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The Atrium, affectionately known as the 'heart' of Starship, forms the main design feature of the hospital. Visible from both the lifts and every floor in Starship, the Atrium functions as a meeting place and access point for patients, visitors and staff.
The SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust granted $100,000 towards the refurbishment of the Atrium, transforming the tired well-used space into a New Zealand rainforest.
Opened by Mayor of Auckland, Dick Hubbard the rainforest features:
- Seven-metre high recycled timber telephone poles to represent trees
- Giant clouds and canopies
- Macrocarpa log benches
- Printed vinyl floor tiles representing the forest floor, river stones and a bubbling stream
- Digitally printed forest mural wallpaper
- Boulders (schist, basalt, limestone)
Starship Foundation CEO Andrew Young says the Atrium forms the 'heart' of the hospital and the refurbishment was much needed.
"It is an amazing design which is going to be stimulating and supportive for children and their parents. There can be a lot of pressure on families so spaces away from the wards are really important," said Mr Young.
The Atrium was officially opened 20 June 2005.
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Above: Woodland fairies help young patients celebrate the opening of the new Starship Atrium.
[+] View Rainforest
[+] View Atrium
Photographs of the new Rainforest can be viewed by clicking the thumbnails above.
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