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Enhancing Indigenous Well-being through Biophilic Design: A Focus on Māori Health in the Built Environment

Tracks
Room 1 - In-Person & Online
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
2:20 PM - 2:40 PM
Room 1

Overview

Jessica Aroha Fonima Hulme & Ben Nielsen, Jasmax


Speaker

Miss Jessica Aroha Fonima Hulme
Architectural Graduate
Jasmax

Enhancing Indigenous Well-being through Biophilic Design: A Focus on Māori Health in the built Environment

Abstract

Title: Enhancing Indigenous Well-being through Biophilic Design: A Focus on Māori Health in the Built Environment

Abstract:

The built environment significantly influences the health and well-being of communities, particularly Indigenous populations residing in urban settings. This presentation delves into the profound connections between the built environment and community well-being, with a specific emphasis on Māori health.

Drawing from our collaborative experience in architectural projects within the health and science sectors, engaging with Māori communities has revealed that current spatial experiences in facilities like hospitals and mental healthcare centres often create adverse effects for whānau (families) and communities. These challenges stem from a lack of spaces that honour cultural customs such as tapu (sacred) and noa (ordinary), as well as a limited integration with te taiao (the environment).

Research underscores that patients in these facilities benefit from views toward nature, experiencing shorter recovery periods. Leveraging our expertise and cultural knowledge, we identify that integration between hauora Māori principles and biophilic design can enhance well-being and foster cultural identity through targeted case studies.

Our case study findings underscore the importance of incorporating Indigenous principles, particularly hauora Māori, to address health inequities in the built environment. By prioritizing cultural identity and connection to place, we can grow initiatives aimed at improving well-being for Māori communities and their environments.

Biography

Jessica Hulme (Ngāti Whātua, Te Roroa, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau o Hinerupe, Sāmoan – Lalomalava, Mulifanua), combines her architectural expertise with her passion for community well-being. With a Master of Architecture from Victoria University of Wellington, her focus lies in healthcare design, notably contributing to projects mental health and Māori Health design, as well as contribution towards Māori Health Design Standards. Jessica's dedication to holistic health stems from her research in the Pacific and post-disaster reconstruction, exploring the vital connections between architecture and well-being. This extended to studies in Rongoā, Hauora Tangata, and Mauri Ora, she actively engages in cultural advocacy, evident in her involvement with Racial Equity Aotearoa and traditional voyaging. Additionally, she enriches communities through art projects and cultural education initiatives.
Agenda Item Image
Mr Ben Nielsen
Architectural Graduate
Jasmax

Enhancing Indigenous Well-being through Biophilic Design: A Focus on Māori Health in the built Environment’

Abstract

Title: Enhancing Indigenous Well-being through Biophilic Design: A Focus on Māori Health in the Built Environment

Abstract:

The built environment significantly influences the health and well-being of communities, particularly Indigenous populations residing in urban settings. This presentation delves into the profound connections between the built environment and community well-being, with a specific emphasis on Māori health.

Drawing from our collaborative experience in architectural projects within the health and science sectors, engaging with Māori communities has revealed that current spatial experiences in facilities like hospitals and mental healthcare centres often create adverse effects for whānau (families) and communities. These challenges stem from a lack of spaces that honour cultural customs such as tapu (sacred) and noa (ordinary), as well as a limited integration with te taiao (the environment).

Research underscores that patients in these facilities benefit from views toward nature, experiencing shorter recovery periods. Leveraging our expertise and cultural knowledge, we identify that integration between hauora Māori principles and biophilic design can enhance well-being and foster cultural identity through targeted case studies.

Our case study findings underscore the importance of incorporating Indigenous principles, particularly hauora Māori, to address health inequities in the built environment. By prioritizing cultural identity and connection to place, we can grow initiatives aimed at improving well-being for Māori communities and their environments.

Biography

Ben has participated in two-panel discussions centered around kaupapa Māori, showcasing his expertise and insights to audiences. Notably, he presented to a group of 150 individuals at the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Nanomaterials symposium in 2021, engaging with large audiences on complex topics. Ben has also delivered numerous smaller talks within Jasmax, sharing on the kaupapa outlined in the abstract. Outside of his professional sphere, Ben contributes to the health and well-being of others as a group fitness instructor, regularly presenting to large classes. This experience demonstrates his versatility as a communicator, capable of engaging diverse audiences across various settings.
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