Centre for Building Performance Research—Te Kākaho Matariki

The Centre for Building Performance Research aims to extend and enhance knowledge of the performance of buildings and the built sector.

About us

The Centre for Building Performance Research (CBPR) is the first of its kind in New Zealand. CBPR was formed through an amalgamation of three research streams within the School of Architecture: the architecture, energy and construction research groups. Its work builds upon expertise in architectural research and building performance research developed by the Wellington School of Architecture over the past 40 years. The focus from the outset has been on architectural design that enhances the comfort, well-being and health of people in the built environment: ‘the real experts are the users’. This centre was established by the Council of Victoria University of Wellington in 1998.

Our aims

The Centre for Building Performance Research aims to:

extend and enhance knowledge of the performance of buildings and the built sector as a whole
develop building design and operation knowledge that will improve the quality of buildings
improve the flow of information to all those involved in the research, design, construction, and use of buildings
develop a research database on the performance of New Zealand buildings
foster links between researchers and professionals in the building industry through joint development activities.

Whakataukī

In 2021, in suggesting a Maori name for the Centre, Professor Rawinia Higgins (Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori)) and Associate Professor Meegan Hall (Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Mātauranga Māori)) referenced the whakataukī, “Ka whakarērea te puha, ka whai ki te matariki” which derives from a time when the stems of the toetoe plant were used in traditional whare Māori. The proverb tells us to discard the puha (a type of toetoe plant with inferior, crooked stems) and instead seek the matariki (another type of toetoe known for its straight, sturdy stems). Thus, the whakataukī speaks to using quality products to get better performance. Inspired by this, they suggested the name Te Kākaho Matariki which literally means ’The Matariki Stem’. It encapsulates ideas of high quality and performance in relation to buildings.