Un-common boundaries : an architectural interface between experience & protection

Abstract

With its isolated location, and variation in climate and land formations, New Zealand is privileged with an abundance of wildlife unique to these islands. Our indigenous flora, fauna, and the environment they inhabit, make up the wealth and depth of our natural heritage. These natural elements are a privilege to experience. However the act of visiting them can threaten their existence, and therefore issues of protection arise. “How do we ensure that we don’t love heritage to death? Un-common Boundaries is an investigation into the role architecture can perform as an interface between visitor experience of natural heritage, and its protection. This project is first and foremost an exploration, applying both the review of current knowledge (theoretical and practice), and design process methods to examine this paradoxical relationship in the context of an architectural response. SITE: Waipoua Kauri Forest Sanctuary, Northland New Zealand, Tane Mahuta