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Task:

 Story Inc develped the interior design, exhibition design and museum visitor experience. Human Dynamo Workshop produced two installations to their design. Where Journeys Begin – the flight of the godwits/Kuaka, in the main atrium and The Kauri Tree in the library.

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What:

Constructed of fibre-glass, the Kauri Tree is a floor to ceiling(7metre) 1:1 scale fixed prop which encases a spiral staircase. It serves as a centrepiece for which the public can explore from any angle including views at the top between the foliage. A reading space for children is crafted from the inside of the tree at the base.

 

How:

Its construction was impressive and challenging. Some factors include obtaining permission to take imprints from a live Kauri tree in order to achieve authentic bark texture on the tree. Extremely large poly-sculpted negative moulds were clad with textured and inverted, semi-rigid foam pieces to create a mould for fibreglassing.

We were flown to Kaitaia to install and dress the tree as well as Where Journeys, over the course of a week and a half.. Packaging, delivery and installation were a huge aspect in this project, however they managed to be a huge success, and on time.

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A very rewarding and diverse project with a thorough mix of refined and experimental techniques used.

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Result:

‘’My first impressions were that the facility is just amazing. It will become the heart of Kaitaia’’ – Deputy mayor Ann Court of Kaitaia

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Bonus fact:

‘Human Dynamo of Wellington took moulds from a live kauri tree in order to create the authentic bark on our tree’

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Photocredits: Sue Dorrington, Human Dynamo LTD, 

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