Abstract:
Ferdinand von Hochstetter's 1859 map 'The Istmus of Auckland with its extinct Volcanoes' locates almost 50 volcanic eruptions in a compact area now enclosed within Auckland City. In the ensuing 150 years, many of the volcanic landforms have been quarried or otherwise submerged under the infrastructure and built form of the city. This thesis explores the contest between landform and the built form. It considers how to protect existing landforms, and asks if there is any way to bring back lost features when designing the direction of modern Auckland. Three key ideas are examined and answered: what is the relationship between landform and the city?... what is the significance of the Auckland landforms and how do the landforms enhance a sense of place?... how can the natural landform of the lost Rangipuke volcano be re-established on its site in Albert Park in the heart of the city? The format looks first at the creation of landform, its use and modification; a background is given of urban development over Rangipuke and the wider Auckland Volcanic Field; the main problem and sub-problems of the thesis are identified. Then, independent analysis compares the landform and built form of Auckland. The non-physical impacts of landform on culture are explored, and, how landform enhances place. The fourth section looks at the preservation, management and interpretation of landform and two case studies are presented. The final section is a design study testing if the volcanic landform of Rangipuke could be re-established. The critical question investigated and answered through writing and design is this: how can re-establishing a natural landform - in particular the Rangipuke cone - by means of a built architectural intervention enhance the sense of place in Auckland? The design proposal is a refined simple solution to a complex brief: the Rangipuke landform building enables the heritage features, open spaces and public infrastructure elements of Albert Park to be maintained, whilst providing a programme of new functions. The design respects and enhances the connections within the central city, and between the other volcanic features in the region, and improves place values at an international level.