Through their collaborative work, the exhibition reveals multiple layers of Indigenous architectural knowledge and exchange:

Design Principles
Sámi Duodjar Guvor Guttorm and Māori carver Ngaroma Riley (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri) show how baby vessels carry deep meaning in their design. They choose materials carefully from their local environment. The way they’re built follows traditional practices, can be moved easily while traveling, and passes down community knowledge through their making.

Knowledge Exchange
Working together to create a new gietkka, Guttorm and Riley found they share many ways of thinking about design. Both carefully select materials that connect to their environments. Their designs serve practical needs while keeping cultural traditions alive. Both use building methods that share community wisdom and create spaces that support family and community wellbeing.

Impact
This sharing of architectural heritage shows how Indigenous design thinking offers important lessons for creating sustainable, community-focused spaces. These baby vessels are sophisticated examples of Indigenous design knowledge – showing approaches that have helped communities thrive for generations.

Architecture of Aroha is a collaboration between Gunvor Guttorm, Berit Kristine Andersen Guvsám, Inga Ravne Eira, Tanya White, and Jasmine Te Hira, curated by Zoe Black.

The exhibition is part of Objectspace Abroad program, and with support from Nordic Culture Fund, Norwegian Crafts, Sámi allaskuvla / Sámi University of Applied Sciences. On view until March 2025.