Abstract:
This thesis provides insight into Biophilic design; a design tool not frequently used or explored as of yet but one that offers great potential as a way to perceive and design the built environment for future communities. This leads into an investigation about the kaitiakitanga (guardianship) relationship between Maori and nature, and how Biophilic design elements can be used as a tool to revitalise that connection. Conclusions drawn from the principles of both Biophilic design and cultural values create a uniquely sustainable approach that inspires cultural and ecological revitalisation for a particular residential site. This residential design proposition has been developed for the Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei iwi who have been granted several parcels of prime real estate on the Devonport/Takapuna peninsula for future development towards the re-housing and bringing together of their people. Across New Zealand iwi have been slowly regaining parcels of land for community development, with the hope to encourage the value of papakāinga and breathe new life into the future well-being of its people. This has been achieved by implementing the theory of Biophilia as a design guideline to produce a community that re-establishes an ancestral bond to nature, and is inspired by natural processes and patterns. Such a bond provides physical and spiritual benefits towards cultural and ecological revitalisation by reconnecting people to the landscape in their living environments and community buildings. The well-being and health of the community will then thrive as the ecology flourishes, and positive energy is produced for future growth and development. This residential design looks towards the future, offering flexibility and choice in regards to housing type while providing support systems and networks. The research conducted exhibits an example of how this relatively unheard of theory successfully manages to revitalise a lost connection between mankind and nature, as well as between culture and tradition by designing for and from the landscape and its inhabitants.