Description:

Our concept for Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori involved a number of unique finishes, unique furniture pieces, unique use of materials and a concept in itself which challenges the clients preconceptions of how the space could be used. This meant that our communication of the various components and how the concept worked needed to be clear and give the client a thorough understanding of what the finished product would not only look like, but how it was used.

We created diagrammatic graphic material to communicate how the space would be used, and addressed how it would support the varying types and sizes of korero and hui. This then developed into orthographic sketch language to depict how the detailing and materiality ‘conversed’ between floors, in a simplistic way that captures the DNA of the concept.

The sketch language was then translated into a 3D virtual model, where we explored various executions of the Te Taura Whiri colourway and visual identity. This enabled the client to have valuable input into the design process, and test ideas and potential outcomes. We sought the input of suppliers at this stage, so we could get further visibility and guidance on how the bespoke materials would exist in reality.

A physical 3D model was created to communicate how the furniture pieces related to the tukutuku carpet pattern, and how their arrangement is entirely informed by this surface. This allowed us to create the various hui settings for the client and gain further support from the wider staff (for such a thought challenging concept).

Nate Te Rei was part of the project team and undertook a series of sketches that were to communicate the intent for his Whakairo, the gateway door handles. These pieces grew somewhat organically, so his sketches were intended to communicate that he would carve in a certain style, specific to Whanganui-a-tara.

Finally, a 3d flythrough was created to communicate the concept to wider stakeholders that were unable to be physically present during the decision making process with the physical model and products (because of Covid Lock Downs).

The culmination of the various communication techniques meant that we had a client that was entirely supportive of the design, and excited by the outcome. More importantly, the outcome was a very close depiction of what was presented, so the project team and client are incredibly happy.

Please refer to Workplace entry for more information on the concept itself.