Victoria University School of Architecture 2014 Masters Research - Hands on Intellect

victoria univerSity of wellington school of architecture

masters of architecture masters of landscape architecture masters of interior architecture

hands-on intellect design-led research theses

2014 cohort

reflec t io ns o f t h e fut ure

respo nding t o so cial chang e

Y5 00

S u p e r vi s or s : P e n n y A l l an , M ar ti n B r y a n t & S am K e bbell Thom as I n w ood . .. . .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. ... .. . 1 2 N atas ha M i l n e . . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 1 4 D e b or ah S cott . . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 1 6 Cai tl i n W a l l ace . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . . 1 8 N i chol a s W he aton . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . 20

archit ect ure o f dyst o pia: o n lilit hs ho use in edo m

s u p e r vi s or : S am K e b b e l l B e n j am i n A l l i n s on . .. .. .. . .. 6 Gw e n a Gi l b e r t.. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 8 L ou i s e S e y b . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. 10

t he a r c h i tec tu r e o f d y s to p i a

S ettl in g re gion a l l a n dsc a p e s t he al l u r e o f p ar a d i s e: set tl i n g o u r r egi o n a l l an ds c a p es

02

t he allure o f paradise: set t ling o ur regio nal landscapes

01

03

superv iso r: Daniel Brown Ham ish Beat t ie. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. ... 24 M arco Dut hie.. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. ... 26 Geo rge G o o dwin. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 28 Adam King sbury.. .. .. . .. .. . .... 30 F ranklin M wanza . . .. .. .. . .. 32 T o m o ki T akei.. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .... 34 Daniel What nall. . .. .. . .. .. ... 36

superv iso r: Daniele Abreu e Lim a Zaed Aznam .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 38 Carinya F eaunat i. . . 40 Co rinne Lee.. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 42

SUPERV ISO R: Sim o n T wose Henry D’At h. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. 44

SUPERV ISO R: Jacqueline M cInt o sh Cat herine Hall. .. . .. . 46 Kelly Lam bert .. . .. .. 48

s u p e r vi s or : P e te r Con n ol ly N i col e D avi d s on . . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 5 2 E m m a van d e n E y k e l .. .. .. . .. . 5 4

04 resp o nsiv e env iro nment s and ro bo t ic s responsive e nv ironment s

urb an engine erin g syste ms + p ublic ecologi es

eco l o gie s de sign l a b

Jules M o lo ney + T ane M oleta M eng yue Lu.. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . .. ...... 58

05 06 building t ec h no lo gies and mat erials

s u p e r vi s or : Fab r i ci o Chi cc a J a s on M a cq u e t. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 68

s u p e r vi s or : M or te n G j e r de Ge or gi a S an s on . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 70

superv iso rs: M ark So ut hco mbe + T ane M o let a Nicho las Ayres. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. . 74 Lu Cheng. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 76 Lauren Hickling .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. 78 Angela Penning t o n. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 80 Henry Read. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. 82 Jam es T ing .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 84

re-f ab f ield

m edium and hig h densit y ho using

s u p e r vi s or : K e r s ti n Thom pso n Cathe r i n e M oon e y .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 62 Am an d a P r i d e . . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 64 Char l otte S te p he n s .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 66

t he spaces bet ween

rig ht h er e: a h o u s i n g at l as f o r n ew zea l a n d and au s tr a l i a

ho u s i n g a n d p ub l ic i n f r a st ruc t ure

08

S U P E R VI S OR : Tob i as D a n i e l m e i e r R ob e r t B u d ge .. .. .. . 88

bo d y o f wo rk pe rforma nce + pe rforma tivi ty

co nte mp ora ry w ork p l a c e s / c o r p ora t e sp h e re s

Superv iso rs: Christ ina M ackay + Philippe Cam pays Alana Ing lis. . .. .. . .. 9 6

indep endent supervision

07

Superv iso rs: Sim o n T w ose + Jan Sm it heram Dinushi Kum arawansa. ... 92 M o lly M arsall. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. ... 94

body a s site

t h eo ry and h ist o ry

superv iso r: Pet er Wo od M at t Rit ani.. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. 98

Settling regional l an d s cape s

01

As cities in New Zealand and around the world rapidly expand, there is a corresponding pressure on their surrounding regions as developers look to expand the city limits; farmers look to increase productivity; indigenous people look to defend their cultural integrity; tourists look for environmental gratification; and lifestyle residents look for their piece of paradise. These regions are often stunning natural landscapes that are being degraded environmentally and disconnected from each other. What are the compelling alternatives to this trend?

We know that strong connections are vital to a resilient framework. So how might architecture and landscape connect these entities to each other; to the city; to the landscape; and to a broader cultural project?

What connections could be made through interventions in the landscape?

What connections could be made with architectural interventions?

How might these interventions project new architectures, new landscapes and new regions?

01 t he al l u r e o f p ar a d i s e: set tl i n g o u r r egi o n a l l an ds c a p es

s u p e r vi s or : S am K e b b e l l B e n j am i n A l l i n s on . .. .. .. . .. 6 Gw e n a Gi l b e r t.. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 8 L ou i s e S e y b . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. 10

t he allure o f paradise: set t ling o ur regio nal landscapes

S ettl in g re gion a l l a n dsc a p e s

S u p e r vi s or s : P e n n y A l l an , M ar ti n B r y a n t & S am K e bbell Thom as I n w ood . .. . .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. ... .. . 1 2 N atas ha M i l n e . . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 1 4 D e b or ah S cott . . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 1 6 Cai tl i n W a l l ace . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . . 1 8 N i chol a s W he aton . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . 20

M . A r ch (p r of )

Benjamin Allinson th e lig h t line

‘The Light Line’ suggests an alternative approach to the design of transport infrastructure. Driven by issues of severance and degraded pedestrian realms, this thesis argues a porous infrastructure which positions itself as an object in the contextual fabric, is a more suitable solution than those produced from a technocratic approach.

My area of investigation is Paraparaumu, the regional centre for Kapiti Coast, located approximately 50km north of Wellington city. There are two major transport spines which cut though Paraparaumu including the main railway trunk and the proposed ‘Northern Corridor Expressway’ (which is still under construction).

In the process of doing the research for ‘The Light Line’, I tried to establish a more unified relationship between the infrastructure and its context. I found that treating transport infrastructure as an urban ‘object’ helped it to engage with the context and provide an infrastructure which was focused on the quality of the pedestrian realm.

The architect’s role in infrastructural design is also discussed. In the past, this role has been the responsibility of the engineer. However this has often led to monofunctional outcomes, where the vehicles using transport infrastructure take priority. I argue that by including the architect in this process a more qualitative outcome, responsive to context and a positive attribute to the pedestrian realm, can be created.

6

settling regional landscapes i Supervisor: Sam Kebbell

7

M . A r ch (p r of )

gwena gilbert THE FI RST LINE BACK: Dissolving the solid line of development along the Coastline

We are drawn to our coastlines and want to build along them. This desire to live close to the beach needs to met by a change in the way we build in this shifting environment.

The boulevard is a piece of infrastructure with its role within the community intensifying as storm events begin to influence the current way of living within the region. Apartment living above the boulevard level becomes a housing alternative for managed retreat and soft management systems can occur under the building to strengthen dune landscapes. By having a system which can continue across the landscape this proposal explores a new approach to the ground plane through elevated living.

This thesis proposes an alternative housing and public space solution for the retreating coastline at Paraparaumu Beach, Kapiti Coast. An elevated, public boulevard with public amenity at ground and first floors becomes the proposed intervention across the site. Housing at second and third floor levels is argued as an alternative for dwelling along the coastline.

8

settling regional landscapes i Supervisor: Sam Kebbell

9

M . A r ch (p r of )

louise seyb in- between surfac es: a n e w way to retire on the Kapiti Coast

As research through design, my thesis takes a fresh look at the ageing population which is a looming problem for all New Zealand communities. The thesis questions: How can we design a new type of aged care living to respond specifically to the next generation of ageing New Zealanders? Research undertaken in the United States concludes that the healthiest aged care facilities that are located in, and open to the local community, become a hub of activity for all ages, and are actively promoted as a place to visit. The design creates various public facilities for the Waikanae community, proposing a hybrid of aged care accommodation, public swimming pools, various public amenities and a community garden development. The project explores the possibilities of a retirement village that embraces younger generations, engages directly with neighbouring natural landscapes, and makes use of the ageing labour resource.

As a healthier and more independent ‘baby boomer’ generation reach 65, the retirement they require is not the segregated holiday retreat of their ‘silent generation’ parents exemplified in the current models. To draw the community into the building, the design focuses on how architecture can create the ‘inbetween’ to mediate social and physical restraints caused by the existing model.

The thesis discusses how continuous surfaces were developed to respond specifically to the Waikanae context, and how the design uses surfaces to form the in-between. Such treatment generates a discussion into the role of surface, and continuous surface, in both the architecture and landscape architecture disciplines. The in-between proposes new criteria for aged care living to accommodate the oncoming ‘baby boomer’ generation. This criterion was designed through a site specific study responding to the Waikanae context, however, the design process exposes a universal criterion for a new type of retirement village.

10

settling regional landscapes i Supervisor: Sam Kebbell

11

M LA

THOMAS INWOOD A SHORE THING

A Shore Thing, forms an alternative approach to settling along Wellington’s hinterland.

The Kapiti Coast is a hinterland region to Wellington city, within the region is a grouping of small settlements that are situated between the ocean and a mountain range. Kapiti currently is a series of sprawling townships where existing ecologies and landscape processes between the mountains and the sea become disconnected.

The development and construction of the contentious Transmission Gully motorway will create a stronger, more efficient connection to Wellington. It affords an opportunity for Kapiti to densify and become a satellite region for the capital. The expected influx of residents will place tension on the already struggling water supply, ecology and infrastructure.

This thesis looks to explore the issues throughout the region by proposing a new way of settling in Paekakariki. The design develops a settlement along a coastline through a linear series of spaces that will connect the mountains to the sea.

The line marks the extent of development, an edge, much like the coast which generates a new way of densifying a semi-rural region. The line flips the coast by 90 degrees and creates a new shoreline for development that will contain sprawl, preserve the natural landscape and encourage social and economic benefits for the area. It will also address the pressing issues of water storage, flooding and biodiversity.

The design realises an opportunity to occupy the hinterland and finds an equilibrium between densification and the existing natural processes. The catalytic framework relies on transport infrastructure to facilitate housing and the local economy while galvanising public life and developing Kapiti as a

12

settling regional landscapes i Supervisors: Penny Allan,

Martin Bryant, Sam Kebbell

recreational node. The settlement will become a satellite township to Wellington, the framework caters for resilience by being able to withstand and absorb an influx of residents and deal with environmental pressures by establishing the primacy of natural systems within a settlement.

What if, Transmission Gully motorway was the catalyst for a new way of settlement? This thesis considers the opportunity Transmission Gully motorway will create for the hinterland township of Paekakariki.

