Category: Spatial
Location: Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The demise of the quarter-acre dream became a prevalent narrative in New Zealand during the late 1980s and 90s, as evident from the diminishing backyard spaces and increasing over-densification continuing to this day. It is crucial to emphasize that a man-centered way of living not only resulted in the increasingly lose of connection with our whenua but also disrupted the habitats of local bird and plant species, ultimately leading to their decline.
‍
As a nation renowned for its diverse natural habitats, various organizations actively engage in the ecological restoration of pest-free islands. Notably, within the eastern Bay of Islands where native subtropical habitats, lush and vegetation are celebrated, and alive with bird songs. Hence, in partnership with Project Island Bird Song, the Whare Manu Bird Auditorium is introduced as a focal point and interactive educational space at the entrance of Urupukapuka Island. Its purpose is to engage visitors in a dialogue with the island’s hosts- avian inhabitants, bringing their songs to life, and spread awareness to the public, in the longterm co-building with the birds to a greater future of natural restorations
Powhiri is known as a Maori tradition of welcoming visitors onto the marae. The process consists of an exchange of songs and greetings between the host and the guests as a formal welcome procedure. The design is inspired by the protocol of this traditional Maori process. By imagining birds as the host of the island, the visitors are invited to utilise the Maori instrument poi awhiowhio-traditionally used as a bird lure-to frame a self-introduction as they enter the land. By immersing visitors in the songs and habitats of birds, it strives to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world.