Centre for Building Performance Research
The Centre for Building Performance Research aims to extend and enhance knowledge of the performance of buildings and the built sector.
About us
The Centre for Building Performance Research (CBPR) is the first of its kind in New Zealand. CBPR was formed through an amalgamation of three research streams within the School of Architecture: the architecture, energy and construction research groups. Its work builds upon expertise in architectural research and building performance research developed by the Wellington School of Architecture over the past 40 years. The focus from the outset has been on architectural design that enhances the comfort, well-being and health of people in the built environment: ‘the real experts are the users’. This centre was established by the Council of Victoria University of Wellington in 1998.
Our aims
The Centre for Building Performance Research aims to:
- extend and enhance knowledge of the performance of buildings and the built sector as a whole
- develop building design and operation knowledge that will improve the quality of buildings
- improve the flow of information to all those involved in the research, design, construction, and use of buildings
- develop a research database on the performance of New Zealand buildings
- foster links between researchers and professionals in the building industry through joint development activities.
Whakataukī
In 2021, in suggesting a Māori name for the Centre, Professor Rawinia Higgins (Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori)) and Associate Professor Meegan Hall (Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Mātauranga Māori)) referenced the whakataukī, “Ka whakarērea te puha, ka whai ki te matariki” which derives from a time when the stems of the toetoe plant were used in traditional whare Māori. The proverb tells us to discard the puha (a type of toetoe plant with inferior, crooked stems) and instead seek the matariki (another type of toetoe known for its straight, sturdy stems). Thus, the whakataukī speaks to using quality products to get better performance. Inspired by this, they suggested the name Te Kākaho Matariki which literally means ’The Matariki Stem’. It encapsulates ideas of high quality and performance in relation to buildings.
Staff
Senior Lecturer · Construction specialist
Wellington School of Architecture
Senior Lecturer · Director of Architecture Programme
Wellington School of Architecture
Dean of Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation
Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation · Building Science
Lecturer in Architectural Science and Sustainable Systems Design
Wellington School of Architecture
Current research projects
A list of current, recent and archived projects the Centre is involved in.
Resources
The resources that the Centre produces regularly.
Conferences
Conferences and symposiums hosted by CBPR, including abstracts.
Contact the Centre for Building Performance Research
Location
Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation
139 Vivian Street, Te Aro
Wellington 6011
New Zealand
Telephone: +64-4-463-6221
Email: michael.donn@vuw.ac.nz
Postal address
Centre for Building Performance Research (CBPR)
Wellington School of Architecture
PO Box 600
Wellington 6140
New Zealand