Hei_Tiki

The Artwork looks at the rebuild of Christchurch after the earthquake of 2011, which saw, as part of the widespread devastation, the majority of the central business district destroyed. The Artwork focuses on the large office buildings, which will soon go up to replace those that were lost. These buildings will be vital in bringing the lifeblood back to the city.

Every commercial office building installs a sprinkler system to protect the lives of those within. The sprinkler systems, like veins, spread out to every corner of the building from a central hub. These sprinkler hubs are the heart of the building and are located in or close to the main lobby.

With all new office blocks, the owners and developers will commission an artwork to adorn their lobby.

Hei-Tiki will make the central hub of pipes and valves of the sprinkler system the centerpiece of the buildings entrance and in doing so making it a practical, functional and cultural art installation. 

The Artwork
The artwork will make the pipes and valves of the sprinkler hub into the form of a Hei-tiki. The Hei-tiki symbolises either memorials to ancestors or represent the goddess of childbirth, Hineteiwaiwa.