Abstract:
The process of pregnancy and the event of birth are one of the most sacred and sensual experiences shared. One begins life in the depths of a mother's womb, journeying into the world through a truly miraculous and natural process that can be defined as a celebration of the sacred or the 'Sacrament of birth'. It is an awe-inspiring event and reminder that life is the greatest gift which should be cherished and honoured. An event as such deserves a place of veneration. Yet we fail to bestow onto birth the consideration and respect befitting. This is evident in the architectural environment of hospitals, the prevalent birth places in current society. This setting is the catalyst for the diminished view currently held on the process of birth, now seen as a medically institutionalized procedure riddled with fear and anxiety, surrounded by disease and sickness. The setting is detrimental to the infant's health as adverse effects on their physical and psychological development occur due to the traumatizing first experience of life within hospitals. This is of profound importance in society as implications have a ripple effect - like a pebble dropped into water causes dispersions to greater distances, so too can an infant birth's determine future well-being and social implications. Architecture too generates this same ripple effect as experiences in a space, however insignificant, can affect our psyche, relationships and even humanity. The analogy of conventional hospital protocol and architectural sensorial impoverishment causing seperational effects is identified, in order to uncover the means of sensorial experience to help re-sensualise space. Sensual space must be established through a heightened sense of materiality, plasticity, texture, depth and light, that is explored in the first hand creation of sensual materials, bound in sacred symbolism. Materialised on Ngarango Otainui Island the 'new' place of birth is articulated as a modern day 'Whare Kohanga' or nesting house. The building acts as a catalyst for development and bonding between mother and child - and hence society. Located amidst an urban setting but distanced by calm waters allowing the exaltation of the process. The sacred location is befitting and celebratory of the journey of life beginning in an advantageous context.