Abstract:
Auckland is expected to be severely affected by ageing issues in the next 20 years. Loneliness and social isolation are often prevalent in the older age group. Recent research has shown that the societal factors associated with loneliness and social isolation are related to our current way of living. Future housing solutions have both challenges and opportunities in the area of addressing the social well-being of the population. The thesis was instigated by the effects of the housing typologies in the Auckland suburbs. The low-density, detached dwellings that are typical of the area have been historically constructed in isolation from each other, which significantly limits neighbourly interactions within the community. Therefore, a return to communal living has a crucial role in minimising the private consumption of space to foster the development of mutual values among the residents. The shared use of common spaces is seen as being desirable to nurture social practices in forming neighbourly relationships. In the thesis, an alternative living system is established, with the fascination with streetscapes influencing the interest in improving people's perceptions regarding transition spaces. The design suggests a communal living model in Browns Bay, Auckland. The collective living arrangement proposes a mixed-use residential development in response to the suburban context. In this proposal, the interrelationship between common and transition spaces is defined by the creation of the 'in-between' spaces. An emphasis is placed on the innovation of common spaces to encourage social connectedness between several generations. Thus, architecture for communal living should enrich a sense of community through collective human life and activities, which in turn can maximise the possibilities for social interaction and exchanges between the residents.