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.