Belong Pōneke
2024 Massey University Collabrative Project
The core of this concept is understanding what ‘belonging’ can mean to diverse groups and how we experience the same space differently. Using spatial typography, we can prompt those who self-identify as ethnic minorities, deaf, homeless, elderly, visually impaired, physically disabled, mentally vulnerable, internationals, and/or LGBTIA+ to respond with their feelings about certain Wellington locations. Once these narratives are gathered, this project can identify areas that need improving in order to become more inclusive and accepting of minority groups. This project explores ways that Pōneke can come together to reflect and improve how groups inhabit areas in Wellington.
Pop up stalls at each location
To encourage people to write on the large-scale letters, we’ll have pop-up stalls in each location with music and prizes to create a safe and welcoming space for the respondents.
Design Response
In response to this challenge, we have constructed large-scale 3D letters that spell ‘BELONG’. Each letter will correspond to a certain location in Wellington and will have a prompt written on it such as ‘Do I belong here’. We have chosen some of Wellington’s most popular locations such as Cuba Street, the Wellington Waterfront, Lambton Quay, Oriental Bay, Newtown and Lyall Bay.
Letters displayed at waterfront
Once all pop-ups have been completed and each letter has been filled out with text, we’ll gather them together at the waterfront and display the word BELONG containing the Wellingtonians’ responses. This is to generate interactions and reveal how groups connect with these spaces.
Exhibition
