One of the most interesting and most defining characteristics of New Zealand culture is its native ancestors, the Māori. Originally from Polynesia, one of the Māori’s most distinct features are their very intricate and stylized facial tattoos. These tattoos are not only symbolic of a Māori’s life story but also convey messages of growth, strength and peace. The floor plans that I created for Zeal Productions developed from the idea of the Māori tattoos and the koru plant, an integral symbol that is used throughout Māori culture in art, sculpture and design. The koru plant is also symbolic to the Māori people in that its organic composition conveys a message of perpetual movement while the spiraling center symbolizes a return to the plant’s point of origin.
The materials and fabrics I used for this project were inspired by New Zealand’s stunning geography. Hues of blue, green and brown as well as natural materials like stone and wood are used throughout Zeal Productions to simulate a natural environment. New Zealand is also an advocate of sustainability. So, Durability, recycled content and life span of materials was taken into consideration in order to select finishes for this project.
