Expectations—Ngā whāinga

Get a taste of what to expect in your first year of studying Architecture or Design. Aim high and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

White writing on a green background with māori designs on it. Writing says do the mahi, reap the rewards.

Here are a few things that can help you do really well in your first year.

Turn up

Create your own opportunities—whai mātauranga means to pursue knowledge, to be curious.

Turning up to all lectures, studios, and tutorials is certainly a good start.

If you are not able to turn up, email your course coordinator as soon as possible. Be aware that documentation is required if you need extensions to the submission dates as a result of your absence from classes.

Ask for help

In the spirit of whanaungatanga—which means relationships and collaborations—help us to help you. Let’s appreciate the shared experience of teaching and learning. Talk about your mahi (work) and korero (share your ideas) with your classmates and tutors. And—most importantly—if you don’t know something, just ask!

Pitch in and gain leadership skills

At WFADI we enjoy a great relationship between students and staff, and much of this is due to the communication channels. Become a student rep and an active leader who represents the student voice in our Faculty. Nominations will be asked for in classes, so put your hand up.

Learn

It’s pretty simple—we are here to help you learn. Teaching and learning is a two-way relationship in the spirit of akoranga.

Email us

All official email communications sent by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington (including Blackboard announcements) are sent to student email accounts. If students wish to use an alternate email account, see Helpful tips for instructions.

Include your name and student ID in all of your communications with staff.

Make connections

Studio classes and tutorials are exciting opportunities to communicate with your classmates, share ideas, and discuss your work with others. Whanaungatanga acknowledges the shared experience of the design studio—so make connections and reach out to classmates.

Do the mahi

Within a number of your classes you will also be asked to do  small bite-sized weekly exercises, tasks, and assessments that relate to specific skills and course tasks (often called PBAs). These help both you and us keep the coursework relevant and challenging.

Check Blackboard

Throughout the trimester, you will find all your coursework and information on Blackboard. Log in using the same username and password as you have set for your main login in Blackboard.

On most Blackboard pages you will also be able to find your tutorial group and—later in the trimester—your grades. Your course coordinators will also send information updates out to the class using the Blackboard announcements feature. It is important for your learning that you keep up with these announcements. These will be sent from Blackboard to your student email address.

Participate

  • Let’s practice manaakitanga and respect the places and the people we share space with.
  • Please don’t make personal phone calls in class. If you need to take or make an important call, excuse yourself temporarily from the class.
  • Engage in sustainable practices—kaitiakitanga. Remember to recycle and don’t be wasteful.
  • No food or drink is allowed near any of the computers.
  • Be respectful of the space and others that use it. Tidy up after yourself—this includes any furniture you have shifted.
  • Check the studio noticeboards for studio culture guidelines.

Example of one student’s work

We’re proud of the work of our students at WFADI. If you put in the mahi, you too will see your work showcased for others to appreciate.

Screenshot of aerial view looking down on schematic diagram of village

The image above, titled Ō, was created by Hunter Reeve in the INTA 412 course. Ō’s objective is to create a sensorial experience that enhances interception. This is done through weaving holistic Māori wellness back into the local vernacular.

Sincere interest in intelligent and sustainable design extends to every aspect of the geothermal journey, treading lightly with respect for the past, present and future.

Materiality has been closely considered to help evoke a sense of place. Rammed earth draws similarities from the clay ground at Tokaanu. Charred timber mimics the trees that could not withstand the thermal conditions. A thatched roof references the resilient grasses and pounamu and rakau illustrate the ancient Māori massage, Mirimiri.