Te Whakakākahu Anō i ngā Kākahu o Porirua
Re-cloaking the garments of Porirua
Isabella Ching & Arthur Brighton - Group 02

Porirua has undergone significant ecological and physical transformation through urban development, land reclamation, and the prioritisation of vehicle infrastructure. These processes have disconnected the city from its historic wetland landscapes, reduced ecological diversity, and limited opportunities for meaningful interaction with the harbour. Despite this, traces of Porirua’s natural and cultural identity remain embedded within the landscape and provide an opportunity to reimagine the relationship between people, ecology, and place.

Our proposal seeks to re-cloak Porirua through the restoration of indigenous ecological systems and the creation of a more people-focused urban environment. Drawing inspiration from the layered structure of a korowai, the design weaves together ecological restoration, housing, public transport, recreation, and community activity into a connected urban fabric. The project aims to strengthen ecological resilience while creating a stronger sense of identity and belonging for residents and visitors.

At the heart of the proposal is the recreation of a living coastal edge through the restoration of saltmarsh habitats and the establishment of a network of kahikatea pocket forests throughout the development. These landscapes are supported by circular water systems that capture, filter, store, and reuse stormwater and greywater, allowing ecological processes to become part of everyday urban life. Housing is organised around these restored environments, while active ground-floor retail, markets, and community spaces create vibrant public destinations connected to the wider city and harbour.