Abstract:
This thesis identifies unattainable housing
as being related to not only the current
economic environment but also as being
intimately connected to the way we think of
building itself. Proposed in this research is a
system to challenge the traditional model of
building, one which breaks down all parts
of the system into smaller pieces. The large
lump sum of materials needed for a building
is catalogued and categorised. Subdivide a
complete material catalogue into smaller
and smaller parts, and eventually, what is
left is a 45x90 stud, or a single shingle.
By exploring how reduced inventories can
be maximised in the creation of a series of
sub-architectures, cyclically disassembled
and reabsorbed into subsequent iterations
issues like demolitions wastage and rapid
building turnover can start to be addressed.
The cycle of rebirth flies in the face of
traditional perceptions of architectural
permanence which is contested in this thesis.
Expectations of permanence in structure,
form, site, and programme are inherent in
modern architectural principles but in this
research are tested to open the possibilities
of a fleeting, commitment-free architecture.
By releasing these parameters, the same
materials will be able to better service the community, continuously tailored to
ongoing and changing contexts and ultimately
are serviceable to the fullest extent
of their material life span. A catalogue of
components consisting of standardised
building materials and salvaged parts
is developed to simulate reused and
repeated modules, for ease of continuous
rebuilding, redesigning, and restarting.
Ultimately this thesis posits that we require a
completely lateral movement in our perceptions
of building systems. The reality being
that architect-designed buildings are not
immune to the omnipresent decaying effects
of time, manifested as for instance, maintenance-
related failure or design redundancy.
Divorcing architecture from traditional
values of permanence allows it to be shaped
by place and time, its most immediate
context, instead of resigning it to exist as a
still frame, slowly losing relevance to time.