The integration of Transmission Gully Motorway and the proposal intends to realise Kapiti’s potential as a satellite region to Wellington. Paekakariki is the southernmost settlement along the Kapiti Coast and a logical site for development and densification. The motorway will have a significant impact on the Kapiti region making it easier for people to settle and commute into Wellington. But the expected influx of people will place extra pressures on the region’s water supply, ecology and existing infrastructure. Typically, in rural landscapes, sprawling townships segregate and sever the natural processes and ecologies of the region.

Research Intention The aim for this research is to investigate an alternative approach to settling along Wellington’s hinterland.

More specifically, the objectives are set to create a catalytic infrastructure that becomes a framework for densification while understanding and mitigating the threats from the natural environment. The design looks for a responsive, site specific answer to settlement within a hinterland.

Scope of Design Research This thesis aims to turn these pressures into an opportunity to reconfigure the way we settle along the rural coastlines of New Zealand in a positive manner. By creating a framework that allows for controlled growth, the design will integrate and mitigate the threats and issues within the natural ecology of the surrounding area. The design will encourage development to occur and catalyse the coast.

The design principles may become applicable and applied elsewhere but this is a speculative endeavour that primarily finds answers in the landscape and responds to the pressures of densification in unique ways.

13

M LA

natasha milne freedom to roam

This research aims to develop a regional model for walkways within rural environments which consider whole landscape approaches and the conflicting desires of landowners, conservationists and recreationists. A demand for outdoor recreation close to town centres has been identified by government initiatives as rural landscapes are fundamental to the cultural identity of rural places and their surrounding regions. The exclusion of people from privately owned land has left little opportunity for communities to enjoy and safeguard the landforms and ecologies that define their regions.

New Zealander’s should be able to access their rural landscapes, to enjoy its scenic, natural and recreational values. Walking the countryside could also have other far reaching benefits such as universal respect and proactive programs to manage environmental and cultural significance. Past attempts at providing public access over private land has not worked because authorities are too focused on the idea of a walkway and not the idea that there are a range of different interests that stop it being walked. For walkways across private farmland to become a solution to meet recreation and environmental needs, the desires of all stakeholders; Landowners, Conservationists, Recreators, and the wider public need to be considered.

This design case-study proposes a walking access framework that acknowledges the landscape as a complex system of economic, ecological and social interactions. This research aims to use the metaphor of a path to integrate production, conservation and recreation within the same site, through the

14

settling regional landscapes i Supervisors: Penny Allan,

Martin Bryant, Sam Kebbell

continual examination between Macro and Micro landscape approaches. Overall this research contributes a flexible and diverse alternative to walking through the countryside which tests the importance of multifunctional landscapes, increased biodiversity in farmland and the design of linear path spaces as places of social interaction.

This research revealed that New Zealand’s lack of public access across farmland is an issue which occurs at both a macro and a micro scale. Society has developed so that rural land is in private ownership; therefore the problem at the macro scale is the need for multifunctional approaches. While at the micro scale there are more site specific problems, which contribute to the issues at the macro scale. Macro issues include the entire region, while the micro considers how to engage with extensive complexities on the ground. The intention is to explore design solutions at the micro scale to produce an overriding master plan which aims to address the different agendas and complexities of the landscape.

The design proposal then investigated how a path network could be applied to a 680ha site west of Lake Papaitonga Reserve in the Horowhenua Region, 92km from Wellington City. The purpose of the design was to increase public engagement with the landscape and in turn gain a sense of care for the environment, through the design of landmarks and destinations along the linear journey from Lake Papaitonga to the coastline. This site was chosen as the site opens possibilities for walkways across the district and meets the requirements for outdoor recreation: within close proximity to Levin and holds cultural and environmental significance for the area.

15

M LA

deborah scott O ld Patterns, New Prac tic e

The New Zealand rural landscape is revered for its natural beauty alongside its highly productive agricultural industry characterised by intense and sustained human modification of the natural environment. Typical conservation practice in New Zealand is concerned with preserving what is “natural’. This thesis ‘Old Patterns, New Practice’ challenges these notions. It suggests that natural and cultural heritage is a living process, more about adaptation and growth than preservation and control. It sees agricultural landscapes as an important part of our cultural heritage and explores the patterns associated with human intervention to develop a new productive environment where the living heritage of rural New Zealand can be expressed.

Can productive landscapes be considered as a type of heritage landscape? What if heritage landscapes were an integral part of a new productive surface and could improve production? The project aims to propose an integrated network of natural and manmade systems that function together as a productive surface with positive outputs for the local economy and the ecological environment.

In finding the balance between the production of the land and the ecological qualities without hindering either, a successful living heritage landscape can be uncovered. The flax fibre industry is explored as a catalyst for promoting heritage and ecological values within a working farm system as well as diversifying the productive landscape of the agricultural sector.

The project is focused on the Ohau River catchment, in the Horowhenua District. The natural landscape of the Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast is incredibly dynamic and has endured extensive modifications from the time settlement began in the area. The Ohau River is no exception. Natural processes, such as the river, coastal dune fields and fertile terraces characterise the landscape alongside the agricultural and horticultural industries. Through exploring the patterns of development and landscape qualities, the living heritage of the Ohau River emerged. The Tahamata farm block, at the Ohau River mouth, is the case study area for this project.

The project proposes to re-introduce the flax fibre industry; flax’s heritage and ecological qualities help to diversify the dairy farm system without hindering the farm’s income. The design includes the development of a harakeke network to coincide with riparian management of waterways; increasing the access along the Ohau River and its major tributaries; recognising cultural heritage sites through the development of adaptive spaces; and the retro-fitting of vacant farm buildings to establish a ‘Hub’ space for flax fibre extraction.

16

settling regional landscapes i Supervisors: Penny Allan,

Martin Bryant, Sam Kebbell

17

M LA

caitlin wallis Hig h Ground, Low G round: E x p lo ra t ions in Topography and N ei ghb o u rliness in C oastal Dune Settlement

The desire to live close to the ocean often brings about settlement that sprawls along the beachfront, parallel to the coastline. This settlement structure is problematic as it diminishes the importance of community while exposing beachfront housing to coastal hazards. The coastal dune settlements of Waikanae and Paraparaumu, where this research has been undertaken, exhibits this problematic settlement structure.

Using these sites as a case study, the research seeks to re-examine the New Zealand coastal land settlement formation. It explores what could happen if the current coastal settlement pattern re-organised as a more social structure?

The research is investigating an approach to settlement through re-examining the idea of neighbourhood by looking at its whole relation to the coastal dune topography, ecology, and wider landscape relations.

However, not only does this research look at the social potentials of coastal settlement but how disaster planning can become a device to achieve this outcome. Essentially, it aligns itself with the attitude that flooding and coastal hazards should not just be looked at as an engineering problem but an opportunity to alter the way in which we settle coastlines in a way that builds community.

18

settling regional landscapes i Supervisors: Penny Allan,

Martin Bryant, Sam Kebbell

19

M LA

nicholas wheaton Diversify ing Density : Ren o vating rural living within K apiti/ Horowhenua Coast

‘Diversifying Density’ explores current issues surrounding New Zealand’s struggling rural regions with particular focus on the test region of Kapiti/ Horowhenua Coast. These rural regions are subject to pressure from cities with regard to economic production and a cultural shift toward urban lifestyle. This has contributed to deconstructing much of what originally made these regions so attractive to live in. Through the process of revitalisation this research looks at the specific test site of Lake Horowhenua. While there is no shortage to these rural challenges, Lake Horowhenua has managed to retain particular significance within the overall region of Kapiti/Horowhenua Coast.

The focus area of this research is to explore a diverse hybrid settlement for a specific area based around a potential economy. On developing this, the design explores how this can provide new habitation while working towards a better environmental system and occupancy potential.

This research looks to encouraging discussion about conservation by adding further economic opportunity, the displacement of some current practices with the benefit of economic, environmental, and spatial diversities. Pulling these elements together the thesis proposes that this generates further opportunity, to increase human occupancy, formulating a perception and involvement within this rural landscape. Reconfiguring rural economies, lifestyles, recreation and conservation encourages authenticity of rural landscapes, creating new experiences and opportunities building the notion of abundance.

20

settling regional landscapes i Supervisors: Penny Allan,

Martin Bryant, Sam Kebbell

The research being tested in detail is the harakeke (flax) economy. It is structured around the processing stages involving the extraction of the harakeke fibre. Developing this concept through one economy generates new opportunities for habitation, while facilitating alternative growth specific to the site and economy. This informs design moves that are directed specifically toward the economic and environmental diversity drivers connected to the site for growth encouragement.

Then begins the exploration of concepts of authenticity; new rural living patterns; interdependencies of economies; environment and spatial patterns; and developing a synergy between work and living to construct community.

21

reflec tions o f the f u tu r e

02

How can architecture be conceived as civic work and generate solutions for a global society in the midst of deep-seated change that reconnects us to our future environmental, historical and cultural contexts?

How can architecture as civic work challenge our perception of the future built environment, the behaviours of its inhabitants and transform views of global culture?

02

respo nding t o so cial chang e

Y5 00

archit ect ure o f dyst o pia:o n lilit hs ho use in edo m

t he a r c h i tec tu r e o f d y s to p i a

reflec t io ns o f t h e fut ure superv iso r: Daniel Bro wn Ham ish Beat t ie. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. 24 M arco Dut hie.. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 26 Geo rge G o o dwin. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 28 Adam King sbury.. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 30 F ranklin M wanza . . .. .. .. . .. 32 T o m o ki T akei.. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 34 Daniel What nall. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 36

superv iso r: Daniele Abreu e Lim a Zaed Aznam .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 38 Carinya F eaunat i. . . 40 Co rinne Lee.. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 42

SUPERV ISO R: Sim o n T wo se Henry D’At h. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. 44

SUPERV ISO R: Jacqueline M cInt o sh Cat herine Hall. .. . .. . 46 Kelly Lam bert .. . .. .. 48

M . A r ch (p r of )

Hamish Beattie To p ology of a Phantom C ity

As the global slum population swells to over one billion people, impoverished rural migrants moving to urban centres are increasingly turning to landfills and garbage dumps as their habitat and source of livelihood. These populations scavenge sites under toxic conditions, looking for discarded items to eat, wear, use, sell or trade. Cultural compositions are in a constant state of dynamic flux, continually redefined as new migrant groups arrive representing different age groups, languages, religions, and needs – leading to tensions within the slum communities. Political engagement with these issues has become stagnant, as the slums are regarded as complex burdens on the state.

These immigrants survive within a dynamic physical environment, as the landfill continually changes configuration and composition. Waste is gathered and removed by the scavengers in one place while it is brought in anew by the city at another. The result is a habitat that is fluid in form and content, changing repeatedly over time – sometimes forming mounds, other times depressions, sometimes toxic, other times of meagre value. Both space and time for these migrants are in a continual state of flux. Their dwellings constructed from scavenged materials – and their waste, sanitation, water, income, and communitygathering areas – all must respond to this fluid context. Architecture itself must evolve to respond to this fluid state.

