The Panmure Project : a programme for integrated co-working space within social housing

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTIONS: How to design a social housing development with individuality, uniqueness and a strong sense of community? How can mixed-use development help social housing? How can architecture bring changes in the residents’ perspective on state housing?

The constant growth of metropolitan cities has led to one of the major critical problem, housing needs. It has been a constant and ever-growing problem around the world. Auckland is an example of this situation. According to Satish Ranchhod, Westpac's senior economist, Auckland's population “an increase of... 17% “1in the next 10 years. A recent New Zealand Herald editorial acknowledged that Auckland will double its population in the next 30 years at a growth rate of 2.5% annually. In addition to this situation, the average cost of a house in Auckland is close to seven-digit figures. Purchasing a house is not an option for many first-time home buyers. Healthy communities are the backbone of a city, creating a happier and prosperous community is not possible when one must repay 30 years of housing loans. Social housing could be one of the best solutions to solve the housing needs in Auckland.

Social housing is a well-explored field in architecture and its design is widely researched with endless possibilities. Never-the-less social housing concepts in New Zealand need a new approach to design. Social housing in Auckland has lost the homely atmosphere and lacks identity. It is usually a conservative architecture. In addition to these issues, Auckland is currently experiencing a lack of space. The mixed-use development could be the solution to these problems. There are many single storey commercial spaces around Auckland which do not use the airspace to the fullest. This research thesis would focus on mixed-use development in existing commercial zones, exploring ideas to incorporate comfortable and welcoming domestic atmosphere in a thriving business centre.

At the initial stage of research, the background of Panmure will be analysed to understand the opportunities and restrictions of the site condition. A research framework will be built based on the initial site analysis results. In the next stage of research, literature study and precedents of similar issues will be explored to understand design principles and solutions. A conceptual framework will be made to guide the design further. This design aims to provide a speculative housing concept for Auckland housing needs.

The 20th-century planning model of separating work from home has lost its importance. The 21st-century work culture is no longer based on the proximity of residences to work spaces and other amenities. Automation and digitalisation have pushed humans away from industries and towards computers. The new concept of co-working brings together people from all walks of life to share a physical workspace and all the essential resources that accompany. This has become a trend in the past few years, due to its inclusive quality. Typically, they represent the nodes within a community that establishes a network within members. Social network chain is connected to an individual’s collective capital. Individuals with strong network ties help to build the resilience of a community. It owes to cultivate a community of intellectuals and achievers. Therefore, co-work spaces display a great opportunity for improving social resources and character. Exploring the field of co-work space within the social housing complex would an added benefit to this research.