{"id":41379,"date":"2024-05-30T07:09:28","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T07:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.archtam.com\/projects\/te-oro-o-te-reo-i-places-that-echo-with-the-voices-of-our-ancestors\/"},"modified":"2024-07-10T17:55:21","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T21:55:21","slug":"te-oro-o-te-reo-i-places-that-echo-with-the-voices-of-our-ancestors","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/www.archtam.com\/projects\/te-oro-o-te-reo-i-places-that-echo-with-the-voices-of-our-ancestors\/","title":{"rendered":"Te oro o te reo\u2014Places that echo with the voices of our ancestors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Wharenui are the central hub and meeting houses of the marae, a communal and sacred place and a vital part of M\u0101ori people’s everyday lives. Commonly built with a peaked roof, exposed timber beams and carvings that represent and honour ancestors, Wharenui and their decorative interiors create a unique type of resonance known as te oro o te reo. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

To better understand the intricacies of a Wharenui\u2019s acoustics, ArchTam’s acoustic team has been conducting a pro-bono study since 2022. This ambitious undertaking was driven by the lack of knowledge about the ideal acoustic conditions within a Wharenui. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cultures, music, oratory ceremonies, and rituals are intricately connected to the evolution of their environment and the architecture of the era. While there is a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between acoustics and architecture in a Western context, there is little acoustic knowledge specific to M\u0101ori traditions and te reo (language).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Understanding acoustic elements <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As communities integrate Wharenui into various institutions, from hospitals and educational facilities to public venues, the need for a comprehensive understanding of their acoustics becomes increasingly evident. The absence of such knowledge poses a considerable challenge, as cultural practices, ceremonies, and gatherings rely heavily on the space’s voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To fill this gap, ArchTam\u2019s acoustic team undertook a research project to identify the preferred acoustics for a Wharenui and enhance te oro o te reo intelligibility within these tapu (sacred) spaces. The objective is to seek broader contributions from iwi and users to build a wide consensus around the outcome and give these buildings the acoustic status they deserve in accordance with their uses.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Empowering architects and consultants<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ArchTam’s project aims to empower architects, designers, and acoustic consultants with valuable insights into the acoustics of Wharenui. By aligning their designs with the requirements of iwi, hap\u016b and respecting cultural practices and nuances, they can create spaces that continue to preserve M\u0101ori traditions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project aligns and solidifies ArchTam\u2019s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (New Zealand\u2019s Treaty of Waitangi) by exploring the acoustic features of Wharenui and exemplifies a deep reverence for M\u0101ori culture and principles. By combining acoustics and cultural heritage, ArchTam is pioneering standards for future projects. The initiative adds to acoustic expertise and nurtures technical excellence, with a particular focus on te oro o te reo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The process: unravelling the acoustic tapestry<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ArchTam\u2019s acoustics team visited many Marae and their Wharenui, collaborating with the kaum\u0101tua (elders) to gather insights into these tapu spaces’ history, usage, and acoustics.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a wealth of qualitative and quantitative acoustic data, the team built 3D models to facilitate acoustic understanding and generate digital twins to derive data never measured before. This essential process ensures a thorough grasp of existing acoustics and sets the stage for potential improvements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ArchTam uses advanced methods, such as genetic algorithms, to identify the distinct acoustic characteristics of M\u0101ori carvings known as whakairo rakau and tukutuku (ornamental latticework). These properties vary among Marae and iwi (tribes). ArchTam has also devised a Light Detection and Ranging algorithm to augment its research capabilities for the whakairo in sound diffusion determination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By prioritizing cultural understanding and technical innovation, the project sheds light on the acoustic enigmas of Wharenui.\u00a0 It paves the way for a unified future where architecture, acoustics, and culture blend effortlessly \u2013 ensuring tapu spaces resonate with the M\u0101ori community and their rich heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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