January 18, 2021
Maori architects build on unique vision
A young Māori architect says Māori voices are critical to what will make Aotearoa New Zealand’s built environment unique.
Māori architects are being increasingly sought out by architecture and design firms.
Monsul Dewes-Tupara works for Jasmax as part of its Waka Maia team, which aims to give the firm an authentic Māori design voice.
He says it’s important Māori coming through school and university see the profession as an opportunity.
“We are trying to create an architecture and a built environment that is authentically Aotearoa. Aotearoa is about Māori.
“We are about the whenua. We are really the only ones that can give it its authentic look that makes us who we are. That is what separates Auckland from Melbourne or any other big city. It is the culture,” Mr Dewes-Tupara says.
He says one of Jasmax’s current project is working on the stations for Auckland’s City Rail Link, which should have distinct Māori elements.
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