Kourarau
Sharing Tradition through Resource Michael Cook
Content
Design Values
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Context Mapping
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Site Analysis
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Precedents Analysis
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Conceptual/ Developmental Design
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Final Design
Method - Intervention
Master Plan
Planting Structure
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Pou Whenua
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Detail Plans
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Design Values
This bi-cultural design project aims to connect non Maori people with tangata whenua and afford an understanding about a small segment of Maori culture. By trying to develop my own understanding of Maori culture in the Wairarapa I found that there were some reoccurring themes and narratives that were explained across several different areas around the small town of Carterton. The theme that was most prevalent in Maori culture was water or wai. This simple element was observed to be both a giver and taker of life. It enabled transport and brought food to Maori. Therefore this design project will focus on:
Water as a provider This is represented by the inner most circle on the left-hand diagram. The second ring shows four programmatic benefits that were only possible with the use of water. These include: Transport Traditional Teaching Food Resources Material Resources
The outer most ring shows some of the contributing factors that make the programmatic benefits valuable for Maori. Transport via water is important for Maori because it facilitated easy access to otherwise unreachable places. It also enabled navigation across country. Traditional Teachings were afforded by water through education and religion. Significant Taniwha are an example of a Maori education that is highly significant in upholding Traditional Teachings. Food Resources are obviously enhanced by water as it is a necessary factor in agriculture. Also food is often gathered from local water sources. This may include fish or lobsters (Koura). Lastly water can bring the benefit of Material Resources. Plants such as Raupo and Harakeke are traditionally used by Maori for a variety of purposes. These plants grown most abundantly on the edge of lakes and swampy areas.
This design will aim to make water a provider of Material Resource and Traditional Teaching. Each beneficial value is fundamental to the early Maori’s way of life so I believe that these aspects are the most important to convey to someone who comes from a non Maori culture and by choosing aspects that can become visual and tactile this small segment of Maori culture can be explored by all.
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Context - Wairarapa 5
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The Wairarapa hosts many places where people can interact with water. Wairarapa itself means Glistening Water. After visiting several locations near Carterton that held great significance for the people of the Hurunui O Rangi marea (7 - 8) I decided that the most appropriate site to develop is a small spring fed lake to the east of Carterton called Kourarau. (9 - 10)
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Site Location - Kourarau 1:3000 @ A4
Kourarau features in Maori history on several occasions. Its origin is said to have begun when the local iwi killed a destructive taniwha who had been swallowing travellers whole. By luring this taniwha from its cave near by the iwi was able to draw the taniwha into a trap of half cut trees. As the taniwha ran into the trap its body hit against the trees felling them and pinning its body to the ground. The iwi then killed the taniwha making safe the journey to and from the coast. After removing the head, which had turned to stone, the iwi moved it to form the natural damn that formed the Kourarau lake. Later in the early 1920’s the natural damn was removed to accommodate the new Hydro-electric scheme for the area. By removing the head of the taniwha from the natural damn it is said that the
workers releases unhatched taniwha eggs into the region bringing harm to the local people. These workers were cursed and the area had to be purified with clean water. The damn today sits between farmland and does not have friendly access points making the lake seem very detached from the public. With the exception of those with local knowledge this lake has a small branding footprint. It is not well known to those outside the Wairarapa making it a site with a lot of potential for development. I believe the lake needs to be more accessible and even provide a greater programmatic purpose for those who may come and visit.
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Site Analysis
The location is subject to many different constraints. Each creates a layer that should influence my design. The top left diagram shows the different lake edge typologies. These are most important in understanding in order to mitigate some of the pollutants such as effluent run off. The majority of the eastern edge has unrestricted pasture access for live stock making it terrible for the lakes purity. The western edge is mainly access for a private property with a small selection of trees dotted around the edge. The top right image shows the inputs and outputs for the lakes water. These are important to note as both of the feeder streams travel through the raw pasture land collecting pollutants and silts that in turn build up in the lake. The output eventually connects up with the Ruamahanga river in the Wairarapa basin after travelling through two hydro electric power generation houses.
