Living architecture: Buildings as a regenerative part of their ecosystems
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Other Title
Authors
Genet, Kimiko Olive
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2023
Supervisors
Hall, Min
Byrd, Hugh
Byrd, Hugh
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Tāmaki Makaurau (N.Z.)
Auckland (N.Z.)
Aotearoa
New Zealand
early childhood centre design
sustainable architecture
ecosystems
biomimicry
biophilic design
Auckland (N.Z.)
Aotearoa
New Zealand
early childhood centre design
sustainable architecture
ecosystems
biomimicry
biophilic design
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Genet, K.O. (2023). Living architecture: Buildings as a regenerative part of their ecosystems (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)).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/10652/6503
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
In tying these aims and objectives together, the over-arching question becomes: How can buildings become living ecosystems?
ABSTRACT
Most human-generated systems are linear rather than cyclical, this causes an imbalance in natural systems, destroying habitat without replenishing it. Countless species have already been displaced or wiped out and climate change is beginning to impact the human species with increased severe weather events and food insecurity. To remedy this, designers need to look at the wider consequences of their decisions and use ecosystems as inspiration to find ways human design can replenish rather than deplete the natural systems that support life. This project takes inspiration from ecosystem processes to answer the question: how can buildings become living ecosystems? This project utilises ecosystem principles in relation to the flow of energy and the cycling of water, nutrients, and oxygen, replicating them within and around the building. The programme for this building is an early childhood centre, with the ‘architectural ecosystems’ made visible to the occupants so the children can better understand their roles within ecosystems and how architecture can enhance them. The architectural ecosystems are powered by human interaction, with the aid of supporting species, while the building orchestrates these processes so the regeneration happens automatically as the occupants go about their daily activities. By bringing people into direct contact with ecosystem services and facilitating them, they can unconsciously begin to reverse the damage being done by current human processes that are used to meet human needs. The regenerative aspects are site-specific to the ecosystems of Waitītiko Meola Creek, providing water, nutrients, and habitat to surrounding species, building soil and biomass while encouraging a diverse range of species. The strategies used in this project are based on knowledge in the fields of regenerative architecture, biomimicry, biophilia, ecology, early childhood architecture, and the benefits of time children spend in nature. The precedents examined include successful early childhood centres and projects that display advanced regenerative strategies.
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This project involves the design of an early childhood centre, ‘Waitītiko Tamariki Garden’, integrated into the forest adjacent to an inner-city stream in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
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