Trend Watch October 2024

Designers Elisapeta Heta, Jade Kake and Raukura Turei on Kaupapa Māori design for climate

Ataria Sharman, editor of Assemble Papers, connects with three designers to explore Kaupapa (way) Māori as a solution to our climate crises.

Principal at Jasmax, Elisapeta Heta speaks of ‘climate resilience’ and ‘sustainability’ as Pākehā or white terms, preferring ‘kaitiakitanga’ (meaning guardianship), as a better way of looking at our relationship to our natural environment.

An Indigenous approach to design is about the kaitiakitanga, understanding that all of life is connected and that humans are not superior to the natural world, we are part of it. Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) brings land and life together rather than separating them. 

Sharman writes, “Kaitiakitanga projects offer a more holistic approach, such as understanding people as part of the land instead of excluding them from it in pursuing environmental goals. In listening to, acknowledging and implementing the knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples, we draw on the wisdom of the past to build an interconnected future for all.”

All three designers work primarily on projects for Māori clients, which is a privilege and a challenge for multiple reasons. Challenges include building regulations with Pākehā ways, balancing the needs of stakeholders, racism and nimbyism at local development meetings.

Director at Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism, Jade Kake agrees, “Often the most sustainable and environmentally responsible choice is not a building at all. Buildings don’t have a huge life. They’re not necessarily designed for deconstruction or the lifecycle of materials. We should be building less and better.” 

Principal at Monk McKenzie, Raukura Turei says, “Sometimes the best land use is not a built environment. It’s leaving the land as it is.” 

Sharman writes, “In seeking climate solutions for future generations, listening, learning from, and interweaving Indigenous architectural design practices is critical.”

Learn more about Kaupapa Māori design.

Exploring the Legacy of Modernism in Landscape Architecture

Architect, researcher, and editor Diogo Borges Ferreira for the ArchDaily explores the legacy of modernism in landscape architecture with its core principles, interrelationship with architecture, the pioneering figures and its challenges. 

The modernist landscape architecture movement emerged in the early to mid-20th century due to the changes in society with industrialisation, urbanisation and the repercussions of the world wars. Prior to this time, landscape design was influenced by decorative elements of European styles with their classic rigid approaches. In modern cities these traditional styles of landscape design were no longer practical.

Core principles of modernist landscape architecture include, prioritising the use of space rather than decorative concerns; minimalism;function and form; order; harmony between nature and the built environment, indoor outdoor integration. 

Pioneering figures include Thomas Church, considered the father of modern landscape architecture; Dan Kiley, one of the most influential landscape architects in modernism who blurred the boundaries of indoor and outdoor spaces; Garrett Eckbo created large-scale public projects with Modernist principles.

Modernist landscape is designed with particular materials and plant species that require constant maintenance and create alterations and deterioration. Minimalist principles can often be undervalued or misunderstood.

View the complete ArchDaily article and images.