open and inviting. As I moved through the building with my camera, I was struck by the way the design uses natural light to foster a sense of well-being. It isn’t just a shelter; it is a space designed to restore dignity to every person who walks through its doors.

The central atrium, lit from two giant skylights above, forms the heart of the building and is arguably the most interesting feature, from a photographic point of view. Never had I been more pleased that I had access to a couple of tilt-shift lenses in my bag to help capture perspectives that would otherwise have been almost impossible to achieve.

Whakamaru is more than a building, it’s a 24/7 community ecosystem. The facilities are intentionally integrated to break down the "us and them" barriers often found in city centers. Key features include a social supermarket, a large cafe/ hangout space that encourages public interaction with the mission’s guests, dignified residential units, a sacred space/ chapel, comprehensive medical centre and laundry facilities.

The building stands as a testament to the idea that those who have the least deserve the very best our designers and architects can offer. It was an honor to document this landmark project, and I hope these images convey the spirit of hope and connection that Whakamaru brings to Wellington.

Architects: Three Line Studio; Builders: Naylor Love; Project Managers: Kensway Consultants; Structural Engineers: Kensway Consultants