Koia Rutua Ki Te Toi Nuku, Koia Rutua Ki Te Toi Rangi: Therefore Bind It To The Summit Of The Earth, Bind It To The Summit Of The Sky

Abstract

Koia Rutua Ki Te Toi Nuku, Koia Rutua Ki Te Toi Rangi is a drawing thesis, and focuses on an exploration of how an Oceanic architectural drawing practice can be developed that reflects the fluidity of Oceania. The fluidity of Oceania is to be explored through the voyage through the elements of the sea, land and sky. Fluidity is the key concept that underpins the thesis. The conceptualisation of the fluidity of Oceania reflects the interwoven relationship between the Oceanic people and the elements, in particular the sea, and considers how an Oceanic architectural drawing practice can be derived from this interwoven connection. The Oceanic theorist, Epeli Hau’ofa described Oceania as a large world ‘in which peoples and cultures moved and mingled unhindered by boundaries…,’1 and ‘points of entry…were constantly negotiated… and contested.’2 Hau’ofa’s articulations informed the consideration of the thesis as a metaphorical voyage through Oceania. The theories of designer David Trubridge also influenced the consideration of the thesis as a metaphorical voyage in terms of the structure which formed the basis of his book, So far, which was a journey through the elements.3 The thesis is considered to be such a metaphorical voyage through Oceania, and in particular a voyage through the elements of the sea, land and sky. The architectural drawing practice is developed through an exploration of Oceanic theories, methodologies and art practices, and also by reflection on my own creative drawing practice. Essays by Oceanic theorists such as Epeli Hau’ofa, Albert Refiti and Amanda Yates provide relevant theories for the thesis. Oceanic methodologies and art practices are initially investigated through drawing precedents on Oceanic and Western artists, designers and architects, and then through the making of several series of my own architectural drawings. My creative practice is discussed in terms of my life journey, and the reflection on my making and drawing practice is informed by local conditions and Oceanic representations of such conditions. The drawing practice is developed through the series of architectural drawings, which are orientated around Tangaroa the sea, Papatuanuku the land, Ranginui the sky, and The Fluidity of the Sea, Land and Sky. The title, Koia Rutua Ki Te Toi Nuku, Koia Rutua Ki Te Toi Rangi, is an excerpt from the karakia chanted by the captain of the Mataatua waka, Toroa during the ocean voyage from Hawaiki to Aotearoa.4 Mataatua was the waka that my Maori ancestors voyaged on to Aotearoa, and the full version of the karakia can be found in the reflections on the thesis.5 The karakia is referenced as it reflects the voyaging heritage of my ancestors, the articulation of the thesis as a metaphorical voyage, and myself as a contemporary ‘navigator.’ The research thesis is a written and drawn thesis, and is not intended to propose a conventional ‘architectural design project,’ rather it focuses on the development of an Oceanic architectural drawing practice by means of a metaphorical voyage through the elements of the Sea, Land and Sky. The architectural drawing practice is the culmination of my creative practice, and has therefore been developed as a personal practice; however, it will also be used to comment on issues of significance to the development of Oceanic architectural practice, and the wider context of architectural practice.