A new boldness, bravura even, has returned to architectural design and its depiction. Ideas and proposals for unbuilt, indeed often unbuildable, structures are being produced not just by architects but by many others working in different visual media – film designers, creative advertising, music video producers, fine artists and computer game programmers – reflecting both

24

reflections of the future i Supervisor: daniel brown

the general cultural climate and a visceral appetite for politically motivated architecture. Topology of a Phantom City asks the question: how can the realm of socially motivated unbuilt architecture draw public attention to pressing global issues?

Topology of a Phantom City proposes architecture in flux as a response to lives in a fluid state. The architecture is defined by vertical service nodes capable of moving across the fluid field. These nodes form mobile community centres for each immigrant group. They provide them with water, energy, waste treatment and shelter. The nodes feed on the dump, dredging its materials and sorting them within the node for recycling. After waste materials are collected and sorted, they are used to continue building the nodes. Every node is therefore constantly changing – a different height and a different configuration. The site beneath each node is also never the same; and the population within is in a state of flux as immigrants leave and new ones arrive. But the inhabitants can now survive safely, lifted above the toxic environment, and the recycled waste below providing for their needs.

Using Alain Robbe-Grillet’s 1976 nouveau romain Topology of a Phantom City as a provocateur, an experimental architectural design for the inhabitants of Baruni Dump in Papua, New Guinea recognises that yesterday’s future has indeed become today’s present. And for us to survive, it is now the role of architecture to provide for today’s tomorrow.

25

M . A r ch (p r of )

marco duthie th e forg otten empire

Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are still inhabited, which can lead to new architecture being constructed that damages the site both archaeologically and environmentally. Forcibly removing these buildings is hampered by debate over the right of the inhabitants to live there. These are considered to be ‘living heritage sites’, the inhabitants serving an important role in continuing the ‘intangible heritage’: social practices, music, rituals, language, etc. UNESCO’s mandate to protect, conserve and manage these sites can be at odds with the development and economic needs of the local populations.

This thesis looks at one such site, Vijayanagara, City of Victory in Hampi, South India. The greater site is 236 sq kms and incorporates one small city, 28 villages and a total population of 59,941 inhabitants. The archaeologically significant central core of the site covers an area of about 40 sq kms and is inhabited by 24,000 people. It includes 10 guest houses, 15 small hotels, more than 140 shops, 47 houses and an ashram. This core zone has had a major impact on enhancing the economy of the site through tourism. But unregulated development is also damaging the site, and in 2012 the government demolished many of the shops and more than 300 inhabitants were forcibly evicted.

This thesis argues that contemporary buildings within World Heritage Sites can be designed to actively protect the ruins within which they are placed, rather than further damaging them. It also argues that they can be designed to integrate visually within the ruins without losing their own unique contemporary identity.

The thesis proposes that this can be achieved by incorporating and reinforcing natural features of the site into the architectural design; actively protecting vulnerable areas of the site by ‘curating’ them as special protected features; enhancing the historic narrative of the site by strategically framing elements that may not have previously been noticed or understood; and by re-presenting the contemporary architecture as another important chapter in the on-going history of a ‘living heritage’ site.

26

reflections of the future i Supervisor: daniel brown

27

M . A r ch (p r of )

george goodwin inh abiting the mac h ine

Like many cities across India, Chennai (capital of Tamil Nadu) has two tiers of slums — those with official government recognition and those without. Slums with official government recognition are then further categorised to either be objectionable or unobjectionable. Recognised slums receive government funding to provide new tenements and basic services on site. But recent studies have shown that 4.8 sq km of the Chennai metropolitan area are comprised of either unrecognised or objectionable slums. The current government strategy is to forcibly relocate families from unrecognised or objectionable slums to large-scale, high-rise settlement colonies on the distant outskirts of Chennai. Numerous civil society organisations, however, have documented that eviction and relocation results in extreme trauma for these families. The Transparent Chennai Project at the Institute for Financial Management and Research in Chennai argues that: “A far more reasonable strategy would be to once again implement the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Act in the spirit that it was written, and start to recognise slums and improve them in situ” (Raman and Narayan).

This thesis proposes that architectural design can improve conditions for Chennai’s urban poor without resorting to forced relocation. It argues that a new framework for slum housing can be designed that is capable of: protecting slum dwellers from environmental disasters such as rising sea levels, storm surge, and tsunamis; mitigating environmental pollution to improve hygiene; and providing economic sources of fresh water and energy through sustainable means. It further argues that this framework can be achieved in a culturally sensitive manner by acknowledging traditional and historically significant regional architectural typologies.

28

reflections of the future i Supervisor: daniel brown

29

M IA

adam kingsbury

This thesis investigates how strategically placed architecture interventions can productively regenerate neglected industrial buildings during times of social need. Economic viability requires such spatial interventions be multi-functional, as emergency relief is required only sporadically.

switc h house

Multi-functional interventions maintain the building’s relevance between disasters.

With recent technological advances, old industrial buildings are increasingly becoming abandoned as their technologies become obsolete. This Interior Architecture design-led research master’s thesis argues that abandoned historic buildings are not devoid of value, but instead have the potential to provide an effective solution to the need for emergency disaster relief. It also argues that the strategic reclamation of abandoned industrial heritage buildings will provide the greatest benefits for a sustainable future – and for their communities – if they actively address and take responsibility for the environmental, social, cultural, heritage and crisis management issues that are all fundamental for a sustainable future.

This thesis investigates how strategically placed architecture interventions can productively regenerate neglected industrial buildings during times of social need. Economic viability requires such spatial interventions be multifunctional, as emergency relief is required only sporadically. Multi-functional interventions maintain the building’s relevance between disasters. The abandoned Glenwood Power Station on the Hudson River in Yonkers, New York is particularly suitable for this investigation given its history, and its location at a site where emergency housing was most in demand during Hurricane Sandy.

30

reflections of the future i Supervisor: daniel brown Daniele Abreu e Lima

This thesis proposes that as industrial buildings are typically designed to structurally withstand vertical and lateral forces more readily than most, they offer valuable ready-built opportunities for providing refuge for disaster scenarios.

The thesis also argues that these abandoned buildings represent important chapters of a community’s heritage. As such, their past programmes should inform and cooperate with any intervention. Successful resolution may require mimicking, engagement with, or completely masking, the historical elements of the industrial building to address the relationship between modern public intervention and historic industrial building.

The thesis will investigate theoretical writings and relevant case studies that test the integration of contemporary architecture within historic industrial settings to suggest the best approach to revive an abandoned industrial site to act as a relief centre when crisis hits.

The objectives of this thesis are to investigate how the architectural design of a large abandoned urban industrial building can be adapted so it can: • Be used to aid society during and after a natural disaster; • Aid with the reintegration of temporary refugees back into the community; • Be sustainable and self-sufficient in terms of food, water and energy during a disaster; • Encourage the economically viable reintegration and restoration of abandoned industrial buildings; • Invite the reuse rather than destruction of abandoned industrial architecture and to protect their heritage value for the community.

31

M . A r ch (p r of )

Franklin Mwanza Guardians’ Awakening

The abandonment of mines around the world with inadequate closure planshas left permanent scars on the landscapes they occupy. These once prevalent economic beasts are leaving behind toxic waste, scars and skeletons on the landscape.

This thesis explores such a site, Kabwe, nestled in the central Province of Zambia.

Kabwe was a town developed in the early stages of the century as a result of the booming mining industry inherent in colonial Zambia. Over its working 88 year life-span, the mine millions of tonnes of heavy metals. The unregulated dumping of waste tailings from the processed mined ores throughout the life of the mine resulted in an environment that is now toxic and unsafe for the nearby inhabitants.

The closure of its mine in 1994 from falling market prices, resulted in an economic downturn and ultimately a high unemployment rate of the town.

32

reflections of the future i Supervisor: daniel brown

Nearby informal settlements of the Kabwe district known as shanty towns, are inhabited by the unemployed and poverty stricken scavenging for ores they can sell to provide for their families as a source of a very low income. This high-risk occupation earns approximately US$0.25 for 25kg of zinc and around $1.25 for the same weight of coal. The presence of lead and zinc and other heavy metals in the tailing dumps is resulting in the poor health of these people who have no choice but to inhabit the mine in order to survive.

This thesis examines how architectural interventions can be designed to actively create a better environment for the impoverished people inhabiting the mining site. It also examines how this can be done in a manner that helps heal cultural wounds inflicted by the mines legacy through a narrative structure that encourages the inhabitants to be spatially active in configuring their environment.

This thesis argues that this can be achieved through a habitational framework that reclaims the mine site, returning it as a healing device to its socially isolated inhabitants; providing habitats for safer and more humane living with self sustainable architectural means; formulating memory devices that help reintegrate them back into a community, addressing the cultural duality of the site and integrating contemporary cultural realities with traditional cultural beliefs.

33

m ia

tomoki takei out of the east

Post-war economic shifts and modernisation of industrial technologies caused many of New Zealand’s rural industrial buildings to become run down without any acknowledgement of their heritage value. These historic buildings have been abandoned due to their original programme no longer being viable, with the surrounding landscape often infiltrating the buildings until they enter into a state of wild decaying ruins with no separation of inside and outside. This thesis argues that standard approaches to complete restoration could remove important aspects of the heritage buildings’ decay while also disabling our ability to connect to the story of the ruin’s abandonment. It also argues that the qualities resulting from the building’s abandonment and ruin are an important part of the building’s on-going heritage, which are vulnerable to becoming lost forever.

The thesis investigation site of Tokomaru Bay is a rural town on the coast of the Gisborne region. The sheep freezing works of the town were closed and abandoned in 1952 resulting in a decrease in population from 1427 to just 393 people. After its closure the buildings have been left to decay in the overgrown landscape. This thesis examines ways in which decaying rural industrial buildings can be given a new programme to become economically viable again, without losing their meaning or their original heritage qualities. The Japanese philosophies of Wabi-Sabi, Ma, and In-Ei celebrate qualities of impermanence, transition and darkness that have come to define New Zealand’s abandoned rural industrial buildings. The thesis investigations will explore how these three Japanese philosophies, when integrated together, might offer a new approach to revitalising the buildings – safeguarding the qualities of decay, spatial ambiguity and darkness

34

reflections of the future i Supervisor: daniel brown

while also making the buildings habitable once more. Applying these philosophies to the interiors of abandoned heritage buildings may help depleted rural communities regain their sense of identity as a community. This thesis takes the position that New Zealand’s rural abandoned industrial heritage buildings within declining communities should not simply be restored to their original condition, because the story of abandonment and ruin is an important chapter in the story of the building, and the community’s story as well.

The principle aim of this thesis is to investigate ways that these three Japanese philosophies can be used to generate interior interventions that safeguard the story of New Zealand’s rural industrial heritage buildings while restoring the identity of the rural community that it represents. Overall the main objectives of the thesis are to integrate the Japanese philosophies of Wabi-Sabi, Ma, and In-Ei to: develop design ideas that safeguard the story of the abandoned industrial heritage building; provide spatial experiences that enable the people to intimately connect to the story of the abandoned building; engage new architectural interventions as contemporary occupants of the ruined building; become an active participant of the on-going story of the building’s heritage; and provide a new programme that rejuvenates the building economically.

