Ad Augusta May 2012 - Takapuna Grammar School

Technology
4
Technology visits the Yellow Treehouse
Technology, as a subject, is concerned with the interaction
of design and technology in the real world and is used
to inform classroom teaching and learning. We actively
seek experts to present and work with classes, and where
possible we encourage learning outside the classroom by
way of technology outings and trips.
Students of Year 11 Spatial Design and Year 12 Resistant
Materials (formally known as Hard Tech) took up the
fantastic opportunity to visit the Yellow Treehouse
Restaurant in Warkworth, last term.
The treehouse was an advertising campaign for the
Yellow Pages and was intended to surprise people and
help the public see Yellow in a different light. The project
was to be designed and made from services found in the
book.
Peter Eising and his team at Pacifi c Environments were
given this adventurous design brief with only three
months available from start to fi nish. The ambitious
project was completed with huge success and functioned
as a restaurant for the three months, as detailed in the
original brief.
Peter Eising spent a morning with our 11 Spatial Design
students explaining the process from the fi rst planning
and designing stages through to construction. Students
quickly realised the similarities between this project and
the design brief they had been given in class.
This was a fantastic opportunity to give students a true
understanding of the meaning of “Technology” and the
problem solving and designing that is such a vital part of
this process.
Students were able to explore this magnifi cent structure
in all its glory. They took photographs and collected
evidence for their external achievement standard, whilst
appreciating true innovation.
Former Year 11 students who are now in 12 Resistant
Materials worked with Peter last year. They visited the
structure that they studied so closely, while collecting
vital research for their current design brief. Peter gave
them a tour of his structure, giving information and
advice on their work. This prior knowledge has been
utilized to add continual development in the fi eld of
critical design thinking.