A Coastal Palimpsest

Abstract

Though increased intensification along the coast is usually regarded today as an idea to be opposed, the present research is carried out in the hopes of providing a new paradigm through which higher density can be compatible with New Zealand's coastal culture. The sprawling single detached house archetype for coastal occupation does not provide the necessary access to the coastal border that more concentrated development could. In order to address the limitations of the traditional coastal typology where universal direct access to the coastal border can be limited by sprawl, this research seeks to develop a sensitive response to the need for coastal density. Landscape is often misconstrued to be natural when in fact it is often quite the opposite. Landscape is an interpretation of site. This interpretation is dependent on understanding a site's ecological, anthropological and archaeological characteristics. The Ecological Landscape is perhaps the most common method of seeing the site and is commonly mistaken as being synonymous with nature. It takes into consideration the site's modified and natural features such as terrain and flora/fauna. Secondly, the anthropological facet of landscape considers its occupation and the political and social issues that affect the site. Lastly, a site's Archaeological Landscape takes into account the ways in which previous occupation has left an imprint on the present form through physical artifacts and the methods engaged to maintain a link to its past. Through investigation along these three threads, a site's true landscape is revealed is revealed as a sum of these aspects. Although any approach that calls into question a prevailing bias against increased development is likely to become controversial, such controversy need not be synonymous with conflict. Anuanced view of landscape can reconcile various biases towards or against intensive development on sensitive sites. Such reconciliation is critical if we are to avoid a standoff that is bound to result from the pressures of an ever-increasing population and limited space, coupled with a fervent protection for areas of scenic beauty - the consequences of an overly simplistic dichotomy between stasis and progress. Increased density often evokes ideas of confinement, which challenges the freedom associated with New Zealand's inherent coastal culture. Absolute protection of the coastal border prohibiting further development compromises a central tenet of the New Zealand lifestyle. Current regulations do not acknowledge the possibility of designing empathically with the landscape so as to enable increased density while preserving the bach lifestyle. An understanding of the the site's ecological character enable the programme of the proposed development to be implemented while adhering to its defined area. Investigations into the Anthropological Landscape reveal the site's layered occupation by Maori and European groups. Their modes of living provide the basis for tailoring formal and spatial design outcomes while the specific artifacts that have been found both on the site and in the vicinity are used to inform the underlying conceptual ideas and material characteristics. This expression of the site's landscape enables the contemporary condition to maintain a dialogue with the past. An in-depth relationship with landscape is necessary in order to design congruously in the contemporary New Zealand context. This is demonstrated through this proposal for higher density occupation on a sensitive coastal site. The resultant model expounds how opportunities for coastal living can be increased while preserving the values intrinsic to the New Zealand lifestyle.