A Set of Instructions on Interconnecting Inhabitants

Abstract

The fundamental issue, regarding the climate crisis, is that humans believe the natural world exists to serve them. We regard ourselves as superior to every living thing, yet we are entirely dependent on every aspect of the natural world carrying out their part in the ecological processes that sustain us. Aotearoa New Zealand is known for its dense forest landscapes and farmland, both of which take up 81% of all useable land. With the country’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050, it’s impossible to overlook the fact that the dairy industry contributes to nearly 25% of all of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, 50% of waterways flow through farmland, of which 95% have become polluted. As well as this, a third of all our water is expended in dairy production. There needs to be a more harmonious balance between animal and plant agriculture. Social awareness of our climate impact has created an accelerating consumer demand for less animal and more plant protein. Architecture play a crucial role in supporting this shift by reforming the mindset of inhabitants. Architecture can also aid in restoring and regenerating the physical landscape. The construction industry is responsible for a high proportion of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, and a focus on regenerative architecture will, I believe, contribute to environmental solutions in both construction and farming. The thesis seeks to resolve global issues on a micro scale, through a regenerative lens, by posing the following question: How can rural architecture create mutually respectful relationships between all New Zealand’s inhabitants (human and non-human) that last beyond the site? The worldview of New Zealand’s environment from the cultural narratives of Te Ao Māori has been lost within social awareness, modern design and technologies. It is interesting to note the many similarities between regenerative design and indigenous knowledge. As identified in the Te Aranga design principles; “Kaitiakitanga involves managing and conserving the environment as part of a reciprocal relationship, based on a consistent Māori world view that humans are part of the natural world.” This demonstrates how when designing regeneratively, within the context of Aotearoa, interweaving core principals from Māori literature recognise the mana and tikanga of New Zealand’s indigenous heritage. By adopting regenerative principles through precedent and literature research, a set of instructions was created as a guide for future farmers to employ to aid their shift to more sustainable farming practices. The guide follows through a series of steps including; the dismantling, healing, shaping and preparing of the land, followed by the re-design. A dairy farm off State Highway 2 in Waitakaruru, Thames, was selected as an exemplar. The shed structures involved with the dairy industry have previously contributed to a loss on the land. An adaptive re-design of the pre-existing sheds will allow a changeable space. This space could be used as a plant-based restaurant, market, exhibition, event and regenerative workshop space, overlooking the cropland. The core goal for inhabitants is to connect consumers with their food source. This thesis strives to encourage social, creative and sustainable approaches to design for the future through adaptive re-use, innovative technologies, collaborative ideas and system thinking within rural New Zealand landscapes. With the imminent threat of climate change and the increase in demand for more plant-based protein alternatives, this project aims to aid the transition of New Zealand dairy and other farmers looking to adopt regenerative agricultural and architectural principles.