35

m la

DANIEL WHATNALL A RISING STORM

The need to orientate ourselves near the water’s edge has defined the foundations of the way we live. A large percentage of urban development and infrastructure in New Zealand is located either on or around its coastal edges. This alone presents an interesting argument when acknowledging their relationship to current research on sea level rise and increased vulnerability to climate change related flooding. Although a global problem, as an island state, New Zealand has a notably large number of sites that confront this problem.

When large storms hit these coastal edges, higher sea levels will mean greater inundation and bigger, more powerful storm Wellington is one of New Zealand’s most prone cities to sea level rise due to its location and relationship to the sea. The proposed site for this design research thesis is the Kilbirnie Isthmus, enclosed between Evans and Lyall Bay, three kilometres southeast of Wellington City. This thesis recognises the site’s low lying topography, historical edge reclamations and coastal bays on both sides that were once connected through the submerged isthmus. Thus, there is a greater level of susceptibility these hazards in comparison to other current Wellington coastal sites such as Island Bay and Centre Port. It is the areas of urban and commercial development as well as crucial transportation networks such as the Wellington Airport and roading infrastructure that are most vulnerable.

The threat of infringing sea levels at both edges of the isthmus provides an opportunity to critically consider how landscape intervention can begin to engage with flooding while still integrating and accommodating land based activity. This design-led investigation proposes to systematically modify the existing fabric of the isthmus to redirect and control flow from inundation and storms in an aim to minimise damage to coastal communities and key infrastructure networks. There is a need to take action and develop an adaptive and defensive built environment, as the consequences of climate change will become increasingly evident and increasingly devastating.

36

reflections of the future i Supervisor: daniel brown bruno marques

37

M . A r ch (p r of )

ZAED AZNAM Th e Flipping Sequenc e of A Very Tall Structure

The impact of rising sea levels and perennial flooding in cities and low-lying urban areas is becoming more severe with the increasing threat of global warming. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, these low-lying areas are among the poorest and most densely populated areas. They are often inhabited by the urban poor, with limited means and resources to survive devastating floods. Imagine, in the event of extreme catastrophic flooding in the future, how will these communities survive and continue to thrive?

Due to its low-lying coastal location, Kampong Muara Baru is slowly losing the battle to the increasing threat posed by flooding. The aging infrastructure currently in place, such as the water gate, flood pump, and embankments, are no longer able to cope with the increasing pressure. It is predicted that Kampong Muara Baru will eventually become submerged, as sea levels continue to rise.

This thesis proposes a thought-provoking conceptual intervention for a future kampong community under threat from catastrophic flooding, survive and thrive with an adaptable architectural intervention that can protect, shelter and support the community during and after such a disastrous event. It proposes an autonomous Neo-Futurist development based on the concepts of Ecotopia and Micro-Utopia, an intervention that is equally valid today as in a dystopian

38

reflections of the future i Supervisor: Daniele Abreu e Lima

future world. The intervention is presented as a sci-fi graphic novel to convey the dystopian narrative of the proposal since comic drawings allow design exploration to be free from restrictions and constraints of normality.

By exaggerating the current situation, it is envisioned – hypothetically – that after several disastrous floods, a catastrophic flooding event will eventually wipe Kampong Muara Baru off the map. The repeated floods leading up to this event have already served as a warning to the people to prepare themselves for the ultimate inundation. A blueprint design of a ‘floating house’ was devised and constructed by the community from the recycled components of urban infrastructure. The process of developing and perfecting the floating house will take several decades. Each generation will add onto the design, in order to perfect it according to the blueprint. Eventually, when the final catastrophic flood hits, threatening to wipe out the Kampong forever, the community will already be well prepared to face the disaster. These floating houses will allow the community to regroup and re-create their village in the new dystopian environment.

39

M . A r ch (p r of )

Carinya Feaunati e toe sasa’a le fafao return to paradise

40

Following the devastating tsunami of 2009 in Samoa many villages on the south coast of the main island Upolu were left in ruins, one such site is the heritage rich village of Sa’anapu. Five years on, the coastal front village is still in a state of ruin and the imminent risk of future tsunami have seen the relocation of families inland; away from the sea, the resourceful mangrove and their historically significant fale tele that once housed their ancestors. Many families who have rebuilt inland have inevitably abandoned their traditionally constructed homes on the beach front and opted for western influenced dwellings. This is due to high costs, traditional skill shortage and an underlying notion of the western influence that impedes small pacific island nations today. Although the increasing foreign aid being injected into the country for community development is a positive move to rebuilding villages they bring a western architectural typology. With this comes an alarming decline in the traditional Samoan craft of construction, spatial constructs and ultimately the desire of the youth to retain their built heritage.

reflections of the future i Supervisor: Daniele Abreu e Lima daniel brown

This design research argues that the rebuild process in devastated villages after a natural disaster presents a design opportunity to retain cultural practices in particular for a community in a heritage rich village. It also argues that culturally adapted and environmentally considerate design is vital in reinvigorating a displaced community but also encourages future sustainable development- culturally, economically and environmentally. The research tests a multi-disciplinary framework of environmental science and anthropology to inform the architecture of a hybrid master-guild carpentry and tattooing school.

The scientific approach seeks to mitigate the risks and vulnerability of the site in relation to the natural environment whereas the anthropologic approach has been the direct involvement of the Sa’anapu people through a sharing of knowledge, stories and aspirations for the future their village.

41

M . A r ch (p r of )

CORINNE LEE H EALING SPACES

The right to health as defined by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) includes any service or facility that helps to bridge the gap between health and sickness (OHCHR 25). Services and facilities such as medical care; access to clean water, food and sanitation; and the provision of shelter amongst other things are usually the first to come to mind. However, recent research - albeit still in a phase of infancy and limited in application to developed-world contexts - have hinted at a more holistic, community-level approach to healthcare delivery.

This is of particular interest to communities where healthcare access is threatened due to issues of poverty and disasters hampering progress towards better infrastructure and services. As access to healthcare is identified as intrinsically linked to the region’s vulnerability to disaster, research also considered the need for a wider disaster responsive approach. If the field of architecture seeks to be a service for all - not just for the rich as it once was there is a need to enquire of possibilities for therapeutic architecture to also be applied in a developing-world context.

The Javanese of Central Java, Indonesia are one such community that would benefit from such an intervention. Indonesia is a country plagued with many natural disasters, afflicting widespread damage and destruction to cities and villages seasonally. Many of these disasters arise from the string of volcanoes that form the east-west spine of the world’s most populous island. As a result of each disaster, the growing number of rural, lower-income communities are pushed further back into poverty and often even further away from access to adequate healthcare.

42

reflections of the future i Supervisor: Daniele Abreu e Lima

Given the time and resource constraints, the scope of the present investigation was intentionally left to remain relatively broad. While this meant that not all aspects could be researched to full resolution, it offered an otherwise unattainable view of how therapeutic architecture might be achieved in this new context. Conclusions of existing bodies of rigorously researched areas namely, evidence-based design, salutogenic design and phenomenology were studied, and a criteria of nine therapeutic and functional design goals were applied to the architectural intervention of a disaster-ready community health centre for a village in Tawangmangu, Central Java.

Programmatically, the health centre will deliver a two-pronged function. Firstly, prior to a disaster, the centre will serve as a hub for the region, providing both eastern- and western-based health services, as well as teaching, meeting, eating and living spaces. The design proposes a holistic response, which would provide access to primary healthcare within a therapeutic environment fostering community, and integration of the natural environment, to ultimately support patient healing and well-being. Secondly, in the event of a disaster, this preestablished building and program will strategically serve as a central refuge and evacuation point between western Mount Merapi and eastern Mount Kelud. As a central health hub, healthcare access can be made more readily available to rural communities. While the secondary post-disaster function does not immediately immunise locals from the inevitable natural devastation, the pre-establishment of a disaster intervention prior to the event of a disaster does allow for communitywide preparedness and resilience to limit the disruption of healthcare access caused by any natural disaster.

The research employed interviews with village locals, as well as workshops with a group of medical professionals who were invited to participate in a survey and sketching exercises for the health centre. Based on information drawn from these interviews, in-depth analysis of existing therapeutic architectural approaches, and precedents of similar architectural research projects, a series of multiple design outcomes were iterated to explore the most contextual design response. It was hoped the conclusions not only built upon and challenged the existing body of work surrounding therapeutic architecture, but also opened new opportunities for discourse in the field.

A time-honoured tradition in medicine exists where young doctors are sworn into the local physician board under the Hippocratic Oath. They swear, amongst other things, to ‘first, do no harm’. Perhaps as professionals to our society, we too have an equal obligation that our contributions first do no harm, and maybe, even help to bridge the gap between health and sickness.

43

M . A r ch (p r of )

henry d’ath the arch itec tural tech nician

This design led research aims to explore how architecture would respond if required to exist for five hundred years. Our current architectural methodologies tend to utilize a process that results in a paralyzed form, one that rests static within its landscape. This method of construction deals profoundly with permanence in a world that is constantly in a degree of flux. As a response, this body of research proposes the formation of a new settlement along the Kapiti coast of New Zealand. Here, experimental housing is tested against the dynamic environment New Zealand’s west coast offers.

Natural systems recreate the role of an architectonic mentor, as six design experiments test how we can reconstruct architecture in the image of natural systems. In an initial exploration, these design tests are theorised as ‘architectural animals’, aimed to convey notions of ‘the wild’. Obsessed with movement, each ‘house’ explores and familiarises itself with the adaptable nature our living world employs. Subsequently, these design tests will interact in a cycle, reminiscent of breeding, where the architecture will be deconstructed and rebuilt. This process of evolution attempts to mitigate natural events and their consequences which are both unknown and unpredictable at the present point in time.

This thesis argues that by following a precedent of natural systems, a settlement will become native to the environment, working in agreement with its context and community. Through this environmental diligence, a robust system of architecture will challenge the detrimental effects of time.

44

reflections of the future i Supervisor: simon twose

45

M . A r ch (p r of )

catherine hall se mi - permanent: a new model f or dairy housing / living?

46

New Zealand’s history has been heavily influenced by the agricultural industry; most recently with increased emphasis on the dairy sector. However, as the dairy industry expands into a more successful economic agri-business, smaller familyrun farms are increasingly replaced with more efficient and productive employee based “factory style” farming. The simultaneous downturn in the sheep industry has meant that many large farms in the South Island are being converting to dairy; ensuring a more economically sustainable future for agricultural families.

The scale change to larger operations with the requisite increase in numbers of employees has meant staff must be found outside of the immediate family.

