Reimagining Te Nukutai o Tapoa Naval Point

Abstract

SoLA had an opening event of the DESN603/LASC322 landscape architecture student exhibition at the Naval Point Club in Lyttelton. It was a successful event, drawing a diverse audience that included representatives from Environment Canterbury (ECan), Christchurch City Council (CCC), members of the local community, landscape architects, architects, and representatives of Ngāti Wheke. The exhibition, “Reimagining Te Nukutai o Tapoa Naval Point”, showcased a landscape-seascape architectural approach to enhancing human and nonhuman life to flourish together at the interface of harbour and sea, responding to the dynamic conditions of Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour in a time of climate uncertainty. The students’ work demonstrated a strong engagement with te ao Māori worldviews, particularly through an understanding of ki uta ki tai and the interconnectedness of catchments, coastlines, and marine environments, informed by principles of the Whaka Ora (Healthy Harbour) Plan of Whakaraupō. Many projects explored ways of expressing the mauri of water, acknowledging both the physical and metaphysical dimensions of working with aquatic systems. Through imaginative mappings, drawings, and 3D visualisations, the students challenged conventional coastal design approaches and highlighted the interrelations between marine and terrestrial systems, which was also supported by the works of marine geochemist Joyce Yager, who displayed her “marine hotels” installed in various parts of the harbour to monitor the various marine lifeforms living next to us. Sabrina Saunders from Naval Point Club who generously hosted the event expressed her enthusiasm for citizen science and engagement and have invited us again for next year’s class