Creative stuff
08.

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata —
Human Rights Commission

Spurred by a fast-evolving business model, Human Rights Commission sought a greater focus on public engagement, gathering, and respite, in celebration of their unique values as advocates for total fairness and equality. A series of curated expressions explore the principles within Te Kawa Ora, a poignant karakia (prayer), imbuing new life upon the physical and spiritual surrounds. Colour, pattern, and material is bold and everchanging, underpinned by a unified aho (thread) that binds each space to the next. These whakanikoniko are customarily integrated to denote that what is contained within is highly valued — that human life and dignity are cherished.



Working in a co-design partnership with local Mana Whenua and Te Ao Māori artists, the physical space manifests as a three-dimensional narrative, underpinned by the emotive descriptors of Te Kawa Ora. The exploration draws connections between the work of the commission and the spirit of turangawaewae — a standing place and grounding in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

The user experience sits firmly at the core of the co-design response, affirming a positive environment through hierarchy, order, and natural material attributes. Defined by a small irregular floorplate, spaces are organised to serve multiple purposes. Arranged to support these use-case scenarios, areas are designed to push, pull, open and flex to the varying needs of staff, public, and the wider community. An adaptable working style enables production to reduce in footprint, placing a greater weighting on breakout, gathering and events. A restorative zone serves as an exemplar of user wellbeing, inviting mindfulness, prayer, and contemplation. A light filled communal kitchen inserts itself at the crossroad between public and private, inviting guests and staff to converge over kai/food, partaking in the Māori custom of manaakitanga — a symbol of hospitality, care and respect.




A series of curated expressions explore the principles within Te Kawa Ora, imbuing new life upon the physical and spiritual surrounds.












Intuitive wayfinding knits itself around a bespoke Te Ao Māori expression, facilitating a journey of learning and deeper discovery. Arriving via a central core, one is greeted by an enveloping lobby of fine gained carved walls, and geometric tile inlays. This is a place of pause, before continuing into the gathering domain. Flanking a central spine of a neutral palette, rooms become containers of vibrant colour and striking pattern. Inspired by marine vegetation, a spectrum of greens cloak walls and floors alike, suggestive of plankton, algae, and kelp. Artworks integrate with acoustic surfaces, cut and printed as intrinsic parts of this physical place. Throughout this sacred abode, vertical timber dowel adorns the interior, akin to rakau korero (talking stick), providing strength as one shares their truth.

This is an interior of a dignified standing, conceived as an open sanctuary for people in their toughest times. A newfound expression imbues a longstanding lifeforce deep into the heart of the spirit of this place, underpinned by a unified thread that binds each space to the next and nurtured by those who reside here. Surfaces are bold and tactile, instilling mauri upon this place through the simple act of touch.






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andre.bankier.perry@gmail.com

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