Finding place
Date
2022Citation:
Patel, D. (2022). Finding place. (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand. https://hdl.handle.net/10652/5814Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/5814Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
How can architecture reflect the cultural background of an immigrant suburb in Auckland, New Zealand, while paying respect to Māori culture?
ABSTRACT
Culture plays a crucial role in how people develop, grow, and perceive themselves and others. New Zealand’s cultural identity begins with Māori. Over recent decades, New Zealand’s architecture has increasingly engaged with and been influenced by the beginnings of this country. Elements of Māori design principles have been applied to architecture, allowing reflection and appreciation of the rich Māori stories, memories, and history. Theorists and architects have researched history, culture, and literature to develop an architecture that reflects the local community. In continuation with this practice, Te Ao Māori plays an essential part in the foundation and resolution of this project.
How can architecture reflect the cultural background of an immigrant suburb in Auckland, New Zealand, while paying respect to Māori culture?
The design of a community centre for the multi-ethnic community of Sandringham provides an opportunity to investigate and address this question. The resultant proposition allows cultures to connect, form new relationships, and learn about their differences and similarities. Water is a significant component. In the early history of occupation, Sandringham was flooded almost all year round and was referred to as Ngāti Anawai (the Watery Cave) due to the extensive swamp. It wasn’t until the beginning of the nineteenth century that the swampland was drained. The notion of water remains closely linked to Sandringham, as the suburb still experiences overflows. From a cultural point of view, water plays a substantial part in both Māori and Indian life. For iwi, it is inextricably linked to identity; they consider water as a foundation of life, and waterways uphold their tribal identity. For Indians, it has significant cultural and religious significance; water is sacred and considered purifying.
SITE: Lambeth Drive and Sandingham Reserve, Sandringham, Auckland, New Zealand