The bottom left image shows a generalisation of the land ownership/ use. Aside from the publicly accessible hydro dam the rest of the land surrounding the lake is private farmland. The bottom right image shows the proportion of significant vegetation (not including pasture land and grass) compared to the built space. The segregation between these two factors is apparent and results in a space with low ecological value. The diagram below also depicts the segregation of factors in the form of a site transect/ bar chart. These elements all need to be addressed when developing the lake through my design process. The lake edge could be developed into a working wetland/ barrier plantation to reduce the impact of the surrounding farm processes. The water flow is currently polluted before, during and after it has passed through the lake. Therefore water purification should be a key design factor. Lastly the proportion between the vegetation and the built form is currently weighted toward the built structure. In a location like this the vegetation should far outweigh the impact of the built form.
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Precedent Study - Parc de la Villette
Parc de La Villette was a very useful precedent as it has a large variety of interesting aspects. It has a very definitive aesthetic and also has a very unique methodology. The methodology focused on breaking down three components: Built Form, Covered Space, Open Space.
Another interesting aspect to this design is that the follies were intended to become markers. Their distinctive colour and unique shapes were aimed to create points to which an individual might gravitate toward. By using the grid reference points can be easily recognised. For the purpose of my design I want to utilise the gridded form. It will be the basis for developing the overall layout of my interventions around the intersections of the grid that I will overlay over the lake will act as possible intervention locations. I am going to narrow these points to ten viable locations that will provide a programmatic function in accordance with facilitating Material Resource development and Traditional Teachings.
As shown in the middle left diagram this breaking down and deconstruction of space became the follies that would make this design so distinctive. The middle right diagram shows Bernard Tschumi’s interpretation of space. The topmost layer displays the curves which relates directly to the form of the pathways and avenues. The second layer shows the points which when combined with the deconstructed spacial arrangement defines the layout of the follies. Lastly the bottom layer depicts the surfaces that can be separated into the built forms and into the open outdoor spaces.
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Precedent Study - Cape de Creus
Marti Franch’s Cape de Creus design provided inspiration through its minimal impact style of design. In order not to detract from the landscape the design was integrated with the surrounding environment. Pathways do not require vast amounts of grading and other materials are not forced down into the landscape. This gives the appearance of the design sitting lightly on top of the landscape. Franch also used small changes in the materials to indicate interesting points around the cape. The image on the bottom right shows how his structure creates a view-port that clearly defines a vista. There are also more subtle indicators throughout the design. The middle right image shows a small strip of Cor-ten steel that is slightly bent up into the air. At first glance this design aspect seems isolated and a bit random but this simple installation leads the viewers eye to a significant high point in the landscape. I am wanting to use a similar approach for the installation of materials. I think my design should have a minimal impact on the environment, therefore simply sitting or appearing to sit materials on the surface might give the appearance of a minimal impact style. Unlike the cape, Kourarau has a higher level of vegetation. There materials would make a good barrier against the vegetation preventing over growth within the multiple intervention spaces. The pathways between the interventions might not be made from an impermeable surface allowing the pathways to be inundated with vegetation.
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Initial Ideas - Conceptual Process
The first idea I had for the design was to utilise a deconstructivist attitude and explode the built and vegetation zones in an attempt to integrate them together. These sketches are my first attempt at trying to create a system that might work. The loosely identify the different layer zones within Kourarau and attempt to draw each zone together. As the layers get further from their origin they become smaller and more transparent.
The top image shows a representation of my vision. This is how I image the site will look when standing at the currently accessible dam. The Pou are intended to attract attention and indicate the locations of all the small interventions that will be placed around the lake.
I decided not to develop this method further.
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Concepts Sketches
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Concepts Sketches
These are the initial design ideas that lack any context. These interventions could be placed anywhere on site and were designed solely for their programmatic purposes. The first few drawings show a potential design for a reflection module where someone may become secluded from any outside influence and engage solely with the lake and the surrounding environment. The remaining images were modules that might have facilitated flax cultivation and harvesting on a small scale sustainable way. These designs were eventually scrapped after I took on Cape De Creus as a precedent as they were not very subtle and were almost disengaged from the landscape.
