Abstract:
The house is one of the most powerful typologies in the architectural realm that suggests paradigms as to how individuals live.1 Residential design in particular has recently begun to refocus on the efficiency in our day to day lives. This thesis investigates on a adaptive community design that can provide an efficient lifestyle through the methods of sharing, flexibility and recycling. The design principles and the construction methods of Chinese vernacular dwelling are the foundation of this investigation. This research begins with an analysis of the standard Chinese vernacular dwellings, which were built by the locals. The dwelling is able to mediate conflicts within the multi-generational living condition by using composition to separate different generations. Therefore, this project will propose a community design that encourages sharing and efficiency. Within this community, each household will only occupy space and resources needed for their current situation, sharing agreed spaces with a neighbour. Individuals have a responsibility to understand the value of efficiency, and only using what is necessary. It will create a lively community and promote the local economic by creating workspace within the housing fabric. The proposed project is located in the suburb of Millwater, Auckland. The design focuses on sharing spaces while maintaining sufficient privacy for the inhabitant. The masterplan composition is based on the local environmental conditions. Both communal and individual designs are based on a modular system. This allows recycling of construction materials and space between households. Each house is an 1 Catherine Slessor, “The House: Ancient Roots, New Paradigms”. Architectural-review.com, accessed April 16, 2015, http://www.architectural-review.com/the-house-ancient-roots-new-paradigms/8631810.article ongoing transformation to satisfy the inhabitant’s living requirement throughout their lifetime. The primary underpinning for such design is a willingness to share and contribute. As a result, the proposed community is able to offer efficient living conditions for each individual. The aim is to build a better community that encourages people to support each other.