Abstract:
This thesis grapples with the idea that a human-centred approach causes problems for
the shaping of the cities through the de-prioritising of the environment. The shaping of
Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland city has prioritised the needs of people and the growing
population. The development of the city has meant that the natural waterfront has been
reclaimed and reshaped, headlands removed, the Waihorotiu stream is covered, giving
way to a dense urban condition. Through the city, we not only isolate ourselves from
nature and view the land as functional spaces, but also create a negative environment
for ourselves to live in. Under this worldview, buildings are constructed pragmatically as
if they are machines, disconnected with the land, history and culture upon which they
stand. This thesis questions whether urban development can exist by creating architecture
that connect strongly with the land, histories, stories that exist within place? If we shift
priorities, is there another understanding of architecture that includes the relationship
between people, the material and immaterial context?
In both Te Ao Māori and Japanese Shinto belief, it is recognised that everything is
understood as animated and personified, such as the weather, the mountains, rock and
animals. Both cultures believe that life forces and vitality exist in all elements. This is often
expressed or interpreted as a spiritual and supernatural power that strongly connects
between human and natural surroundings. This worldview inspired this thesis to rethink
architecture as animated, a living being. I have been provoked to understand buildings as
no longer functional machines but rather living beings within a life force that are part of
the growing cultural and historical landscape.
A second aspect to the project has involved architecture as a device for storytelling. In this
thesis the process of bookmaking acts as the methodology to investigate narrative and
different ways of storytelling. Through manipulating the content, sequence, cumulation
of the pages and structure, the practice of bookmaking in turn inspires alternative visions
for architecture.
This thesis project seeks to uses mythological stories as an instigator for architecture
interventions in Auckland city centre / Tāmaki Makaurau. These architectural
interventions are a series of alternative views and perspectives to narrate how we view
and construct the urban environment under an understanding that ‘sees’ a living force
within all things, inspired by a Māori worldview. The project celebrates and acknowledges
the invisible spirits, myths and history that are often forgotten by many, through creating
conspicuous designs initiate a conversation between people and place.