Going West: An ecological Journey
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Authors
Ganley-Sharp, Georgia
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2023
Supervisors
Schnoor, Christoph
Hall, Min
Hall, Min
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Waitākere Ranges (N.Z.)
New Zealand
eco-lodges
nature centres
environmental sustainability
architecture and nature
New Zealand
eco-lodges
nature centres
environmental sustainability
architecture and nature
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Ganley-Sharp, G.. (2023). Going West: An ecological Journey (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6284
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
How can architecture elevate the experience for inhabitants and influence the preservation of the native NZ bush?
ABSTRACT
The Waitakere Ranges, a fairly dense area of native bush on the Western border of the Auckland isthmus, are a landscape of national significance. They remain home to a flourishing array of flora and fauna, most of which are sacred or protected for their significance and history. Many people see this landscape as a popular destination for its unique coastal beaches and extensive bush walks. It is important to acknowledge the threat the Ranges face from suburbia and how damaging this will be to a region that cannot withstand finite change.
The Ranges have a reputation for being a desirable bach location for New Zealanders looking to escape the busy city life. Within the area, there are very limited accommodation options, most of which are seasonal. While they remain a significant region for day-time exploration, there is currently little opportunity to stay within the forest and experience it in an enclosed, comfortable setting.
Juhani Pallasmaa argues that architecture has an extreme dominance of the visual sense and little regard for the other senses. However, there is potential to experience life not through one but all senses. Architecture could assist with this and invite people to rediscover an environment in a completely unique or perhaps unexpected way..
This project creates a space where guests can stay in the bush and feel enveloped by the surrounding environment. There is great potential to experience the bush with its system of streams closing in around oneself, while being enclosed and feeling a sense of safety. The ability to showcase this wonderful environment without disrupting the land is the difficult aim of this project. By bringing awareness to the contrast between the natural and built environment, guests may be enabled to experience a direct connection to nature, which is so crucial in Auckland’s urban setting. The aim of this research project is to elevate the experience of the bush while aiding its preservation
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