Stream Symbiosis

Year 5

Kaiwharawhara Stream

Wellington, NZ

Programs used

2024

Illustrator

AutoCAD

Photoshop

My thesis research explored how a more balanced relationship could be restored for urban streams through youth stewardship. Multiple methods through this research was explored including particpatory design and landscape narrative methods. This ensured voices from both the people and the land were heard and recognised throughout the process.

Kaiwharawhara Stream

This research examines the Kaiwharawhara Stream by highlighting its significant ecological and cultural characteristics within Wellington. The research begins by examining the urbanization challenges affecting streams across Aotearoa, focusing on the Kaiwharawhara Stream, which is among the most ecologically diverse and one of the last streams with a natural estuary flowing into Wellington Harbour (Bull et al., n.d.).

Conceptual design thinking

Educational connection mapping through the Kaiwharawhara Catchment

Conceptual sketches for Ecological understanding

Educational Devices - Developed design

Connection down to the stream

Connection to Flora & Fauna

Workshop Concepts

Ecological Habitat Markers

Indigenous Podocarp Ecological Corridor

Native Food Forest Learning Platform

Revetment edge

Areas of the stream suffer from erosion and flooding. To combat this revetment edges have been implemented to both filter and stabilise the stream edge.

Site One

Site One focussed on creating community workshop areas that allow for planting days and skills to be based through the generations. Educational tools were explored on this site through the epheral wetland that works with the existing character of the site being wet,

Habitat stepping poles

Habitat poles have been utilised within the stream confluence to create habitats as well as an accessible education point at a existing fish ladder where the stream becomes piped.

Seed Dispersal Successional Planting Device

Riparian Planting Learning Platform

Site Two

Site Two focussed on the stream confluence. Working with the existing natural rock pools and piped to un-piped segments connected by an existing fish ladder. Habitat poles were used as steeping poles to encourage youth within the stream corridor.

Site Three

Site Three focussed on the site where water outflow from a capped landfill has high levels of leachate. Riparian planting as well as a wetland system was implemented. With areas that ensure youths involvement through observation and community planting over time to noursuh the land.