He Whare mō niu tireni

Abstract

This study is an attempt to look at the architecture of the domestic dwelling from a Maori perspective. It highlights and discusses issues which affect the architecture of the house as a direct response to the uniqueness of this country. It therefore looks at the history of Aotearoa and the way this has influenced the development of the whare. The recent cultural renaissance has seen a resurgence in Maori art and decoration, however, Maori architecture is still, more often than not, neglected and dismissed by architects in this country. It is often trivialised, misunderstood and misrepresente by viewing it through the concepts and cultural biases of Pakeha knowledge. The report is not an attempt to arrive at a definitive house for this land, but it does include the example of the author's own house andhow some of the issues and responses can be realised architecturally in built form. It represents a personal statement of identity and reflects one persons values and aspirations for a distinctively NEW ZEALAND or 'Maori' lifestyle in harmony with, and in direct response to the environment. Further, the study is not an attempt to tell anyone, particularly Maori people,what is best for them, but it does endeavour to provoke and stimulate, and promote an awareness and understanding of the possibilities of domestic architecture in this country for Maori and those non-Maori who identify with Maori values and the uniqueness of Aotearoa.