We are a Pacific nation, a Pacific people, shaped
by the contours of the land, sea and sky particular to our native
shores. But we have been slow to
capture the unique expressions
of Aotearoa-New Zealand in our cityscapes, our architecture, our
interiors.
Why is it that our models of housing, of commercial building,
continue to be strongly influenced by the
'global' tide, by American and European models?
When are we going to claim our Pacific birthright
and build our unique identity into Aotearoa-New Zealand?
Across the landscape there are models of what we are and what
we could become - architectural and artistic groundbreakers, challenges
laid down for the future, conversations in train, information and
inspiration.
This culture - our culture - has the potential to give even further
shape to how we live and how we express ourselves. Through
the visibility of our art and culture in our architecture, we can
celebrate a
strong identity and imprint excellence in our environment. The challenge
is to find who we are and what we feel mirrored, celebrated and honoured
in our surroundings ...
