Reflecting Bicultural Mechanisms in Waterscape Design and Planning

This research investigates the ways practitioners uphold Indigenous and Western values water values in the design and management of waterscapes in New Zealand. Waterscapes are defined as a landscape in which water relationships are central to community social, ecological, recreational, spiritual and cultural interactions. Specifically, the purpose of this research is to understand how practitioners; landscape architects, planners, designers and environmental managers navigate the complexities of bicultural approaches in practice. The research optimizes two robust literature reviews and 13 semi-structured interviews conducted in New Zealand. Findings will be presented with a series of photos and frameworks followed by a speculative discussion on the applicability and future research opportunities in the Canadian context and beyond. The research contributes to policy discourse toward design and management practices and opportunities to employ a bicultural lens to achieve more collaborative outcomes. Click here to view a copy of this presentation.