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Method - Layout
The layout of my interventions around the lake will most likely define their associated program and hence will have a large contribution to the design of each small space. The image on the left shows a possible layout for the different interventions. These spaces coincide with the intersections of an overlaid grid similar to that of Parc de la Villette as seen on page 14. The interventions need to be spaced out so as to make stumbling upon them more significant. Each will have its own programmatic function that relates to the design values of facilitating traditional teaching and developing material resources. The interventions might encourage growth of certain plants or provide access to said plants in order to harvest them to produce traditional comforts. Other locations might simply be a place where access to the water is more defined or may enable activities such as fishing. Each of these locations are going to be defined by marker posts or structures like the image on the right. This will be similar to Parc de la Villette as these will provide a visual key for anyone on or around the lake.
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Method - Intervention
The sketch images on the left are what has dictated the design of the final eight intervention spaces. The left-hand column gives an approximation of the location of each of the marker posts I am wanting to install around the lake (note there are 10 posts in the conceptual phase but only 8 in the final design). The middle column is an rough continuous line sketch of how I envisage each space to be set up spatially from a plan view. Each space is unique and will serve a different function that coincides with the design values mentioned previously. The right-hand column is intended to help define the different material layouts for each space. When the last two columns are combined upon a scaled plan of each design space the intervention comes to life.
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Final Design - Master Plan 1:2500 @ A4
My design interventions lie on the edge of Kourarau. Each space is roughly shown on the master plan to the left. The series of interventions all relate to the design values of Traditional Teaching and Material Resource Development. The diagram on the right displays the sequence that one might naturally experience each design intervention. Location 01 is the beginning of the journey and is the initial point of interest that may draw a visitor to the top of the dam structure. 02 is further around the lake and facilitates access to the waters edge and encourages activities such as swimming or fishing. 03 Is tucked away near one of the feeder stream openings. This intervention aims to create a secluded and solitary zone. 04-06 are all designed to facilitate the cultivation and the harvesting of material resources found in plants. 05 acts as the central hub for the southern interventions. 07 is similar to 02 as it facilitates access to the lakeside and may accommodate activities like fishing or gathering Koura (crayfish). 08 is the final intervention in the design sequence and acts as a transitional space where the user leaves the natural environment and steps back into the built form.
Each intervention lies within various “zones� of planting that will be defined in the following pages. I have chosen to define six plants to implement in each zone but the design will rely on natural succession and natural processes to develop favourable ecosystems around the lake. This is not an attempt to be lazy but rather is recognition that this site is in a rural area and will not have a rigorous maintenance schedule. The pathways between each intervention will be simply made from roughly elevated dirt. As the site is likely to become overgrown the path can still be defined without need of large amounts of materials and excavation. The overall aesthetic of these paths may seem like a goat track and may appear to be similar to desire lines in an urban setting.
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1:2500 @ A4
Planting Structure - Waters Edge
This planting zones main focus is the purification of the lake water and develop some traditional resource plantations. Plants such as Oioi and Wiwi are both excellent for removing pollutants caused by the surrounding farmlands. Plants like Mapere and Raupo have been used as a traditional resource by Maori for a long time. The flower of the mapere along with the down from the raupo stem were used as medical bandages and could be a substitute for gauze. Their leaves were also used medically but were also utilised in the creation of mats, garments and ropes. These plants will be closest to the waters edge amongst the boggy, swampy wetland areas.
Oioi - Jointed Wire Rush Apodasmia similis
Wiwi - Knobby Club Rush Ficinia nodosa
Kakaha - Bush Lily Astelia fragrans
Mapere - Giant Cutty Grass Gahnia xanthocarpa
Pukio - Makura Grass Carex secta
Raupo - Bulrush Typha orientalis
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Planting Structure - Resource Wetland
This zone focuses on the development of material resource plants and is situated around the southern most interventions were the collection and storage of the harvested material is facilitated best. Much the same as Mapere, Toetoe has many medical and product uses. Harakeke is the most recognizable material resource traditionally used by Maori people all over New Zealand. It is used to create ropes, mats, garments and baskets. Harakeke could also be used as a food source along with certain parts of the cabbage trees. Cabbage trees were often used in Maori tradition as markers. Similar to the Pou these could be used to indicate special places to the Maori people.
