Ask an Architect 02: Aotearoa’s architectural aspirations?
Welcome to our second Ask an Architect (aaa) publication. We’re opening up our studio to answer your questions. For this publication we’re answering:
“What is your ideal vision of Aotearoa's architectural future?”
We hope it inspires you, as it has inspired us.
Want to explore houses with colour? See our Taupata Treehouse project.
“Architecture needs to be self-sustaining given the challenges we face with climate change.
Although a lot of architects and designers recognise this and are doing this already, there needs to be better schemes for this to be accessible for everybody.”
“For architecture in Aotearoa to move beyond extraction, working in balance with our planet through low-impact materials, adaptive reuse, and long-term thinking.”
Want to explore passive homes? Check out Craighall.
“For density to be seen as a positive, with well-designed neighbourhoods that support multigenerational living, shared spaces, and everyday connection, without compromising quality of life.”
Curious about co-housing? Check out Our Whare Our Fale, in partnership with Central Pacific Collective (CPC).
“For our buildings to tell stories about the whenua they sit upon. To acknowledge we build on land with contested ownership, and use Te Tiriti to guide our mahi.”
“For a built environment that reflects the diversity of Aotearoa, while allowing evolving cultural identities to be expressed through design.”
Want to explore collaborative processes led my tangata whenua? See the Sir Howard Morrison Centre with design guidance from creative Arts consultant - Henriata Nicholas of Moko-ia Creative House
“That our built environment reconnects us to our neighbours. As density increases and disconnection grows, we must rethink how the built environment brings people back together.”
This Tiny Homes concept alongside Te Āhuru Mōwai & Whakakāinga Ltd uses a flexible ‘village’ design akin to Papakāinga.
We hope to live into these ideas as we design a world that honours Te Tiriti, our people, and our planet.