As a result the evolving dairy industry is currently primarily comprised of temporary and migratory workers who move more frequently to follow the best job prospects. Often they move to locations where the housing is ill suited to their family composition. Currently, few houses in the agricultural sector meet the needs of today’s transient dairy workers. Seeking desirable and sustainable solutions this thesis examined the requirements of these transient workers, the challenges of home ownership and explored the potential for adaptable temporary dwellings, whilst also installing a sense of permanence within communities to ensure a bright future for dairy farms.

reflections of the future i Supervisor: Jacqueline McIntosh

47

M . A r ch (p r of )

kelly lambert Reinvigorating Life: An Arc h itec ture for Y ounger Onset Dementia

Most people are familiar with dementia, but few realise that it is not just an old persons’ disease. Younger onset dementia (YOD) is defined as the onset of dementia before age 65, some afflicted are as young as 30. People with YOD often have children at home, were recently employed, are physically fit and have active social lives. There are currently no facilities in New Zealand for people with YOD, resulting in their institutionalisation in aged-care facilities withdrawn from the local community and environment. The loss of physical and social stimulation often results in confusion, high anxiety and a faster progression of symptoms.

Seeking to develop a specialised YOD facility, this thesis examines; existing literature across multiple disciplines, examples of successful YOD facilities internationally, and proposes both a participatory and iterative design method to establish how architecture can reinvigorate the lives of those affected by YOD and instigate a more socially responsive approach to design. This extends to the wider group of ‘lives’ including the care workers, the community and ultimately NZ. The need to provide architecture for memory, autonomy, and therapy was developed from the literature establishing key objectives for the design.

In response to the lack of community interaction, which occurs with existing dementia facilities, the thesis explores the possibilities inherent in Tschumis method of disprogramming. A garden centre is introduced to both contribute to and benefit from the YOD facility. The merging of YOD facility and garden centre in to an infinity loop offers continual interaction, establishes a stimulating environment, and reaffirms those affected by YOD as relevant and active members of the community. The thesis engages with the discourse on projective practice to regain memory, autonomy, and control for those affected by YOD, providing a reinvigorating architecture while simultaneously promoting a more socially responsive approach to design.

48

reflections of the future i Supervisor: Jacqueline McIntosh

49

ec olo gies d esign l ab

03

The Ecologies Lab will be investigating two types of ecology: what might be called ‘organic-natural-infrastructural-systems ecologies’ and ‘human settlement ecologies’.

The first is what we tend to think of when we mention ecology, there is an explosion of interest internationally across many design disciplines with many areas of investigation opening up. The second has only weakly been engaged with so far.

What will distinguish us is that we will embrace both and be experimenting with how to discover synergies between them.

It will be a multi-disciplinary investigation that both connects and freely moves between interiors, architectures, landscapes, cities and geographies.

03 urb an engine erin g syste ms + p ublic ecologi es

ec ol ogie s de sign l ab

s u p e r vi s or : P e te r Con no lly N i col e D a vi d s on . . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 5 2 E m m a van d e n E y k e l .. .... . .. . 5 4

m la

nicole davidson freedom within refinement: A mb i ti ously desig ning with th e hi ghly engineered ‘ hutt river’ to inform active river life

Rivers are complex systems that have been refined by the increase of development, resulting in strong flood protection methods. Flood protection has become a priority for river development, which often results in a disregard for the opportunities that rivers offer for public engagement and recreational activities. This creates large river landscapes that feel separated from urban life and limits the public’s ability to engage with the river at a personal or intimate scale. This is a valuable loss for any urban environment, as most would agree that public space is vital for healthier living, enjoyment and can be an economic asset for attracting visitors.

The Hutt River is a unique environment that possesses this issue and is the chosen site for this project which aims to explore this large and refined site. The refinement of the river corridor has directed the focus of the Hutt River towards protection rather than recreation. How can both be achieved for the benefit of the city and its users through ambitious urban design methods? Alongside the physical site conditions and site experiences, design considerations begin to emerge. One of these involves investigating the current practice of river design and how it can be pushed beyond the typical. The second is applying strategies for large landscapes that can engage with the public in terms of scale and the experience of the Hutt River.

52

ecologies design lab i Supervisor: peter connolly

Contemporary practice demonstrates the possibility of freedom for recreation within dense built environments and reveals ways of thinking outside of the box through incorporating flooding issues as a part of design rather than something to overcome. Therefore design can be a means for finding other methods of flood protection that better engage with the experience of a river environment.

These can be created by unrealistic design opportunities that can be re-shaped realistically on-site.

Some engineered river structures diminish opportunities for public engagement because they are so vast in scale and intermittent flooding limits recreational possibilities. Combined with economic limitations this is accepted rather than challenged, creating large river schemes that reject the sites tensions and challenges rather than utilising them. Rivers are diverse systems that have the possibilities to do more for a city if design is pushed past engineered limitations, to create valued landscapes that are publicly driven and inhabited. How can reshaping a ‘typical’ river approach inform design of urban rivers that utilises flood protection to create active public engagement of large river landscapes?

53

M . A r ch (p r of )

Emma Van den Eykel Ag ed Living Urbanism

New Zealand aged care is heading towards housing elderly in specially designed housing, such as retirement villages. Past practice of aged housing tended towards internally focused designs inserted into residential areas, that failed to connect residents with the wider neighbourhood. Instead, they promote age-segregation and perpetuate negative connotations of aged life.

Therefore, instead of focusing just within the boundaries of the site, the design strategy was to approach it from an urbanistic perspective, which highlighted opportunities that were then explored in the design. Investigating the wider needs of the Petone area presented cross-leveraging the need for more aged housing, while promoting stronger community interaction with the Te Mome Stream and the Hutt River walk to increase safety and public life along the stream, while also treating the contaminated stream. These opportunities informed master plan iterations that sought to benefit the whole study area and increase the potential for aged life.

Through this landscape analysis zones were identified as being suitable for independent housing where they could interact with and allow the spatial structuring of the public realm through the re-design of the stream. To be cost

54

ecologies design lab i Supervisor: peter connolly mark southcombe

effective and ensure adaptability to changing market demands, three-storey adaptable townhouses were designed that provided one and two bedroom apartments as well as co-share options. Each level was designed with key elements that were permanent, with the inclusion of demountable panel walls to enable easy removal or addition of bedrooms to respond to the current demand of housing.

The rest home typology developed through analysis of ‘homely’ design case studies and the testing of multiple form iterations. The final iteration sought to respond to the urban fabric while maintaining a higher density of units, by staggering heights and façade design to minimise the bulk. Additionally, the design sought to retain a sense of the ‘homely’ while avoiding a hospital-like façade.

Aged life is a complex issue with multiple factors influencing it, including current social and economic conditions, urban and architectural design. This thesis explored normalising the realities of ageing and how to incorporate aged housing into a neighbourhood. Aged care design should seek to embrace the wider community into their sites with public functions that allow for the opportunity of social connections to be made between residents and the public.

55

resp ons ive envi ro n m e n ts an d r o bo ti cs

04

04 responsive e nv ironment s

resp o nsiv e env iro nment s and ro bo t ic s

Jules M o lo ney + T ane M o leta M eng yue Lu.. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . 5 8

M . A r ch (p r of )

MENGYUE LU Fi lmi c Arc h itec ture - Moving Imag e + Mixed Reality

Problem Statement: In contemporary museums, curators use a variety of visual media to deliver content to their visitors. Although many museums have designed their online websites to help convey information to the remote visitors, seldom do they fully exploit the potential of digital technology. Emerging mixed reality (MR) technology has become popular recently in a number of areas, such as the entertainment industries, education and business sectors. MR can convey and extend information and experiences by augmenting physical environments with an overlaid virtual environment.

Scope: In this thesis, the area of research addressed is the use of mixed reality – the superimposition and interaction with information (textual, graphical, aural etc.) in the context of the contemporary museum. To explore the potential of mixed reality technologies for the augmented experience, the designs address has two parts: the physical environment and the virtual environment. The ‘physical’ in this context is the hierarchy and composition of the real museum building on site; and the ‘virtual’ is the extended information space embedded within this physical space through mixed reality, as well as the online ‘virtual museum’.

Proposition: This thesis proposes to explore how the museum experience can be augmented by the two-way integration of the virtual environment and physical environment to articulate a rich hybrid exhibition context by focusing on the relationship between architectural space and information space.

It is important to note that film is an important factor throughout my design research. It is well known that, film combines many important qualities of architecture such as the representation of space, physical dimension, light, sound and materials. Also the narrative and theatrical mode of film making provides a useful context for the designed museum, as it has the potential to make spaces feel like stages that encourage people to interact in dramatic ways. Mixed reality technologies potentially enable the filmic superimposition of extra layers of information and engagement. One of the closest precedents of such a museum context would be the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne. Unlike the traditional art museum, the cinematic experience of the museum space, time, light and sound there are infinitely reconfigurable.

Filmic analysis also informs the design methods used in this thesis. In particular, filmic editing techniques are studied and translated to provide architectural spatial transitions. Building on the precedent of Bernard Tschumi’s “Manhattan Transcripts”, which he translates architecture experience as “event-space”, this thesis investigates a series of photographs, diagrams and plans to translate the filmic language into architectural experience of space, event and movement.

Methodology: I have used research through design as the primary methodology for the thesis.

According to Downton (2003), the value of this methodology is to reflect and research on the design outcome, which becomes “a vehicle for acquiring and

58

responsive environments and robotics i Supervisors:Jules Moloney, T a n e M o l e t a

shaping knowing� that assists in forming the further design explorations. Research for design provides a practical and direct approach to explore a number of design interactions with deliberate strategies and to reflect on these to develop alternate design ideas and insight.

The entire design process has been organized in six stages and each stage will employ tactics of experiment and reflection, from which targeted literature and project reviews can be undertaken. These in turn, refine the proposition and simulate further design experiment. Within each stage, different ways of designing are applied to stimulate ideas on how mixed reality and the precedent of film might be used. The preliminary designs are undertaken in four stages. Physical models are used initially to quickly test the mixed reality concept. This is followed by a close analysis of film techniques in relation to architecture and interaction using mapping and diagramming techniques; SketchUp software for 3D conceptual modelling; a Unity3D game engine to enable the exploration of real time movement; and Vuforia software platform with a tablet device to enable the simple interaction between virtual and real environment.

After these four preliminary design stages, stages five and six build from these to enable the design of a ‘Museum of the Moving Image’ set in Civic Square, Wellington. This is undertaken using professional 3d computer graphics programs Rhino and GH plugin to generate both the real and the conceptual virtual environment. In addition, V-ray and Key shot renderers are used to produce realistic images of the architecture and to produce illustrations of the internal arrangement. The thesis concludes by reflecting upon the preliminary and developed designs relative to the research proposition.

