Abstract:
Reviewing research on the possible transformation of St James Church in the past year
and my involvement in work renovating an old city in China before this thesis, what makes
me care so much about these declining buildings? Is it for preserving history? Is it against
excessive demolition? After thinking about it for a long time, I thought of a word:
belonging.
In this era of rapid changes in technology, culture, and policies, it is difficult for people to
find a sense of belonging. With fast-developing high-density cities, expanding reinforced
concrete buildings, shrinking personal spaces and green areas, more human bodies are
forced to locate themselves in crowded city centres, but their spirits struggle to be settled.
Our society is becoming more and more fragmented because of the concept of "property".
Many public spaces that once carried people's memories have been traded and privatised
for economic profit. In order to find solutions for the weakening sense of belonging
caused by increasing “boundaries” and fewer memorial places in urban development, I
chose to start with the preservation and renovation of heritage buildings and seek a
design theory that can continue carrying residents’ memories and spirits, and an answer
for more social inclusion.
This thesis will take St James Church as the research object to explore the possibility of
adapting heritage buildings. The three elements: architecture, nature and human
activities, will run through the concept of St James Church adaptation. The balance of
three elements are key to reducing the shrinking of green areas and public areas caused
by urban renewal and development, reducing the concept of "territories" or "boundaries"
of the building, and weakening the sense of fragmentation in the city. The function of the
old church will be transformed into a multifunctional rentable public place, providing
space for the community to hold events. The new building complex will be hidden
underground, providing people with dining and accommodating spaces at the foot of Mt
Eden.