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Toetoe Austroderia toetoe
To Kouka - Cabbage Tree Cordyline australis
Maurea - Longwood Tussock Carex comans
Twiggy Tree Daisy Olearia virgata
Red Tussock Chionochloa rubra
Harakeke - NZ Flax Phormium tenax
Planting Structure - Barrier Planting
This last zone is intended to be both a physical and visual barrier around the designed wetland areas. The primary function of this planting zone is to keep the livestock away from the lake edge. This zone also generates a visual barrier for those inside the designed spaces. By screening out the pasture of the farmland a more solitary and connected environment can be developed.
Ti Ngahere - Forest Cabbage Tree Cordyline banksii
Mahoe - Whitey Wood Melicytus ramiflorus
Rewarewa - NZ Honeysuckle Knightia excelsa
Kaikomako - Bellbird Tree Pennantia corymbosa
Manuka - Tee Tree Leptospermum scoparium
Totara Podocarpus totara
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Pou Whenua - The Marker Post
Pou Whenua are found abundantly throughout the Maori Culture. They are often used to mark tribal territories or places of significance.
Their main function is to highlight the small interventions around the lake so that they are distinctive and recognisable from a distance.
Using these as inspiration I have developed eight unique posts that relate to the intervention that they mark.
Pou 05 is also intended to be one of the main supports for the structure displayed on 35 and 46.
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Final Design - Intervention 01 1:100 @ A4
This first intervention is essentially the beginning of a journey. When moving in a clockwise direction around the lake this will be the intervention that is experienced first. This intervention is intended to gain the attention of those in the car park area. It defines a small area on the existing damn that then encourages the sites users to move off toward the “natural� end of the lake.
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Final Design - Intervention 02 1:100 @ A4
Material Resource gathering from the water was one of the key values outlined in the beginning of the design process. This intervention facilitates immediate access to the lake edge and encourages activities such as swimming or fishing. It is surrounded by the barrier planting zone making it a semi private space. barrier planting zone making it a semi private space.
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Final Design - Intervention 03 1:100 @ A4
Intervention 03 lies at the mouth of one of the feeder streams for the lake. It is also surrounded by the barrier planting zone in order to achieve a dense vegetation that may grow up and segregate the small platform over the water from the dirt track. This intervention aims to facilitate a moment of seclusion, a moment of segregation from outside influences, a moment to reflect upon life or work. It aims to help ones houra (well being) by bringing the user close to the water.
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Final Design - Intervention 04 1:100 @ A4
Harakeke, Mapere, Raupo and Toetoe are amongst many plants that were traditionally harvested and processed by Maori. Intervention 04 is the first in a three intervention series that aims to enhance aspects of the Maori culture. This intervention is situated on the boarder of the waters edge planting zone and the resource wetland planting zone making it a great location that can facilitate the cultivation and harvesting of a variety of materials.
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Final Design - Intervention 05 1:100 @ A4
Intervention 05 is the largest designed space in the series. It is also the only one with a structure (excluding the Pou) that is built above the planting layer. This space is to be the hub or node of the material resource gathering process. It can be seen in the image on page 35. The function of this space is to create a shaded seating arrangement that allows several people to come and process the gathered materials as a group in a social setting. This space may also be used to house harvested materials for a short amount of time.
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Final Design - Intervention 06 1:100 @ A4
The last intervention in the material resource development series allows the users to collect resources from not only the land but from the lake edge too. By cutting an access way onto the lake the users are able to step into the water and potentially collect the plants that grow best along the waters edge such as Oioi or Raupo.
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Final Design - Intervention 07 1:100 @ A4
Intervention 07 has a similar programmatic structure to intervention 02. Its purpose is to facilitate activities such as fishing and to encourage the visitors to enter the water. It is slightly more segregated from the dirt track than intervention 02 making it a nice waters edge hide away.
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Final Design - Intervention 08 1:100 @ A4
This intervention poses as the final space on the journey around the lake. It aims to create a point where one may enter the water or continue moving back to the damn. This intervention will act as a threshold where the user is returning back to the built environment after being immersed in nature. The dirt track transitions into a wooden board walk which then follows the lakes edge back to the accessible flat surface of the dam structure.
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