Wharenui are the central hub and meeting houses of the marae, a communal and sacred place and a vital part of Māori people’s everyday lives. Commonly built with a peaked roof, exposed timber beams and carvings that represent and honour ancestors, Wharenui and their decorative interiors create a unique type of resonance known as te oro o te reo.
To better understand the intricacies of a Wharenui’s acoustics, AECOM’s acoustic team has been conducting a pro-bono study since 2022. This ambitious undertaking was driven by the lack of knowledge about the ideal acoustic conditions within a Wharenui.
In most cultures, music, oratory ceremonies, and rituals are intricately connected to the evolution of their environment and the architecture of the era. While there is a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between acoustics and architecture in a Western context, there is little acoustic knowledge specific to Māori traditions and te reo (language).
Understanding acoustic elements
As communities integrate Wharenui into various institutions, from hospitals and educational facilities to public venues, the need for a comprehensive understanding of their acoustics becomes increasingly evident. The absence of such knowledge poses a considerable challenge, as cultural practices, ceremonies, and gatherings rely heavily on the space’s voice.
To fill this gap, AECOM’s acoustic team undertook a research project to identify the preferred acoustics for a Wharenui and enhance te oro o te reo intelligibility within these tapu (sacred) spaces. The objective is to seek broader contributions from iwi and users to build a wide consensus around the outcome and give these buildings the acoustic status they deserve in accordance with their uses.
Empowering architects and consultants
AECOM’s project aims to empower architects, designers, and acoustic consultants with valuable insights into the acoustics of Wharenui. By aligning their designs with the requirements of iwi, hapū and respecting cultural practices and nuances, they can create spaces that continue to preserve Māori traditions.
This project aligns and solidifies AECOM’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi) by exploring the acoustic features of Wharenui and exemplifies a deep reverence for Māori culture and principles. By combining acoustics and cultural heritage, AECOM is pioneering standards for future projects. The initiative adds to acoustic expertise and nurtures technical excellence, with a particular focus on te oro o te reo.
The process: unravelling the acoustic tapestry
AECOM’s acoustics team visited many Marae and their Wharenui, collaborating with the kaumātua (elders) to gather insights into these tapu spaces’ history, usage, and acoustics.
With a wealth of qualitative and quantitative acoustic data, the team built 3D models to facilitate acoustic understanding and generate digital twins to derive data never measured before. This essential process ensures a thorough grasp of existing acoustics and sets the stage for potential improvements.
AECOM uses advanced methods, such as genetic algorithms, to identify the distinct acoustic characteristics of Māori carvings known as whakairo rakau and tukutuku (ornamental latticework). These properties vary among Marae and iwi (tribes). AECOM has also devised a Light Detection and Ranging algorithm to augment its research capabilities for the whakairo in sound diffusion determination.
By prioritising cultural understanding and technical innovation, the project sheds light on the acoustic enigmas of Wharenui. It paves the way for a unified future where architecture, acoustics, and culture blend effortlessly – ensuring tapu spaces resonate with the Māori community and their rich heritage.