59

hou s ing and p ub li c i n f r as tr u ctu r e

05

In broad terms, this topic deals with six interconnected urban development themes: • • • • • •

New settlement patterns and lifestyles which intensify and integrate Development potential of boundaries and other discontinuities in urban fabric Settlement forms in suburban, ex-urban and semi-rural areas Urban hybrids which explore new combinations of forms, spaces, activities & meanings Movement & exchange including relationships between architecture and infrastructure Issues emerging from a critical understanding of urban structure & history

05

m edium and hig h densit y ho using

s u p e r vi s or : K e r s ti n Thom pso n Cathe r i n e M oon e y .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 62 Am an d a P r i d e . . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 64 Char l otte S te p he n s .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 66

s u p e r vi s or : Fab r i ci o Chi cc a J a s on M a cq u e t. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 68

t he spaces bet ween

rig ht h er e: a h o u s i n g at l as f o r n ew zea l a n d and au s tr a l i a

ho u s i n g a n d p ub l ic i n f r a st ruc t ure

s u p e r vi s or : M or te n G j e r de Ge or gi a S an s on . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 70

M . A r ch (p r of )

Catherine Mooney IMBY : In My Bac ky ard

This thesis began as a proposal to increase density within the suburbs whilst maintaining core characteristics of suburbia. Initially this was explored through the study of historic suburban development, both local and international. The Hutt Valley, specifically the state house became the main focus. The study of these dwellings, along with broader explorations of development types lead to compact infill as the preferred solution. The resulting design objective became to develop a new typology of the Villa that makes good use of the smaller site associated with a subdivided lot. A further objective became to find balance between the continuity with, and the transformation of, current suburban lifestyles and suburban housing typologies.

A new villa typology is proposed with the most radical change being the reconfiguration of the internal layout. Fundamental to this change was an alternative arrangement of circulation and room. Robin Evan’s Translations from Drawings to Buildings proved particularly useful in challenging the use of the corridor over other devices relating one room to the next. The new proposed Villa integrates the hallway with multi-purpose space. Further in place of a single central corridor a cross-shaped hallway, each prong of a different dimension is used to link various rooms.

The key consequences are as follows: - A compact and affordable model that due to its internal flexibility offers more uses within a compact floor area (around 120m²) significantly less than the current average size dwelling of 219m² (Marriage).

62

housing and public infrastructure i Supervisor: Kerstin thompson

- The dwelling is adaptable and flexible allowing it to accommodate a variety of household demographics and the changes over its life-cycle.

- An extended interface between the rooms and the hallways to allow for greater choice and opportunity to vary the amount of overlap between more private and public areas.

- In combination, the cross formation of the hallway and arrangement of rooms produces a multi-directional plan with corresponding garden to all sides.

At both a micro and macro scale this project offers an alternative model of neighbourliness within the home where interface between public and private space can be overlapped. Similarly, the dwellings relationship to its neighbours, along with multi directional access, offers an alternative vision to suburban living that balances privacy with connectivity. It challenges the more traditional arrangement of front and back yard with a variety of perimeter landscapes to accommodate a variety of uses and manage the preferred threshold between neighbours whilst defining private, common and public space. ‘IMBY’ offers a critique of suburban living today. It provides a case study design, which tackles the need for dwellings to consider a large variety of demographics, neighbourliness and open space in their design.

63

M . A r ch (p r of )

AMANDA PRIDE slope sy stems

Wellington is founded upon a variety of sloping topography. This has provided a distinctive setting for the city, resulting in building stock and patterns of settlement specific to this condition. This research explores alternative methods for building on sloped sites by developing a system; one that is adaptable and able to respond to the topographic variations of a site.

The purpose of the system is to provide a set of parts and a method for arranging them; creating an integrated and interconnected network of built form, circulation and landscape with a continuum of interior and exterior spaces. It is proposed as an alternative to the more conventional approaches of building on slopes.

In the first part of the thesis a system and associated methodology is developed for building on sloping sites. The system is comprised of two parts: the unit and the corresponding links. The units allow the system to adapt down the contours of the site, while the links provide adaptability along the contours. Application of the system is determined by site specific conditions, enabling a best fit for slopes.

Each individual part can also be connected internally to create an infinite variety in the sizes and types of dwellings; whether across or down the contours, or a combination of both.

The final part of the thesis applies the system to a site on Evans Bay Parade, for residential development, to test its effectiveness in meeting the objectives.

Research processes have been design based and involved a continuous process of testing and reflecting. Each stage and iteration within it has been evaluated against the core thinkings and aims of the research. This has determined the final outcome; a responsive Slope System for Wellington City.

64

housing and public infrastructure i Supervisor: Kerstin thompson

65

M . A r ch (p r of )

charlotte stephens Hi dde n In Plain Sig ht: Revealing A Modernist Project

“Transforming an existing property…represents the only opportunity to go much further in the design of new ways of living” – Anne Lacaton, Lacaton Vassal (Ayers).

The population of high-rise, Modernist slab-block housing has reached a critical life stage – presenting the choice of refurbishment or demolition. Many of New Zealand’s high-density housing models sit abandoned and derelict. Currently there exists a huge demand for high-density, quality, inner-city housing and New Zealand’s ageing stock of Modernist high-rises presents an opportunity for meeting this pressing contemporary demand for housing.

This research explores the potential of these Modernist housing projects to be repaired, improved and reformed to meet today’s demand and aspiration for higher density residential development.

In the mid-20th century, the international agenda of Modernism reached Wellington. The agenda promised a progressive model for housing offering higher amenity than its low-rise predecessors, which for too long had been deemed sub-standard. Modernist buildings, inspired by international models, were built.

They were alien to cities consisting primarily of low-rise suburban development.

The Gordon Wilson Memorial Flats on The Terrace in central Wellington typify this era –particularly the slab-block typology. Designed in the mid-1950s by the Ministry of Works, under Government Architect F. Gordon Wilson, the block rose 11 stories and comprised 82 state flats. The flats remained in use, without radical alteration, until 2012, when they were declared structurally unsound, sub-standard, and thus too dangerous for habitation. The flats were ultimately evacuated, leaving the building’s future unclear.

66

housing and public infrastructure i Supervisor: Kerstin thompson

The thesis devises a methodology based on the analysis of Modernist slab-block housing, in particular its key case study: the Gordon Wilson Memorial Flats.

The methodology has five major focus areas – context, circulation, common space, structure and maisonette/unit – that have been extrapolated from specifically Modernist concerns in slab-block, high-density housing.

These major focus areas each have three levels determining the extremity of design intervention necessary in the building – repair, improve and reform – and these are based on Modernist conservation principles.

The project proposes transformation of existing Modernist slab-block buildings, such as the Gordon Wilson Memorial Flats, into a contemporary housing typology – a reinvention of ground-breaking Modernist design to fill a contemporary demand.

67

M . A r ch (p r of )

Jason MacqueT S tate of Flux – Rescuing Nelson’ s Waterfront

The neglected coastal edge of the industrial port landscape has left behind unreceptive scars on the city’s urban fabric. These prominent locations are pivotal links between coastal township and the sea; they are being lead into disarray.

This thesis explores a site of these characteristics, Nelson, nestled between the Southern Alps at the top of New Zealand’s, South Island. The compact and intimate geography of the Nelson region, resulted in the city growing central to its port in the early beginnings. But, due to thriving local exports the port hastily expanded. Now in changing the sprawl has resulted in vast areas of disregard which has distanced the city and the people from the water and taints the pristine image of the Nelson Haven.

This thesis examines how a carefully considered architectural design can reintegrate this pivotal location back into the city’s urban fabric while reinforcing the underlying relationship between the people of Nelson and the water. This thesis utilises the sport of rowing with its dependent relationship to the water as the catalyst to reconnect the people of Nelson to the water. This thesis achieves this by exploiting the perceived experience of materials, space and time through the architectural dialogue with the waters duality; the Nelson Haven’s tidal movements, alternating currents, and the exchange at the interface between the water and the architecture.

68

housing and public infrastructure i Supervisor: Fabricio Chicca

The selected site is on Nelson reclaimed port land within a prominent location featuring 270Ëš panoramic vistas of the Nelson Haven. The architectural programme of rowing requires a facility comprised of three wings; clubrooms, storage, and a training centre. This project separates each of these programmes and allows each to deal with the water in a different way; looking over the water, letting the water in and flooding the interior, and drifting on the surface of the water.

Behind the rigor of rowing there is a deeply rooted connection to the water and intern this emulates itself as a connection to place. The architectural challenge has been to imbue the design with such qualities so that the community of Nelson feels associated with these same notions through the strength of connection to the water. This thesis further argues, that this framework of architectural experience has the potential to serve as a catalyst project to rejuvenate and reintegrate the city of Nelson with its prime waterfront locations.

69

M . A r ch (p r of )

georgia sanson Integ rated Territories

Watts Peninsula is a nationally unique cultural heritage site situated on the northern end of Miramar Peninsula, Wellington. The abundance of recreational links, natural values and military history that comprise the area make this landscape one of significance. There are two sites considered in this research inquiry; the site of the ammunition magazines above Shelly Bay, and the former Women’s Reformatory Prison on Point Halswell. Having largely been in New Zealand Defence Force hands for over 125 years, the controversial debate of changing the land tenure of the abandoned site creates significant opportunity to investigate how it might be developed for residential purposes. The challenge is to do this without impacting severely on the recreational open space and natural amenity the site currently offers.

The design ambitions of this thesis deal with two coexisting enquiries: * How to engage architecture with the heritage values/ identity of a site * How to integrate architecture between built and natural landscapes Blending into their surroundings with an indestructible, monumental status, the current state of military infrastructure within Watts Peninsula has a noteworthy presence, standing as evidence of New Zealand’s military history. As a consequence, the design intervention adopts an integrated approach to this identity. Here the natural landscape itself and its embodied heritage features are treated as an incentive for design and the comprehensive study between the man-made environment and the natural.

70

housing and public infrastructure i Supervisor: Morten Gjerde

The New Zealand Defence Force’s historic ammunition magazines are currently the only usable structures on site that lend themselves to adaptive reuse. The first intervention experimented with three of the ten. The structures provided a challenging opportunity for a direct alliance between the historic and the new build. Re-using the majority of the structure from the first magazine’ approached from Shelly Bay for a café provides a viable programmatic function so parts of the abandoned structure could be retained for public interest. The remaining two magazines have been developed into unique detached housing, preserving elements of the structure into active, working elements of the architecture that act as historic reminders of the past. These moves conceived for each of the three design proposals were formed through a specific response to the selected site and vary for different site conditions.

Focusing on ways medium-density housing can engage with the history of a site and integrate with the natural environment, the second intervention proposes to actively utilize and reinterpret the former site plan of the Women’s Reformatory Prison as a means to create a more meaningful environment. This strategy allowed the intervention to respond and engage fully with the history of the site as well as provide a unique housing experience. The relationship between public recreational space, private open space and communal areas were central concerns with medium density housing being selected because it offers social, sustainable living and spatial benefits.

Watts Peninsula’s layers of history have created an iconic multifaceted landscape The main intention of this research was to engage architecture with established contexts in ways that actively continue the legacy of the past into the present.

By responding to the tangible and visual dimensions of these landscapes, a concomitant relationship between history, urban planning and architecture can be realized, one that responds to the existing sense-of-place and continuity it conveys. The research becomes relevant to national concerns because it represents the core of many architectural and urban development issues. These issues include adaptive re-use of military structures, engagement with heritage values and modern urbanization in a natural setting.

This thesis concludes that by considering landscape in the broad sense as well as the histories of how the site has been previously developed, housing can be better integrated into its prevailing context and simultaneously play an important role in engaging with imperatives and former histories of a site. This will ultimately be one of New Zealand’s most inspiring sites for potential urban development. Superb architectural design within this wonderful environment will be critical to that vision.

