Wāhi Taiao

Type of project: Community, collaboration, design-driven
Collaborator:
Sponsors/Funders: Christchurch City Council, ChristchurchNZ, isaac, dcm urban, Black Robin Architecture

Location: Central CBD
Status: In development

A central space in Ōtautahi for all people to hui, kōrero, work and connect with the taiao of Ōtautahi.

Wāhi Taiao, is an outdoor performance, meeting and work space that acknowledges the original te taiao of central Ōtautahi. Interwoven with mātauranga Māori, including design features from mana whenua artists, Wāhi Taiao communicates the story of
Mahinga Kai, and hui of the different hapu meeting in this rohe.

The modules work as a multifunctional space that encourages people to connect
outdoors for;

kōrero – conversation space
hui – meetings space
mahi – workspace
whaitua o rēhia – performance venue

Design Features

Modular, tessellating and relocatable structures will be approximately 4m x 4m to fit within non-consented build code regulations.

Seating and tables in different configurations provide options for individual, distanced, collaborative and social spaces.

Raranga styled steel roof panels.
Mahinga Kai design accents reflective of the area.
Reclaimed Native Timber accents to reflect traditional Māori structures.
Low maintenance maramataka planting endemic to the area, selected to attract manu and other pollinators throughout the year with self-watering options.
Solar panels/Charging points options are being explored.
Shelter from elements (wind/sun)
Central city location, close to offices.

Feature Planting

With planting, the intention is to revive the original flora of the area where Wāhi Taiao is placed, by selectively planting endemic rakau therefore attracting birds, insects and plants.

Key plants: Koromiko, Tussock, Muehlenbeckia Astonii, Ngutukaka, Wharariki, Kōwhai, Ngaio and Rāupo.