Rethinking stuff: Toward an urban bio-regional materiality
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Authors
Bjelic-Webster, Joseph
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Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2024
Supervisors
Hall, Margot
Francis, Kerry
Francis, Kerry
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Tāmaki Makaurau (N.Z.)
Auckland (N.Z.)
New Zealand
climate change
urban architecture
materials
Auckland (N.Z.)
New Zealand
climate change
urban architecture
materials
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Bjelic-Webster, J. (2024) Rethinking stuff: Toward an urban bio-regional materiality (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)).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/10652/6795
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
How can rethinking urban architectural materiality inform climate responsive architecture?
ABSTRACT
This design research project started with the problem of materials and their role in climate change. The research question “How can urban architectural materiality inform climate responsive architecture?” guided the investigation.
The research process progressively refined this large-scale problem into a design solution. It began by identifying a lack of urban buildings whose materials respond to climate change and considering the multiple harms of conventional building materials and practices. Authors such as Material Cultures, Bruce King and Chris Magwood identify materials made from plants as a solution to the harmful effects of conventional materials on the planet, local environment and people. Education and demonstration were key actions developed from the literature review and analysis of relevant buildings and organisational structures.
Through precedents and literature, options for producing urban bio-regional materials were interrogated. The project mostly swaps out conventional materials for bio-regional materials; however, scaling up handmaking is another option used minimally in the design. A prominent urban site was chosen for its opportunity to demonstrate bioregional materials in an urban context. Once the site was chosen, the Tāmaki Makaurau region was analysed for its available resources and technology. Resources were found to be abundant, but all needed appropriate management. Technology was underdeveloped; therefore, the design aspired to showcase and advance bio-regional technology in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The final project was designed to demonstrate the plausibility, sensory and material qualities of bio-regional materials in an urban context. Another function of the building was disseminating knowledge of bioregional materials to the widest audience possible. The hub building serves this process by revealing and drawing passersby into this plantbased material condition and holding a wide range of educational functions to advocate for the use of these materials in the region.
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