71

bui ldi ng tech nol o g i e s an d m ate r i al s

06

This stream seeks beauty and logic in the architectural realm.

The supervisors bring design practice experience from different scales – components, furniture, interiors, architecture and urban, their common philosophy being the melding of the poetic and pragmatic.

The interest in materials and architectural technology is not intended to supplant other important spatial design activities and goals. Instead, it may be that students can incorporate thinking about these matters early on to drive their design development.

It is also intended that students will progress their spatial design proposals at a pace that will enable issues of detail and making to be explored within the allowable timeframes.

06

re-f ab f ield

building t ec h no lo gies and mat erials superv iso rs: M ark So ut hco mbe + T ane M o let a Nicho las Ayres. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. . 74 Lu Cheng. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 76 Lauren Hickling .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. 78 Angela Penning t o n. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 80 Henry Read. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. 82 Jam es T ing .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 84

M . A r ch (p r of )

Nic Ayres Dwelling in th e City : To wa rds an integ rated medium den sity h ousing environment

This thesis responds to the shortcomings of current medium-density housing in allowing inhabitants to adequately experience the external environment. An iterative design-led investigation pursues a new form of medium-density housing that facilitates ‘dwelling’ in the sense of Norberg-Schulz’s use of the word: Man dwells when he can orientate himself within and identify himself with an environment.

The investigation was initiated with the intention to strengthen the potential relationship between an inhabitant and the external environment to lead to a lifestyle that benefits from an integration of internal and external qualities.

Two hypothesised imperatives were utilised: (i) the physical relationship between the internal and external environment; and (ii) the quality and identity of the housing whole; against which the progressive designs were examined.

The developed design demonstrates medium-density housing as a cohesive environment. Findings identify an issue in medium-density housing to be the treatment of internal and external environments as separate. Providing a cohesive environment, boundaries between the two physically defined environments are blurred, unifying an inhabitant’s experience. ‘Territory Design’ is utilised to establish the similarity between landscape and architecture – the character, framework and place, from which the unified environment is designed using tactics of ‘Tectonic, Narrative and Strata Design’.

Inhabitants dwell through ‘orientating’ within and ‘identifying’ with the cohesive environment. Likewise, it strengthens the relationship between an inhabitant and the external environment, as it ties the physical relationships between the internal and external together to be experienced as one.

74

building technologies and materials i Supervisors: mark southcombe,

tane moleta

75

M . A r ch (p r of )

lu cheng minimum + +

76

Living quality and experience in medium or higher density student housing in Wellington is suffering from the inconsiderate internal spaces and underutilised common areas. The aim of this design-led research thesis is to provide design solutions that would be able to improve the quality of life in local student housing in architectural aspects. Several precedents were documented and analysed in each design phase to state the design directions and goals. Findings from each proposed design scheme was taken as base to expand and develop the next iteration. The three design phases have covered iterations of different project scales. Started from the designs of individual units to a block-wide student village, the iterations have addressed the research question by suggesting three design strategies, which were hyper efficiency, transitional shared space and blurred boundary. The design proposals illustrated how these strategies would be applied in different scales and how they would make positive impacts in terms of improving the quality of life in compact living environment.

building technologies and materials i Supervisors: mark southcombe,

tane moleta

77

m ia

Lauren Hickling an arch itec ture of memory and surprise

The pleasure of dining radiates outward from the alimentary tract to encompass impressions of the food, table, room and the larger context… the cuisine and place conspire to intensify sensual experience, to consolidate and to elicit memories, to satisfy curiosity. (Anderson 248)

The well-situated meal, as described above by Alex T. Anderson, establishes the intention for this design lead research. To intensify sensual experience, rouse memory and appease curiosity this research responds to Anderson’s call for the design of place to balance the creation of the chef (248). These sensual qualities can also be identified in Peter Zumthor’s poignant architectural spaces and writing on atmosphere. The research explores Zumthor’s nine principles of atmosphere as tools to inoculate the well-situated meal with layers of design integration able to seduce and intensify atmosphere.

Anderson’s characterisation of the well-situated meal equally defines the scope of site, developing through increasing scales to embrace the plate, table surface, table and chair and full interior architectural intervention as manifestations of the well-situated meal. Through these increasing scales cuisine and place are directly consolidated through the application of theory surrounding gastronomic analogy.

Writing on this position is diverse therefore the approach develops three strategies; the sensory interaction of eating, the procession of courses within a degustation and a cuisines characteristic terroir.

78

building technologies and materials i Supervisors: mark southcombe,

tane moleta

The sensory interaction of eating will be the first gastronomic strategy, used to induce sensory interaction within the plate as sensual experience. Secondly the procession of courses within a degustation will be translated into a procession of dining spaces traversed in parallel to the courses. The final and most provocative strategy will consider terroir [ter-wahr], the French noun used to describe the unique qualities found in food or wine attributed to the environment it is grown or created within. This idea will be inverted to create a space manifested as terroir of the cuisine as a basis to translate gastronomy into space.

The final design outcomes play on sensual experience, curiosity and seduction to create an alternative dining experience seeping atmosphere whilst drawing on cuisine to create space which participates in Anderson’s well-situated meal.

79

M . A r ch (p r of )

Angela Pennington narrow: affordable home ownersh ip in th e city

Over the past few decades, the rising cost of home ownership in New Zealand has led to the crushing of our quarter acre kiwi dream, and New Zealand’s housing stock has been filled with large numbers of damp, cold, leaky homes 1.

Adding the Christchurch earthquake and Auckland housing shortfall, the situation is bleak for today’s first home buyers 2.

Recent research has revealed that the rising cost of land is significantly influencing unaffordability 3. Traditionally this has been met with either greenfield developments at the city fringe, or intensification of existing suburbs.

Christchurch’s flat terrain has favoured fringe developments, contributing to the city’s unsustainable sprawl.

Christchurch’s suburban nature has resulted in a dominant detached single-storey housing typology, even at the CBD perimeter. This typology is often wasteful of land with setbacks and larger dwelling footprints. Christchurch City Council is advocating intensification of the city’s empty core, providing an opportunity to discuss alternative housing types 4.

Narrow, and row housing’s long history of international success in affordability and efficient land-use provides an opportunity to explore affordable architectural expression for Christchurch 5. The vibrant, mixed-use, urban areas that narrow houses encourage, reduce transport use and are essentially anti-sprawl.

1. Bell and Southcombe, Kiwi Prefab, 141; Mitchell, The Half-Gallon Quarter-Acre Pavlova Paradise.

2. Bell and Southcombe, Kiwi Prefab, 141.

3. Page, “What’s Behind Rising Prices?” 49.

4. New Zealand Government and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, Christchurch Central Recovery Plan, 81.

5. Friedman, Narrow Houses, 178.

80

An iterative design methodology in this thesis explored width, length, height, orientation, and density. It found that the reduced driveway area, setbacks, interior walls and circulation space in narrow houses, contributed to their efficiency. Even at high densities, backyards, individuality, light, architectural expression, and self-governance were still possible with a narrow house.

Affordability measures included reduced land area, providing additional sources of income (space for boarders/ shops/ offices to let) and repetition.

building technologies and materials i Supervisors: mark southcombe,

tane moleta

81

M . A r ch (p r of )

HENRY READ (sub) Urban dream The suburban dream has defined the Kiwi lifestyle since early European settlement. However, New Zealand’s growing cities are making this form of living increasingly unobtainable.

The Auckland City Plan is aiming to create the world’s most liveable city. To achieve this, their Unitary Plan has proposed accommodating up to 70% of population growth within existing urban limits. A large proportion of new density is to be achieved through medium-density housing around existing suburban centres. However, current medium-density housing typologies fail to support the kiwi lifestyle. The combination of high growth and revision of Auckland’s new development strategy has created an opportunity to explore how mediumdensity housing can be reinvented to appeal to the kiwi lifestyle.

This thesis proposes an approach to suburban intensification which can achieve Auckland’s required density, as well as the ideals of New Zealand’s preferred suburban dream.

Initial explorations highlight three key ideals from the suburban dream; independence, expansiveness, and community. These ideals are compromised in current medium-density housing, and form key criteria for architectural critique throughout this research.

82

building technologies and materials i Supervisors: mark southcombe,

tane moleta

The work of Atelier Bow-Wow and their theory of behaviourology highlighted the need for a human dimension within architecture, and informed a methodology to drive individuality of dwellings throughout the design investigations. An iterative design methodology explored how the relationships between, and configuration of dwellings could efficiently utilise both ground and vertical conditions to strengthen the key suburban ideals. Further investigations explored how architectural elements could generate gradients of privacy, to reduce the distance required between dwellings. The expansive suburban yard was used to test how shared space could be articulated, and how its relationship to the dwelling can reinforce all suburban ideals. The final stage of the design extended the scope of the investigation to the surrounding context, highlighting significant findings and further opportunities for development.

Overall, the research suggests a methodology for designing medium-density housing which not only achieves ideals of the suburban dream, but demonstrates that medium-density housing can provide a lifestyle which addresses and exceeds suburban expectations.

83

M . A r ch (p r of )

james ting people’ s supermarket

Public markets were once a very important place to a city. However with the growth of the city and heavy usage of traffic, big-box supermarkets start to find its way into the city. The supermarket revolution had overtaken the public markets identity in most urban cities. However, due to recent events known as the supermarket bully-boy tactics, brought an awareness to the public. In result, the public starting to turn away from these chain supermarkets and start to support the local produce. However, even with the support from the public, public markets still find hard to grow within the urban city.

This thesis investigates how a hybrid building could be the solution for the public markets in the city from being evicted due to urban land development. This is investigated by incorporating the public market as part of the building’s design development. Besides incorporating the market into the building, the nature of the market as a public place needed to be retained.

As the chosen site for this project is situated in an area between two high activity neighborhoods, the project’s design seeks to channel the vibrancy from the surrounding area through the building. The research had identified several public programs other than the market to be integrated into the project’s design.

The aim is to design a vibrant urban public place, engaging with the people and building a sense of community within the inner city area.

84

building technologies and materials i Supervisors: mark southcombe,

tane moleta

85

con tempo rar y wo r k pl ace s / c orp or ate sp he r e s

07

In this research stream, students will analyse and develop new forms of workspace and new kinds of corporate environments. Our methodological point of departure will be centered on understanding a wide spectrum of office types, commercial building typologies, and corporate organization and activity. We will look at the historic emergence of corporate organization and space internationally, drawing from the work of Francis Duffy, and the significance of the post war period to office design (Mies/SOM), in particular the creation of the “scientific office building” which heralded the peak of functionalist doctrine and environmental optimization.

The concept of the “action office system” will also be important to our research.

Working digitally is an important aspect of this project and will aid the research at all levels. It will be our main vehicle for production and testing. There will be the opportunity to have crossovers into the parametric through fabrication. We will also collate formal repertoires and materials to aid in the design implementation and generation/ expression. Students will be expected to work across analogue and digital modes as part of a wider exploratory process.

