A heritage transformation: In celebration of Feilding's built character
Loading...
Supplementary material
Other Title
Authors
Williamson, Kayla
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2024
Supervisors
McConchie, Graeme
Jadresin-Milic, Renata
Jadresin-Milic, Renata
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Feilding (N.Z.)
New Zealand
Edwardian architecture
heritage buildings
cultural heritage
architecture and community
adaptive reuse of buildings
urban regeneration
earthquake engineering
New Zealand
Edwardian architecture
heritage buildings
cultural heritage
architecture and community
adaptive reuse of buildings
urban regeneration
earthquake engineering
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Williamson, K. (2024) A heritage transformation: In celebration of Feilding's built character (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)).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/10652/6834
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
How could the restoration of Feilding’s town centre, in combination with modern architectural intervention, become an enrichment and celebration of its Edwardian built heritage?
ABSTRACT
Feilding, a provincial heartland small town of New Zealand, boasts a unique character, in no small part attributable to its dominance of remaining heritage buildings. These structures, most of which were built between 1874 and 1910 (the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras), have stood for 150 years. They serve as visual reminders of the area's cultural heritage of that time and the people and industries that played a vital role in the settler establishment and development of the town. However, due to new earthquake-strengthening laws, these buildings now face an uncertain future. It is evident that these existing buildings are sources for even more community enrichment and pride, and that tearing them down and rebuilding anew would tear a hole in the heart of the community. Further, there is a risk of 'demolition by neglect', a term used to describe the gradual deterioration of historical buildings due to lack of maintenance or investment because of the increasingly onerous seismic building regulations. So, how can we preserve the history of small New Zealand towns and prevent this form of destruction?
This research project responds to methods of reviving and preserving Feilding's heritage in combination with modern architectural intervention. It highlights the importance of upholding the Edwardian character of the town centre so that it is preserved and protected. This research proposes a design framework for restoring three prominent buildings in the Feilding town centre. This framework integrates local heritage conservation, new programmes, and intervention design strategies in respectful coordination with the chosen site's architectural heritage and community culture. Promoting restoration and adaptive reuse, this framework not only preserves the historical significance of these buildings but also creates new opportunities for community engagement and economic development, thereby creating a positive design outcome that celebrates and enhances the connection between the people of Feilding and their rich history.
Publisher
Permanent link
Link to ePress publication
DOI
Copyright holder
Author
Copyright notice
All rights reserved