School of Architecture Research Groups
The School of Architecture Research Groups bring together staff and students to explore pressing environmental, social, and spatial challenges through collaborative, design-led research.
Te Ohu Tāwharau Tūroa
Group Leader: Dr Matthew Bradbury (mbradbury@unitec.ac.nz)
Ohu – group, collective, cooperative
Tāwharau – shelter, protection
Tūroa – enduring, long-standing
Te Ohu Tāwharau Tūroa is a Unitec-based research collective dedicated to addressing the impacts of climate change—particularly pluvial urban flooding—through a multidisciplinary design lens that integrates architecture, landscape architecture, and urbanism.
Research Focus:
Adaptation: Developing strategies to adjust practices, processes, and structures to reduce climate-related harm.
Managed Retreat: Exploring the planned relocation of people, buildings, and infrastructure from high-risk areas to safer ground.
Our Work:
Our research spans climate adaptation and managed retreat, from collaborative studios with iwi and agencies in Aotearoa to international projects in Italy. Outputs include design strategies, theses, and publications addressing urban resilience, flood adaptation, and relocation planning—supporting communities and organisations navigating the complex realities of climate change.
The Future
In the face of an escalating climate crisis, the need for rigorous, interdisciplinary research has never been more urgent. Our team brings together leading experts across environmental science, design, policy, and community engagement to generate actionable insights and innovative solutions. With your support, we can deepen our understanding of climate impacts and accelerate adaptation strategies that directly inform the resilience of our built environments. This research will be especially valuable to organisations grappling with the realities of adapting our town and cities to withstand climate extremes or planning for managed retreat in vulnerable areas. Your investment will not only advance critical knowledge—it will help shape practical, equitable pathways for climate-resilient communities.