07 pe rforma nce + pe rforma tivi ty

co nte mp ora ry w ork p l a c e s / c o r p ora t e sp h e re s

S U P E R VI S OR : Tob i as D a n i e l m e i e r R ob e r t B u d ge .. .. .. . 88

m la

robert budge finding a meaning a mong st wh at was lost: Re-de fining an industry and a regional identity

The decline of the traditional fishing industry in Northern Scotland has led to a corresponding decline in cultural identity and place attachment. (Scottish Government, “Socio-Economic Briefing on Rural Scotland“). This thesis aims to address a response to the change of the fishing industry, in the form of identity loss, and pursue a possible revitalisation driven by managing an industrial insertion which uses local aspects of place such as landscape types, climatic themes and cultural traditions as a medium to portray an experience with said industry. Balintore will act as a vehicle for the testing of this applied research as it exemplifies this trend in the Scottish fishing industry.

The landscape of Scotland is intrinsically tied to the cultural identity and therefore the sense of place which people possess (Robertson 154). Throughout the Gaelic language the landscape embodies a presence which transcends generations and fixates oral exchange. The fragments of Ossian by James Macpherson exemplify this concept as they portray a strong “metaphorical presence” even stronger than most characters in the poems (Okun 51).

“Attachments to place are intrinsic to identity, rather than to buildings or monuments. Periods of dispossession and being psychically absent from the landscape at certain points in the past at community, collective and individual levels have influence upon ‘sense of place’ (Robertson 154). This summarizes the importance of the role of landscape architecture in addressing a sense of identity in Scotland, and one which can be applied to the loss of a practice which once unified man with landscape patterns, characteristics, and rituals, such as the fishing industry.

88

contemporary workplaces i Supervisor: tobias danielmeier bruno marques

The 2010 Highland Coastal Development Plan acknowledges the ‘Landscape Resource’ of the Highland coast and the importance of ensuring a sustainable future for its small rural communities such as Balintore and explicitly states the support of aquacultural development. The plan identifies the importance of cultural heritage and their setting within the landscape to ensure education and the “cultural identity of communities” (The Highland Council 22). This thesis explores a method in which landscape architecture can revitalise a lost identity and nurture a sustainable industry in Balintore while also engaging with the landscape and cultural character.

The design research aims to explore how the manipulation of an existing industry can be used to not only reflect specificity of place but also reinforce elements of cultural identity. This thesis is testing if landscape architecture can structure an engagement with a product which conveys an experience of place using the landscape as a medium. The long term goal is that the resulting study can be applied as a framework for the application of identity revitalisation using an industrial driver in other small and site specific localities. This will be achieved by applying an already established aquaculture method, (bouchot mussel farming) and integrate it into the site using the existing geography and physical climate to structure an economically viable model. This structure will then be manipulated and adapted to adjust to the cultural and social environment of the settlement in relation to creating a range of experiences connected to the production of the mussel. It is the remnants of the industry’s past which provide cues to this thesis’s application. In addition the strong cultural and identity orientated nature of the fishing practice will be expanded in the aim of achieving the revitalisation of an industry that is now lost.

In the process of executing this research, the application of the current discourse of place identity and place making will be investigated as the theoretical backbone to the design. Principally the theory of Critical Regionalism as defined

by Lewis Mumford will act as a way to spatially approach the expansive literature on place making. In addition the writing of Doreen Massey and Tim Ingold provide an interdisciplinary view of the subject, one that takes into account the relationships between people, as well as the environment.

The scope of this project is defined by the application of the design driver: the industrial insertion in the form of mussel farming. However the nature of the issue is one that bridges so many disciplines that an attempt to address every facet would compromise the effectiveness of this thesis. Therefore the scope will be limited to revitalising place identity in Balintore, employing the experience of place to create identity. The industry forms strict parameters which influence design interventions and the way that they address place making.

89

theor y and h ist o ry

08

08 bo d y o f wo rk

Superv iso rs: Christ ina M ackay + Philippe Cam pays Alana Ing lis. . .. .. . .. 9 6

indep endent supervision

Superv iso rs: Sim o n T w ose + Jan Sm it heram Dinushi Kum arawansa. ... 92 M o lly M arsall. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. ... 94

body a s site

t h eo ry and h ist o ry

superv iso r: Pet er Wo od M at t Rit ani.. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. 98

M . A r ch (p r of )

Dinushi Kumarawansa a n arch itec ture of kinetics

1. William Zuk, and Roger H. Clark, Kinetic Architecture (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1970), 3.

2. Adam Hardy, “The Expression of Movement in Architecture,” The Journal of Architecture 16 (2011): 472, accessed April 01, 2014, doi:10.1080/13602365.2011.598 698.

3. Peter Downton, Design Research (Melbourne: RMIT Publishing, 2003), 17.

92

Architecture is considered a permanent and solid structure incapable of responding and adapting to the constant changing needs of the user.1 This thesis questions the static nature of architecture and instead seeks to create a typology of flexible and dynamic architecture which engages the body with the built environment. The thesis focuses on the direct relationship between the body’s movement and architecture to understand how spatial experiences can be created in the built environment. In order to answer the thesis question how can movement be used to engage the body with architecture, investigations into architecture at the micro, medium and macro scale were completed. Two strategies of using movement; the physical and the contained (“conception/ perception of movement in the architecture”2) have been explored to understand which strategies work best at what scale.

This inquiry into how movement engages the body with architecture was investigated using a design through research methodology3. An iterative design process including model making, photography and sketches was used to create a body of work that tests architecture and movement. The results of this inquiry into movement in architecture were three architectural outcomes at three scales.

Firstly the design of a mobile installation tested the user’s personal engagement with architecture at a micro scale. Secondly a medium scale house was designed to test how movement could be used to create different experiences in one space. Finally the findings of these two outcomes were incorporated into the design of a macro scale transport hub that used movement to create spatial experiences and engagement for the user. The use of movement in architecture, enables user to have an engagement with architecture through the varying spatial experiences created in the space.

theory and history i Supervisors: simon twose,

Jan Smitheram

93

theory and history i Supervisors: simon twose,

Jan Smitheram

M . A r ch (p r of )

Molly Marshall a rchitec ture of perspec tive

The physical experience of space is very different to the plan or sectional view used by architects to generate design. The way in which we experience the world is three dimensional and perspective drawing offers a much closer reflection of space than the flattened world of plans and sections. This thesis explores the proposition of how perspective can be used as a driver for design as a way to challenge perceptions of space. Looking at how architects can design through experience, using view and perspective as a starting point provides an alternative way of considering design and ultimately generating architecture.

Through this thesis the proposition is tested through design led research.

Through each chapter research is related back to the proposition through an analysis of view, perspective and perception of space. This thesis starts by situating perspective and its role in architecture through key historical moments and contemporary use. This is followed by an analysis of key case studies, Georges Rousse, Adolf Loos and Zaha Hadid. Each of these case studies offers a unique approach to the treatment of view and perspective, as a way of challenging perception of space. To structure the design as research methodology, this thesis tests the proposition at three increasing scales. The proposition is first tested at the small scale, through the design and construction of a gallery installation. The second stage sees the proposition transferred to a house scale, before finally exploring the proposition through a public building design.

The result is three designs that test the thesis proposition at three different scales with perspective and view as fundamental drivers. These drivers are also expressed physically in the final outcome as they shape the form of the building.

The final design expresses an over emphasis of perspective in combination with view alignment as a way of physically activating the experience of the space and thus challenging the perception that architecture is experienced in distraction.

94

theory and history i Supervisors: simon twose,

Jan Smitheram

95

m ia

Alana Inglis BOUNDARY : a n ex ploration of embodiment

Embodiment | the testing and experience of interior architecture through physical interaction.

Interior spaces lack an intimate connection with the body. Enhancing the body’s significance within the design process gives interior architects the ability to create spatial experiences closer to the inhabitant by engaging with expressions of boundary; a negotiation of body, form and space.

This thesis investigates a method for designing from a body-centred perspective, in order to create outcomes that are more attuned to the body in space.

Embodiment is the means by which interior architects achieve a sense of bodily connection through design making. During embodiment the designer is present, interactive and responsive, encouraging the production of design outcomes engendered from the body for the needs of the body.

Following a framework of Body, Boundary and Negotiation, a series of intuitive design investigations observe, analyse and explore interiority from a bodycentred perspective. The design research further develops Embodiment as a methodology by applying it programmatically, focusing on the physical relationship between parent and premature infant in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

96

theory and history i Supervisors: christina mackay, philippe campays

The body acts as the site for design research, structuring a fixed point from which to test the experiences of interiority, re-identifying the physical and spatial boundaries of the body with form and space.

Developed through a process of making The First Skin structures wearable space upon the body. Together with the Receiver, its supporting inhabitable form, they nurture a sense of private/intimate space for parent/infant bonding to occur.

The Spatial Envelope critiques and develops the experiential potential of each final prototype via digital collage. A design conclusion acknowledging the effects of the existing NICU environment, discussing the spatial extents of the methodology whilst ensuring the body remains at the centre of our design processes.

97

M . A r ch (p r of )

matt ritani Kafka’ s Anubuim : death , anxiety and Arc h itec ture

Terror management theory asserts that western society is built upon a deep anxiety of death. This anxiety is manifest in a hero system that encourages the building of legacy. Legacy allows us to transcend our bodies and preserve our identity. This propensity for legacy contridicts the indelible fact that we are dying bodies. Architecture is a crystallization of death denial, attempting to surmount mortality through the conservation of cultural symbolic identity in built form. This thesis interrogates strategies for the inclusion of death anxiety in architecture.

Mining the architecture of Franz Kafka’s narratives, strategies for an architecture of anxiety are extracted. These strategies are speculated upon through a designed intervention in Pukenamu Queens Park in Whanganui entitled ‘Kafka’s Anubuim’. The Intervention is an architectural parkscape that faciltates the apprehension of death anxiety. The Anubuim leverages the sites historical role as an epicentre of annihilation anxiety to subvert its pervasive legacy. This legacy resides with the monumentality of its existing architecture.

This thesis resists legacy and argues for the importance of alternate architectural strategies for engaging with mortality, poignant in the centenary year of World War One. It seeks to address death anxiety spaitially as an emerging symptomatic condition of modernity. It posits that continual fluctuation between the familiar and the uncanny may erode architecture as a psychological anchor for legacy.

98

theory and history i Supervisor: peter wood

99

V ic t or i a U n i ve r s i ty of W e l l i n g ton Sc h ool of Ar chi te ctu r e po s tal a d d r e s s Sc h ool of Ar chi te ctu r e V ic t or i a U n i ve r s i ty PO b ox 600 We l l i n gton 614 0 ph y s i ca l a d d r e s s 13 9 Vi vi a n S tr e e t T e Ar o ca m p u s We l l i n gton we bs i te v ic t or i a. ac. n z / fa d ph on e + 64 4 4 63 6200

Pub l i s he d n ove m b e r 2015 Bo o k l e t d e s i gn b y Han n ah W ol te r