Te Whare Tapa Whā

Te Whare Tapa Whā.pdf

Download PDF • 606KB

I first discovered Te Whare Tapa Whā around 2018, as I navigated my own (lack of) wellbeing. It quickly became a favourite, both as a ecosystem tool to make sense of what was happening to me and around me, but also as a tool to decide how to respond to what was happening.

Of late, I have started using this to also design experience for others. As a tool, it is simple in its elegance, allowing you to look at discrete parts of an experience, while still making very clear that each is part of a whole.

In a workshop, for example, I try and start with Whenua/Place. How might I help people pay attention to and connect to the physical space we are in? Next to Taha Whānau/Relational spaces—how do people connect with each other?

While I don't necessarily structure the workshop in a sequence around the model, paying attention to each part of the model has proved super useful. For instance, making sure there is some physical movement, some playing/making with hands where possible. Or understanding and articulating the 'kaupapa', the deeper meanings and purpose behind the work we are doing together.

I recently met someone who spoke of using this to work with young people, and would love to hear from folks who are, or know of, others who use Te Whare Tapa Whā as a design tool. Meanwhile, here is my own tool as a free download. If you use it, I'd love to hear of how it went!