The redevelopment of the Whakatāne Campus of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, resulting in a state-of-the-art tertiary facility to support the kaupapa Maori pedagogues of the Wānanga.
The narrative of key architectural and design elements was developed in close consultation with Wānanga representatives.
The library atrium roof, formed to represent the tāhuhu (ridge beam) of a wharenui, also symbolically represents the realm of higher knowledge.
The poutama patten on the exterior precast concrete panels also reflects the ascent and descent of the ancestor 'Tāwhaki' in gaining the baskets of knowledge from the celestial realm.
Wherever possible, in keeping with traditional Māori design and construction approaches, structural elements of the buildings are articulated to reflect their symbolic as well as true structural role.
Project
Title: Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi - Campus Development
Location: Whakatāne
Floor Area: 4500sq/m
Completed: 2013
Architect
designTRIBE architects
Rau Hoskins/ Chris Sage/ Miles Heine
Project Architect
Miles Heine