Filling in the gaps | Reimagining underutilised city space to promote sustainable intensification
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Authors
Dale, Hunter
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Otago Polytechnic
Date
2025
Supervisors
Danielmeier, Tobias
Campbell, Graeme
Campbell, Graeme
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
urban development
sustainable housing
densification
architecture
sustainable housing
densification
architecture
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Dale, H. (2025). Filling in the gaps | Reimagining underutilised city space to promote sustainable intensification [Master's thesis, Otago Polytechnic]. Research Bank. https://doi.org/10.34074/thes.7241
Abstract
The existing residential space in New Zealand’s context is significantly impacted by housing shortages and a poor quality of housing stock. Current methods of urban sprawl accompanied by the detached dwelling remain as the predominant method of housing expansion to remedy these issues. However, this outward expansion is widely recognised for its detrimental effects on the natural environment and the overall wellbeing and lifestyle of communities. These challenges outline the urgent need for alternative, more sustainable approaches to housing development. This thesis addresses these issues, by proposing an alternative approach to housing, focussing on the densification of underutilised spaces within urban areas through the concept of ‘finding space’. This involves identifying overlooked or previously unsuitable sites for development and implementing densification techniques categorised as ‘Above,’ ‘On,’ and ‘Below’ alongside adaptive reuse of existing buildings / structures. The project explores the importance of context-sensitive densification to achieve high quality urban density. It conducts a thorough analysis of the site's context to inform the design process, aiming to enhance the existing urban fabric through densification and contribute positively to the city's overall development.
The proposed architectural outcome, named ‘(car)Park Life’ is a high-density, multifunctional apartment building located in an existing car park building in Dunedin’s Central City. This design challenges the conventional detached dwelling model by utilising shared resources, community living, and a blend of public and private spaces in order to increase quality high density living. Additionally, the project adds to the urban fabric by picking up key contextual aspects and increases the functionality of the site, and wider city. Ultimately, the research demonstrates how context-driven densification can lead to high quality urban development, offering a viable model to address New Zealand’s housing challenges.
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CC BY-NC-ND Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International