Two readings were completed in order to gain a new perspective whilst redesigning the interior of the Living Pā.

Here is what was noted:

Learning as Dwelling

• Interrelationships between humans and their environment.
• Designing is a conscious human process.
• A person’s characteristics determines their power to learn.
• Think about building and dwelling together instead of separate.
• Humans can adapt to our environment.

On Whenua, Landscape and Monumental Interiors

• Māori building practice (pre-contact) already had intersections between landscape and interior.
• Architecture, landscape and interior are all interwoven in Māori design.
• Excavation was a popular practice.
• Combining these three disciplines incorporates the body, Whenua and culture.
• Whenua describes the inseparable interaction between land and humanity.
• Conservation needs to be considered more in design to respect the Whenua.
• Pā were fortifications but very few were used defensively.
• Monumental design refers to the challenging of Western interior design ideals.

The Living Pā project requires research into the site, how the building ties into the university, and what the future of the site will look like. Here are some findings:

• Project is a redevelopment of the Marae
• Te Tumu Herenga Waka was the Marae built by staff, students and the community.
• About creating a more sustainable society.

https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/living-pa/project

Upon further research, a timeline of the site and project was created:

• Department of Anthropology and Māori housed at 38 Kelburn Parade (1978)

• Māori Studies established at 50 Kelburn Parade (1980)
• Marae established at 36 Kelburn Parade and named Te Herenga Waka (1980)

• Marae transferred to 46 Kelburn Parade (1984)

• Māori at the University: 256 students and 13 ‘known’ staff (1986)
• Te Tumu Herenga Waka opened behind 46 Kelburn Parade (1986)

• Marae precinct entered in Victoria University of Wellington’s capital works programme (1988)

• Māori Studies at 48 and 50 Kelburn Parade (1995)

• The Living Pā project phase 1: project research and development initiated (2017)
• Preliminary consultation commenced with primary stakeholders (2017)

• Māori at the University: 2144 students and 153 staff (2018)
• Project working name confirmed—The Living Pā (2018)
• Project core group established (2018)
• Project review panel established (2018)

• Core design consultants contracted (2019)
• Phase 2b: engagement and consultation process commenced (2019)
• Business case approved by the University Council (October) (2019)
• Living Pā ambassadors confirmed (2019)
• Whānau launch of the Living Pā at Te Herenga Waka Marae (December) (2019)

• The Living Pā project implementation and planning initiated (2019)
• Phase 3: engagement processes commenced (2020)
• Preliminary design confirmed (2020)

• Decant from building and early site works (2021)
• Construction starts (2021)

• Opening of The Living Pā (2023)

https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/living-pa/process

• Apart of the Living Building Challenge (transforms how we think about a sustainable built environment)
• The challenge is sorted into 7 areas:
• Place (restoring one’s relationship with nature)
• Water (Balance of water within climate and given place)
• Energy (relying only on current solar power)
• Health and Happiness (optimising well-being)
• Materials (using safe and sustainable materials)
• Equity (supporting a just world)
• Beauty (celebrating design)

https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/living-pa/living-building-challenge