Designers Elisapeta Heta, Jade Kake and Raukura Turei on Kaupapa Māori design for climate
Te Parapara traditional Maori garden in Hamilton, New Zealand. Credit Boyloso
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 instead of excluding them from it in pursuing environmental goals. In listening to, acknowledging and implementing the knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples, we draw on the wisdom of the past to build an interconnected future for all.”
All three designers work primarily on projects for Māori clients, which is a privilege and a challenge for multiple reasons. Challenges include building regulations with Pākehā ways, balancing the needs of stakeholders, racism and nimbyism at local development meetings.
Director at Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism, Jade Kake agrees, “Often the most sustainable and environmentally responsible choice is not a building at all. Buildings don’t have a huge life. They’re not necessarily designed for deconstruction or the lifecycle of materials. We should be building less and better.”
Principal at Monk McKenzie, Raukura Turei says, “Sometimes the best land use is not a built environment. It’s leaving the land as it is.”
Sharman writes, “In seeking climate solutions for future generations, listening, learning from, and interweaving Indigenous architectural design practices is critical.”
Exploring the Legacy of Modernism in Landscape Architecture
Freeway Park, Seattle, USA. Credit Joe Mabel
Architect, researcher, and editor Diogo Borges Ferreira for the ArchDaily explores the legacy of modernism in landscape architecture with its core principles, interrelationship with architecture, the pioneering figures and its challenges.
The modernist landscape architecture movement emerged in the early to mid-20th century due to the changes in society with industrialisation, urbanisation and the repercussions of the world wars. Prior to this time, landscape design was influenced by decorative elements of European styles with their classic rigid approaches. In modern cities these traditional styles of landscape design were no longer practical.
Core principles of modernist landscape architecture include, prioritising the use of space rather than decorative concerns; minimalism;function and form; order; harmony between nature and the built environment, indoor outdoor integration.
Pioneering figures include Thomas Church, considered the father of modern landscape architecture; Dan Kiley, one of the most influential landscape architects in modernism who blurred the boundaries of indoor and outdoor spaces; Garrett Eckbo created large-scale public projects with Modernist principles.
Modernist landscape is designed with particular materials and plant species that require constant maintenance and create alterations and deterioration. Minimalist principles can often be undervalued or misunderstood.
Successful products are often followed by copycats. Over the past year we have become aware of an increase in reproductions of the Linea range attempting to create a similar aesthetic at a lower price. This can compromise the overall durability and environmental credentials of projects being delivered, affect ongoing maintenance requirements, and in some instances pose a risk of injury to the public. The design of Linea is deceptively simple while delivering exceptional attention to detail. Details matter not only for beauty, but also for providing durability, and safety, that will last decades. Linea strictly uses the highest quality and sustainable materials, has passed rigorous strength tests, and is designed for longevity, with easily replaceable parts. The product range is the result of hundreds of hours of research and development …
Street Furniture Australia’s entire product range and manufacturing operation has received carbon neutral certification through Climate Active™. Achieving carbon neutral certification marks a significant milestone in our operation and the culmination of a four year long process of detailed measurement and analysis. Climate Active™ is the only Australian government-backed carbon neutral certification programme for businesses to measure, reduce, and offsets their carbon emissions. It is one of the most rigorous carbon-neutral programs in the world. An approved Emissions Reduction Strategy (ERS) is central to achieving certification through Climate Active. Street Furniture Australia has elected to use SBTi validated science-based targets to ensure their ERS is meaningful and aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement – to limit global temperature rises to 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels. For those emissions that can’t be …
Our Presentation Specialists bring a fun, interactive and informative workshop about our carbon neutral journey and latest products to your office. In 30 minutes (plus Q&A) you will explore materials and finishes, touch and feel samples, and bond with your colleagues over delicious treats in the comfort of your office. There will also be a mystery prize for a lucky winner (optional). ‘The presentation content was informative, engaging, interactive and relevant. Genuinely one of the better supplier workshops! It was efficient yet insightful. The interactive nature of it enhanced engagement with the team,’ Sam Westlake, Senior Associate, Hassell, Sydney. ‘Possibly our favourite product presentation to date! Engaging, great content and appreciated the physical samples and prototypes,’ Alexa Ongoco, Senior Landscape Architect, TCL, Brisbane. ‘Thorough presentation with actual product to see and …
Street Furniture Australia’s entire product range and manufacturing operation has received carbon neutral certification through Climate Active™. Achieving carbon neutral certification marks a significant milestone in our operation and the culmination of a four year long process of detailed measurement and analysis. Climate Active™ is the only Australian government-backed carbon neutral certification programme for businesses to measure, reduce, and offsets their carbon emissions. It is one of the most rigorous carbon-neutral programs in the world. An approved Emissions Reduction Strategy (ERS) is central to achieving certification through Climate Active. Street Furniture Australia has elected to use SBTi validated science-based targets to ensure their ERS is meaningful and aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement – to limit global temperature rises to 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels. For those emissions that can’t be …
Ten principles for designing play spaces for neurodiverse children The growing body of research around inclusive design has deepened our understanding of this important area, paving the way for projects like Hassell’s new Mildred Creak Playground. Before the revitalisation of Edward Millen Park on Whadjuk Country in Perth, Western Australia, Hassell’s Senior Associate, Hannah Galloway and her team at Hassell met with teachers at Carson Street School and the Autism Association of Western Australia. They created ten key principles for designing play spaces for all children. Galloway said their goal was to design a unique space for all children to enjoy, regardless of their neurodiverse traits. “By incorporating sensory elements, promoting social interaction and providing spaces for regrouping and control, we can create environments where every child can thrive.” Hassell’s ten …
Successful products are often followed by copycats. Over the past year we have become aware of an increase in reproductions of the Linea range attempting to create a similar aesthetic at a lower price. This can compromise the overall durability and environmental credentials of projects being delivered, affect ongoing maintenance requirements, and in some instances pose a risk of injury to the public. The design of Linea is deceptively simple while delivering exceptional attention to detail. Details matter not only for beauty, but also for providing durability, and safety, that will last decades. Linea strictly uses the highest quality and sustainable materials, has passed rigorous strength tests, and is designed for longevity, with easily replaceable parts. The product range is the result of hundreds of hours of research and development …
