Coastal callback : an architectural research project exploring the fundamental relationship between New Zealand’s built and coastal environments.

Abstract

The Purpose of this project is to provide a sustainable and responsive design solution which provides education and creates awareness of the importance of our coastal environment, and the potential dangers of building on the coast.

The relationship between the built and coastal environments of New Zealand is out of balance, and as a growing society we are expanding our occupation of the land in places which cannot be sustained. This project will examine the implications and effects of building in such environments. It will explore how architecture can exhibit the power and forces of such locations, creating in depth knowledge and understanding which will ultimately change people’s attitude towards the coast.

It is important to understand that this project is not about creating a solution to building by the coast, but it is about creating awareness of the issues, and showcasing the natural elements (wind, tide, swell, sea level rise, storms) and their effect on building structures. This project will deliver a powerful impact on our human senses, using what we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste to evoke complete understanding of the coastal conditions, and their effect on our buildings. Elements of this facility will react and respond to the changing environment by physically moving, opening and closing, creating and retaining energy to explain and educate about the power, and importance of the surrounding coastal environment.

The challenge is not to create a design solution in response to changing climatic conditions. The real challenge is to create human awareness and understanding of the fragile coastal environment, and the impact and dangers of building in such places. Any design outcome will have some effect on the coastal environment. Whether this effect will be positive or negative, beneficial or destructive, is a judgement that can only be tested in a fullscale experiment, but the project, as a theoretical prototype is an opportunity to explore and discover a new way of designing around our coasts.

The project becomes a Coastal Awareness Centre at North-east end of Moturiki Island, Mount Maunganui.