Whaihanga (Pre-production)
Introduction
Details
Credits
The Challenge
How can traditional pā sites be digitally explored and understood, ensuring cultural integrity while offering interactive, engaging experiences for a modern audience?
The Approach
A digital platform where users will be able to build, explore, and interact with digital pā structures. Cultural guidelines are embedded at every stage, providing narrative context, architectural accuracy, and intuitive interactivity.
Development is in the conceptual and research phase, with cultural guidelines and framework design being established through consultation with kaumātua. The goal is to ensure cultural integrity is embedded from the foundation, before technical development begins.
The Outcome
Whaihanga is envisioned to be an XR tool for real-time exploration of pā sites, guided by culturally-informed prompts and storytelling. Users would be able to experiment with layouts, visual styles, and environmental factors. The concept serves as both an educational tool and a case study in applying indigenous frameworks to digital design.
Visual concepts shown here were generated using AI tools to explore spatial layouts and architectural possibilities. Development of the XR platform will involve hand-modeled structures created in consultation with kaumātua to ensure cultural accuracy and integrity.
