2021

Community, Education and Architecture: Ngā Kete Mātauranga as an architectural framework for a school as a community hub

Jannyne Bianco

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannyne-bianco-81553318b/
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Manurewa High School community hub proposal.

The schooling system in Aotearoa has redefined individualism driven by national standards, markets, and privatisation, often resulting in a cycle of poverty due to hierarchies of knowledge. This cycle is highly evident in low socio-economic areas, which often consist of a high proportion of Māori and Pacific students. Consequently, we have an educational system that is more suitable for privileged students. 

Can a school as a community hub be a system that positively influences students, family and local communities quality of life?

Knowledge should not be limited to the institution but continuously spread and implemented through whānau and hapori. This thesis will analyze how architecture can strengthen this framework and connect an educational facility and its community. In this project, Manurewa High School, Homai Primary School and Bambinos Early Childhood Centre will be redesigned and relocated in a community hub model inspired by Ngā Kete O Te  Wānanga as a guide. This framework aims to encourage creative learning, cultural celebration, community engagement through dialogue whilst decreasing urban sprawl.


This is a Utopian design proposal, assuming all local external partnerships have been approved to work together. Each community shared facility is systematically influenced by Ngā Kete O Te Wānanga and the contents of each kete. 
 

Te Kete Aronui: Arts and Cultural Centre

Te Kete Tuatea: Pātaka Library and Museum Centre

Te Kete Tuauri: Environmental Centre

 
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Tales of Manurewa – The Flight of Tamapahore’s Kite.
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Kite site map: Imagining the proposed community shared facilities as their inspired Manu tuktuku, landing on the proposed Manurewa School community hub site.

Manurewa is Māori for "drifting kite". The name refers to a kite flying competition where a kite line was severed and drifted away. The kite's owner was the chief Tamapahore who had a pā (fortified village) on Matukutūruru (Wiri Mountain).

The final design will aim to revive manu tukutuku architecturally through the design of the façade, elevations and roof. The community buildings are imagined as manu tukutuku landing on the site.

 

Upoko Tāngata – Te Kete Aronui 

Manu Aute – Te Kete Tuauri 

Manu Taratahi – Te Kete Tuatea

 
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Proposed community shared facilities flying with their inspired Manu tuktuku before landing on the Manurewa site.

The existing Puhinui stream modestly flows through the proposed site in an area that feels neglected and forgotten. The proposed site plan aims to celebrate the Puhinui stream by creating Puhinui wetlands to revitalize the stream's ecosystem and improve the water conditions flowing into Manukau Harbour. 

 
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Central Puhinui Wetlands walkway: This walkway is placed in the centre of Puhinui wetlands. It is not only used recreationally but is an active learning experience for community members and students.
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Community Nursery at the east end of Te Kete Tuauri Environmental Centre. This is an extension of the existing community garden that exists within Manurewa Highschool. Manurewa Highschool has wanted an expansion of this space due to the success and usage of the existing garden; I believe this proposed relocation of the garden will be largely used and appreciated by the existing community.
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Puhinui Wetlands Edges: The edges of the proposal are developed to allow the students and community members to use as a place of contemplation, education, socializing and recreational activities.
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Ngā Kete Tuatea - Pātaka library and Museum exhibition space and central atrium showing the lifted roof, letting in natural light.
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Open shared public space for events: This open space is a public space for events, celebrations, protests and gathering. This could give schools the ability to host festivals such as Polyfest.
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Above: Te Kete Tuauri: Environmental Centre community dining atrium. Below: Te Kete Aronui - Arts and Cultural Centre central courtyard.