By Walking: Architecture Indulged on Foot

Abstract

Walking is commonly viewed as merely a practical means of travelling from a place to a destination. This thesis aims to explore it beyond its utilitarian purpose and as an experience that unlocks a sense of joy. There are two convictions motivating this thesis. One is to remind people of the ‘benefit’ of walking. The second is to create a space dedicated solely for taking walks in Auckland City where people can wander without any imposed urgency. In Wanderlust: A History of Walking, Rebecca Solnit writes, “I suspect that the mind, like the feet, works at about three miles an hour. If this is so, then modern life is moving faster than the speed of thought, or thought ulness”.¹ A thoughtful mind aligns with the pace of walking. The joy of walking is experienced when relief flows from the rhythmic movement of one’s body to one’s mind. Architecture is experienced by ‘roaming through’ so it should be aimed to embody the pace of walking. The theory of Architectural promenade demonstrates a journey that pulls the walker along a carefully curated path that starts from the ground and toward the sun. This method that encourages movement through enhancing the walker’s awareness of their surroundings is the underpinning theory for this thesis. This project proposes restoring an existing air-raid tunnel under Albert Park with four underground interventions that provide meandering walks. The city centre is where the expectation for efficiency and speed is clearly asserted, so the interventions are intended to provide breaks to slow down and pace oneself.