Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – Te Tahuhuroa O Ihenga – Rotorua
By Esse Architects
Institutional Project
ARTO was awarded the project following an open design competition to create a concept for the new Māori Studies building at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology; the site sits in close proximity to the campus Marae.
The unique shape of the building is derived from the concept of the ancestral shark, named Te Arawa, resulting in the building revolving round a curved tahuhu (spine) that runs both physically and visually through the building, not only linking the spaces throughout the facility, but also focusing the facility, and campus, towards the Tangatarua Marae.
ARTO’s design team felt that it was necessary for the concept of Te Wananga a Ihenga to illustrate an awareness and understanding of the Wairua (spirit) of the people that would come together in this building. The use of glass and exposed roof rafters of the spine can be seen to demonstrate the entry of knowledges into the building. This entry of knowledge is representative of the many cultures that will use the building, as well as demonstrating the story of the ‘three baskets of knowledge’.
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Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – Te Tahuhuroa O Ihenga – Rotorua
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Architecture is about the physical expression of the immaterial.
It emanates from a spiritual context. It is about people, relationships, life, and nature and how these interact in the creation of spaces, if they are to be meaningful to people.
We believe that Architecture is about the essence of things in making beautiful spaces that exude character and atmosphere – enhancing the intangible. It is about the creation of positive spaces that attract people and where people feel happy and comfortable to be.
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