title: Places we call home: Representing place and identity in contemporary dance performance

authors: Barbour, Karen

abstract: In this article, I discuss ongoing research investigating methods of representing place and identity in contemporary dance performance. A feminist and phenomenological perspective provides the basis for this creative practice as research, in which I bring environmental concerns, moving images, choreographic and place-based pedagogical practices into dialogue with autoethnographic approaches. Initially I developed a range of creative methods in creating a solo dance, and then applied these methods to the development of a trio dance work titled Places we call home. Guiding the research was a general question regarding experiences of “place” and “home,” with sub-questions relating to the use of embodied and narrative methods and moving images to express sensory experiences. Both the solo and trio dances were presented in a theatre to conference and public audiences. I will discuss the practical application of these creative practice research methods, the lived experiences of the dancers and myself as choreographer, and the outcomes of the research in response to the research questions. This discussion provides a context to contribute to interdisciplinary methodological innovations in creative practice as research, and also to current socio-cultural discussion relating to identity and sense of place.

text: Places we call home: Representing place and identity in contemporary dance performance In this article, I discuss ongoing research investigating methods of representing place and identity in contemporary dance performance. A feminist and phenomenological perspective provides the basis for this creative practice as research, in which I bring environmental concerns, moving images, choreographic and place-based pedagogical practices into dialogue with autoethnographic approaches. Initially I developed a range of creative methods in creating a solo dance, and then applied these methods to the development of a trio dance work titled Places we call home. Guiding the research was a general question regarding experiences of “place” and “home,” with sub-questions relating to the use of embodied and narrative methods and moving images to express sensory experiences. Both the solo and trio dances were presented in a theatre to conference and public audiences. I will discuss the practical application of these creative practice research methods, the lived experiences of the dancers and myself as choreographer, and the outcomes of the research in response to the research questions. This discussion provides a context to contribute to interdisciplinary methodological innovations in creative practice as research, and also to current socio-cultural discussion relating to identity and sense of place.

year: 2016

title: Performance of Sustainable Insulated Wall Panels with Geopolymer Concrete.

authors: Kanagaraj, B

subjects: axial strength

abstract: The increase in the population creates an increased demand for construction activities with eco-friendly, sustainable, and high-performance materials. Insulated concrete form (ICF) is an emerging technology that satisfies the sustainability demands of the construction sector. ICF is a composite material (a combination of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and geopolymer concrete (GPC)) that enhances the performance of concrete (such as thermal insulation and mechanical properties). To investigate the axial strength performance, five different types of prototypes were created and tested. Type I (without reinforcement): (a) hollow EPS without concrete, (b) alternative cells of EPS filled with concrete, (c) and all the cells of EPS filled with concrete; and Type II (with reinforcement): (d) alternative cells of EPS filled with concrete; (e) and all the cells of EPS filled with concrete. Amongst all the five prototypes, two grades of GPC were employed. M15 and M20 grades are used to examine the effectiveness in terms of cost. For comparing the test results, a reference masonry unit was constructed with conventional clay bricks. The main aim of the investigation is to examine the physical and mechanical performance of sandwich-type ICFs. The presence of polystyrene in ICF changes the failure pattern from brittle to ductile. The result from the study reveals that the Type II prototype, i.e., the specimen with all the cells of EPS filled with concrete and reinforcement, possesses a maximum load-carrying capacity greater than the reference masonry unit. Therefore, the proposed ICF is recommended to replace the conventional load-bearing system and non-load-bearing walls.

text: Performance of Sustainable Insulated Wall Panels with Geopolymer Concrete. The increase in the population creates an increased demand for construction activities with eco-friendly, sustainable, and high-performance materials. Insulated concrete form (ICF) is an emerging technology that satisfies the sustainability demands of the construction sector. ICF is a composite material (a combination of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and geopolymer concrete (GPC)) that enhances the performance of concrete (such as thermal insulation and mechanical properties). To investigate the axial strength performance, five different types of prototypes were created and tested. Type I (without reinforcement): (a) hollow EPS without concrete, (b) alternative cells of EPS filled with concrete, (c) and all the cells of EPS filled with concrete; and Type II (with reinforcement): (d) alternative cells of EPS filled with concrete; (e) and all the cells of EPS filled with concrete. Amongst all the five prototypes, two grades of GPC were employed. M15 and M20 grades are used to examine the effectiveness in terms of cost. For comparing the test results, a reference masonry unit was constructed with conventional clay bricks. The main aim of the investigation is to examine the physical and mechanical performance of sandwich-type ICFs. The presence of polystyrene in ICF changes the failure pattern from brittle to ductile. The result from the study reveals that the Type II prototype, i.e., the specimen with all the cells of EPS filled with concrete and reinforcement, possesses a maximum load-carrying capacity greater than the reference masonry unit. Therefore, the proposed ICF is recommended to replace the conventional load-bearing system and non-load-bearing walls.

year: 2022-12-09

title: He waipuna koropupū: Taranaki Māori wellbeing and suicide prevention

authors: Cameron, Ngaropi

abstract: The research project He Waipuna Koropupū aimed to explore and share a knowledge base that could inform practice in relation to Taranaki Māori suicide. The project was grounded upon the notion that through Taranaki knowledge and information we can make significant changes in our approach to life and to our whānau relationships. The project was primarily about whānau ora and the wellbeing of future generations; through the reclamation and sharing of Taranaki Māori knowledge that can support intergenerational change and transformation. Taranaki Māori whānau (extended family groupings), hapū (subtribal grouping) and iwi (tribal grouping) deserve access to Kaupapa Māori approaches in order to help reclaim and inform decision making processes.

text: He waipuna koropupū: Taranaki Māori wellbeing and suicide prevention The research project He Waipuna Koropupū aimed to explore and share a knowledge base that could inform practice in relation to Taranaki Māori suicide. The project was grounded upon the notion that through Taranaki knowledge and information we can make significant changes in our approach to life and to our whānau relationships. The project was primarily about whānau ora and the wellbeing of future generations; through the reclamation and sharing of Taranaki Māori knowledge that can support intergenerational change and transformation. Taranaki Māori whānau (extended family groupings), hapū (subtribal grouping) and iwi (tribal grouping) deserve access to Kaupapa Māori approaches in order to help reclaim and inform decision making processes.

year: 2017