The existing MRI at Whanganui Hospital had outlived its serviceable life, and upgrading the machine was no longer possible.  Replacement became the only option.

Many placement options were considered.  The selected option also remediated departmental circulation and waiting. 

We worked very closely with ACEPT Pty Ltd regarding installation.  BPL Group Engineer’s worked very closely with us to prepare a solution where the MRi was dropped through a prepared roof hatch into its room, then slid into its final position. 

The compliance around the space planning adjacent to the MRI is very prescriptive, however it gave us an opportunity to create a notional journey from the mountains to the sea, a revealed narrative.  We have a saying in Whanganui – Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au.  I am the river and the river is me. We wished to ground this highly precise piece of medical equipment in its place, to imbue it with a sense of this place.

Tihei Māori Ora – the life force is alive.