Design and Visual Communication Tour

Ages: Secondary

Cost: $5 per learner

Duration: 60 - 90 mins

Delivered in English with some Te Reo

Friedensreich Hundertwasser had a singularly unique design style, immediately recognisable and distinctive. His 40 buildings around the world are amongst the most photographed around the world and include kindergartens, waste management plants, apartments, paediatric units and oncology units as well as public toilets and more. On this tour we will explore Hundertwasser’s thoughts on buildings and urban environments, as well as his efforts to increase sustainability. We will look at his original models and design sketches and learn about the whakapapa of Hundertwasser's approach to design and the values that drive it. What at first glance might seem disorganised is in fact driven by the desire to create buildings which allow man and nature to live in harmony and create wellbeing for those living in urban environments.

In our tour we will discuss design ethics, sustainability and accessibility needs. We will explore the tikanga which lead Hundertwasser to diverge from the design standards which preceded him. Through this experience we hope to encourage ākonga to develop awareness of their own set of values in design and begin to develop more confidence in their own unique style and approaches.

For students who have visited a traditional wharenui as a part of their research, the Hundertwasser Art Centre building can create an excellent point of contrast, rich in meaning and ideology built upon a fascinating response to a western history context. Don't forget to include Wairau Māori Art Gallery in this learning experience to create a balanced programme rich in mātauranga and whakaaro Māori. It’s possible for this tour to be extended to include the Whangārei Art Museum, so let us know if this could be relevant to your learning intentions. Both the Wairau Māori Art Gallery and Whangārei Art Museum have exhibitions which change every few months so get in touch to find out what might be on at the time of your visit.

Get in touch today to schedule your booking with learning@hundertwasserartcentre.co.nz.