Something old: Something new

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Authors
Jones, Elysse Sarah
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Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec Institute of Technology
Date
2010
Supervisors
Mitrovic, Branko
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
classical architecture
urban design
spatial composition
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Jones, E. S. (2010). Something old: Something new. (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10652/1409
Abstract
There currently is a shortage and demand for well-designed, high quality living and working developments in Auckland City. The majority of modernistic, small open-planned apartments do not cater for the diversity and discordance of activities within family or multi-person households, who increasingly want to live close to work, transport, entertainment and amenities. This will become progressively prevalent with a raising population, and with it, the need to increase the density of our cities. A solution can be provided with a design methodology driven by selected principles of Classicist planning and spatial composition, within a contemporary aesthetic. Three inter-related principles have been chosen explicitly for their ability to shed new light into the way modern apartments are spatially designed and planned, including: ‘volumetric spatial composition,’ ‘hierarchy of spaces,’ and ‘spatial and formal unity.’ In the Classicist mindset, a building is constructed functionally by separate spatial volumes; their position determined by the relationships required to each other; through direct connection, hierarchy, and in such a way as to form unity and balance within the whole composition. Driven by this methodology, the project involves the design of a ten medium-to-high-density apartments within Auckland City’s ‘Victoria Quarter,’ primarily and their surrounding communal, mixed-use environment. This project is not a debate about style, but rather a study of the formal properties of planning design. The aim is to find a solution to a modernist planning problem with design techniques developed from Classical architecture, whilst permitting a modern social lifestyle, and to provide functional, efficient and adaptable spaces for multi-person households. These techniques, applied inside and out, will facilitate the vibrant, interactive and community-oriented environments that are sought after by many who live in apartments, or wish to do so in the future.
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