Amiria Kiddle   BArch (Hons)

Pae Matua

Tairawhiti / Takitimu Art, Design, Architecture

Ngāpuhi + Ngāti Porou

In a globalised world, at risk of becoming bland and uniform, and as an indigenous person from Aotearoa, not only do I find issues surrounding culture and identity important in their own right, but they also provide the starting point for much of my design work. For example, the tension that exists between indigenous people who want to preserve their culture, and others who accuse them of being too ‘ precious’ about it, leads to questions of heritage protection and education. I feel when others develop an interest in learning about a specific culture or aspects of that way of life it is important to retain authenticity and avoid developing tacky and commercial associations through overuse or misuse.

In light of such issues, my ultimate ambition is to be involved with the design and building of innovative and culturally appropriate housing in low socio-economic areas of Aotearoa and the Pacific. I am keen to ensure ‘places’ are designed with an identity, which draws from the past but is dynamic and forward looking.