Abstract:
The research explores a new typology of dwelling and an urban village in Central Auckland, New Zealand. It challenges the notion of contemporary dwelling and reinterprets dwellings as a microcosm of community architecture. The project aims to find one collective architectural design solution that reconfigures the relationships of different spatial layers of verticality (Multi-functional) and horizontality (Dis-functional). It questions how architecture can engage and challenge the traditional conventions of dwelling space to communicate contemporary norms towards modern urbanism. What is the quality of living? It can be defined as satisfaction with one’s own life. Satisfaction with traffic, work, relationships, access to open space, connected community and facilities are the key issues we face. These satisfactions are created by surrounding environments and built spaces. However, today’s form of space in high density central areas, manifests the idea of “man dominion over nature” and “fast paced”, which gradually changes the inhabitants’ interaction with nature and community. This causes occupants to be isolated and closed off with dissatisfaction in their dwelling spaces and community. For these reasons, this thesis undergoes an analysis of Auckland Central’s current form of dwelling and public community space. It also analyses the relationship between different spatial layers of private, public and green spaces, to connect the three natures into one harmonious architectural language that can be used freely by all members of the community and public.
