Abstract:
Today one arrives at their solution, desire or destination quickly and efficiently, losing the value of the journey and experience of residing in the liminal in-between. In an age of instant knowledge/communication/travel/noodles the liminal is restricted to the landscapes, physically and culturally, that facilitate this rapid transience. This thesis argues that the transience of liminal landscapes are of value as they offer society a reprieve from the drudgery of the everyday. The value of the liminal is in its ability to rejuvenate the individual, the ability to step away from the pace and responsibilities of the everyday and live in the moment. Through the critical exploration of relevant literature, artistic and architectural precedents, and experimental research through experiential driven design, the importance of the conditions of escape are revealed. The disregard of the value of the liminal is rife in many aspects of modern society; this is especially true in the tourist development of the New Zealand coastline. The design portion of this thesis addresses coastal developments disregard of its liminal essence and its resultant degradation of the places passed through. Concentrated on the coastal settlement of Tutukaka, Northland, which acts as a resort, service centre and suburban bach Mecca, this author investigates what it is to authentically reside in the liminal on the New Zealand Coast. This thesis serves to recapture the essence of the explorer rather than the quick gratification of arriving.