Topic Outline

Outcome of the studio = design a dance workshop & performance centre for MAU, within the context of a community centre in Mangere, South Auckland.

Three issues for consideration:

(1) Maori & Pacific spatial & social constructs

MAU uses spatial & social rituals drawn by its director, Lemi Ponifasio, from his Pacific heritage. Lemi's intention for this workshop and community centre is to base these facilities on spatial models such as marae, malea, heiau, and to draw out parallels between Maori and Pacific spatial and social constructs.
These are not usually adopted or hybridised into the wider NZ community; this project will test the possibilities of using them for wider, multicultural communities.
It will also seek to answer whether this is a positive thing or whether it desecrates traditions.

(2) MAU & the development of performance space/architectural form

In particular, MAU's "immersive journey through the realm of mythology & ritual" but also:

• light
• dance/performance
• scenography
• sound
• imagery (ie. associated with MAU)

(3) Conservation

Given the environmental & cultural sensitivies of the sites, the project may be submitted to the 'Conservation in the City' compeititon run by DOC in which the following key questions are raised:

1. what are new & innovative ways to engage with conservation and/or nature-based experiences & values?
2. how can such interactions be based in more urban, and less remote environments?
3. how, through the design of the site, can we engage all people with the conservation values and opportunities found in our cities?
4. how can such interactions be based on an ethos of a sustainable use of resources and make all people better stewards of our public conservation lands?
5. what social & commercial opportunities could these designs enable?