Abstract:
Auckland is the most ethnically diverse region in New Zealand, with a significant increase in the number of Asian immigrants in recent decades. The 2013 census indicates that Chinese is the largest Asian group with two-thirds of them residing in Auckland. Yet, there is little evidence to suggest that current housing designs are responsive to the needs of this particular group. For Chinese, a dwelling is not only a place for shelter and food; it is also a place for cultural expression where they can share their cultural values with the community on a regular basis to create ‘home’. Recent studies suggest that new immigrants tend to mix with people of a similar culture for a sense of security. Furthermore, the dominant Western housing model in New Zealand, which emphasizes individuality and privacy, discourages the interaction between Chinese immigrants and members of other communities. This isolation leads to loss of sense of belonging and Chinese immigrants are unable to feel part of the local community. The purpose of this thesis is to construct a concentrated community model that encourages interaction between Chinese immigrants and existing Auckland community members. The model of traditional Chinese courtyard housing (siheyuan) will be used as a basis as it is a culturally relevant form that increases the opportunity for meaningful contacts between community members. The interactions will be further improved by incorporating food-related activities into the courtyard spaces, for genuine contact within and between the communities through the process of growing, eating, learning, selling and buying. Being highly flexible in nature, courtyards are able to suit multiple needs and allow for future changes, which is important for Chinese immigrants who build and rebuild their identities continuously to adapt to the existing community. By opening the courtyards to public using perforated walls, the community will be able to share food, cultures, traditions and celebrations, to have a better understanding of cultural differences and to foster a sense of community over time. It is envisaged that by helping them to integrate into the host community, Chinese immigrants will have a sense of rootedness from which they can call Auckland ‘home’.