The Cluster: An Invitation To Bridge Societal Isolation

Abstract

Society’s brew of quadratic formulas, double tapped hearts and endless propaganda has resulted in an elixir of exile, and it is flying off the shelves. The foundations of this thesis were concocted from the growing trend of dismissing the creative arts education in New Zealand - resulting in a large group of the population feeling as though they do not belong - consequently affecting their mental health. This is reflected globally, as the reputation of the arts is laced with inferiority when compared to science and technology. A key component of humankind’s survival is the ability to express emotion and feel a sense of community, which historically was conveyed through performance and dance. However, due to a growing stigma, creative opportunities are diminishing and consequently driving people to turn to the fantasy world of social media to get their creative fix. The fast pace of the world around us and the advancement of technology allows us to be swept away and influenced by information that we do not necessarily agree with, or need. Since people a part of Generation Z (people born 1995 and later) have grown up with technology and media at their fingertips, it is easy for them to slip into this fabricated universe. Although the means are available to be connected at all hours of the day, Generation Z feels more disconnected than ever, and genuine social connections are at an all-time low. Through the process of eradicating stigmas, breaking the addictions to a false reality and restoring forgotten dreams, this thesis seeks to bridge societal isolation by encouraging the benefits of genuine interaction as well as being present in the moment. Through creative endeavour, this project will critically analyse the role of architecture in a STEM-(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) driven world and question how it can be used as a tool to reinstate the creative into a divided society.