Our ‘Hub’ design response naturally considers the context of the adjacent and broader Marae Redevelopment by being located on part of this site. A well established Masterplan for the marae site is already steeped in cultural narratives most notably‘The flight path of Tukaiaia’. Similarly, the purakau of Pipiwharoroa, signalling a time of work references the ambitions of the Hub to nurture growth and activity. This abstract idea of being viewed from above and being called to action by manu as we go about our work is a way to for the whananaki community to connect further with the land here. And being part of the flight path, as we individuals too are on a wider journey, helped us to envisage the Hub as migratory bird stopover.... During migration, periods of flight alternate with time spent at ‘stopover’ – the time and space where individuals rest and refuel for a subsequent migratory flight. DOC References The functional and aesthetic response to the architecture is to reference manu as kaitiaki, guiding us and in providing a sheltered and nestled place before we embark further on our flight path