The first session in the 2022 INDE.Summit is devoted to understanding our land, culture and people that make up our diverse and rich countries and region.

In Knowledge Keepers and Custodians: Designing for Land and Country we explore the benefits of listening to and working with those who have knowledge of the past to better inform our future as we investigate why architecture and design can be served better with their help.

The session will deep-dive into architecture practice that has evolved over time drawing on place, culture and context to develop its own particularities. And yet, there is so much more to be learnt from traditional and indigenous forms of architecture, from place making, sustainability, and working with communities and Country.

This session will provide insight to process and collaboration, connectivity and sensitivity and help formulate ideas that every architect and designer requires to better inform his or her practice.

Perspectives that will be explored include,

– How connecting and collaborating with First Nations People can enhance a project, a place and a community and why this should happen.
– How to take the first steps in working with Indigenous communities.
– Understand what Country is and, with this knowledge, design better architecture to reflect people and place.
– Explore the processes to better work with a First Nations community and learn what needs to be learnt.
– Discuss partnerships happening now that present best practice in various aspects of architecture and design.

The session will be moderated by Dr Albert L Rifiti, Associate Professor, School of Art and Design, Auckland University of Technology, with an extraordinary panel that comprises,

T’iafelea’I Carinnya Feaunati (Cultural Design Advisor, Design Group Stapleton Elliot, New Zealand/Aotearoa

Elisapeta Heta (Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi, Waikato Tainui, Sāmoan, Tokelauan), Principal and Kaihautū Waihanga, Jasmax, New Zealand/Aotearoa

Samantha Rich, Designer,  Australia

And Semisi Potauaine, Sculptor, fine artist and qualified architect, New Zealand/Aotearoa

Join us to explore and discover what has, for too long, taken a back seat when creating design for everyone, through Knowledge Keepers and Custodians: Designing for Land and Country

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This session is the first panel discussion of the virtual INDE.Summit to be held on 3rd August, after the keynote address, 9.50am to 10.50am. Purchase your ticket here.