A symbolic representation of Te Tī Tūtahi
Newmarket’s Māori name Te Tī Tūtahi, meaning ‘Sacred cabbage tree standing alone’, refers to a tree which stood less than 200 metres from comic and manga store Trace. Trace makes connections between the sites geographical, historical and social contexts forming a space for people to gather, collaborate and be inspired by graphic narratives while using tracing tables.
Circular layering of spaces takes cues from growth rings and considers how these rings act as a form of sequential storytelling. The material palette is influenced by cabbage trees, with bespoke exterior cladding mimicking bark, in conjunction with influence from the graphic art technique, chiaroscuro. A cabbage tree is also illuminated from inside Trace creating a striking silhouette that resembles effect lines commonly found in graphic narratives.
Trace is a symbolic representation of Te Tī Tūtahi, acting as a meeting place like the namesake tree once used to be. It draws people in with strong silhouettes and a soft glow that create curiosity from afar, to then encourage a connection between traces of the site’s past, graphic narrative and the urban community of Newmarket.
