2024 Waikato/Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards Winner
The Pā
Somewhat dichotomously, The Pā successfully delivers both a new entry point and heart for the University of Waikato, stitching together the four key functions of wharenui, executive leadership, central student hub and Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, with clear regard to context and surrounding linkages. Manaakitanga is expressed through the project’s organisation and design, including development and extension of traditional Māori construction into new manifestations and metaphors such as the crossing, rather than termination, of the heke (rafters) at the tāhuhu (ridge beam). This extends and supports the unifying roof that protects the various activities below, fostering gathering and community. The strong narrative, formed in close collaboration with the office of the Kīngitanga, reads throughout the design and respects the history of the whenua, Ngāti Hauā and Ngāti Wairere and their landmarks, anchoring the project into the Waikato.
- Practice
- Architectus , Jasmax and Design Tribe Limited
- Category
- Education
- Location
- Waikato/Bay of Plenty
