Designers Elisapeta Heta, Jade Kake and Raukura Turei on Kaupapa Māori design for climate Ataria Sharman, editor of Assemble Papers, connects with three designers to explore Kaupapa (way) Māori as a solution to our climate crises. Principal at Jasmax, Elisapeta Heta speaks of ‘climate resilience’ and ‘sustainability’ as Pākehā or white terms, preferring ‘kaitiakitanga’ (meaning guardianship), as a better way of looking at our relationship to our natural environment. An Indigenous approach to design is about the kaitiakitanga, understanding that all of life is connected and that humans are not superior to the natural world, we are part of it. Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) brings land and life together rather than separating them.  Sharman writes, “Kaitiakitanga projects offer a more holistic approach, such as understanding people as part of the land …

An annual half-day knowledge exchange hosted by Cumberland City Council, AILA and Street Furniture Australia for built environment professionals. In 2024, we will explore positive climate action for the future of Western Sydney and our planet. Hear 10-minute insights from industry experts on diverse topics: materials, urban cooling, smart technology, product stewardship and circularity, followed by a panel discussion on current challenges and the way forward around climate action. Thursday, 14 Nov 2024 | 8.30am – 1pmVenue: Parramatta Square Business and Events CentreLevel P2, 4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street, Parramatta Program: Presented by:

June Lee Boxsell spoke to landscape architects and engineers about Australian innovation and climate action at the recent LPA Design Studio summit in Irvine, California. Another wonderful collaboration with our US distributor partner Spruce and Gander. Using analogous insight, June drew parallels between the collaborative relationship of industrial designers and engineers at Street Furniture Australia to the very similar relationship between landscape architects and civil engineers at LPA Design Studio. During an hour long interactive presentation, June demonstrated the critical interactions and back and forth between design and engineering teams, from early inspiration and market research, through design, material testing, prototyping and the many rounds of product testing prior to going to market. To illustrate our process for designing and manufacturing furniture, June shared The Story of a Chair. The Story …