Muddy waters

Abstract

Auckland is surrounded by one of the world’s most precious resources – water. But for decades we have treated our waterways and harbours with scant regard. We have turned our backs on our watery backyard, so that much of Auckland’s landscape has become disjointed by concrete and asphalt roads and motorways. But is there a way we can orientate ourselves back to our watery surrounds? Today, there is a growing interest in how we can integrate water into our cities, with architects and planners keen to reacquaint city dwellers with the beautiful and dynamic natural environment that surrounds them. Where there was once a divide between people and water, architects are now creating new methods for reconciliation and reintegration.

This project, ‘Muddy Waters’, explores how architecture can create an opportunity for the public to re-engage with a long disused and forgotten estuarine environment. The project aims to refocus and reorientate the population’s perception of Auckland’s waterways, as living elements of our city.

The project explores Te Whau estuary in West Auckland. The estuary, once heavily used for industry and habitation, is rich in history, but over time has been deserted and forgotten. Te Whau is a dynamic and interesting site with very minimal public connection, yet various theories and existing precedents suggest that Te Whau could indeed be regenerated.

Could this architectural proposal be a template for other Auckland sites and encourage Aucklanders back to their ‘watery hinterland’?

Site: Te Whau estuary: catchment includes the following suburbs: Te Atatu South, Glendene, Kelston, Titirangi, Titirangi North, Green Bay, New Lynn, Glen Eden, Avondale, Blockhouse Bay and Mt Albert.