Principles of housing which achieve social interaction and community integration

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Supplementary material

Other Title

Authors

Bai, Xue

Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)

Degree

Master of Architecture (Professional)

Grantor

Unitec Institute of Technology

Date

2011

Supervisors

Bogunovich, Dushko

Type

Masters Thesis

Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)

Keyword

housing density
courtyard housing
housing in Auckland
research by design
research for design

ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)

Citation

Bai, X. (2011). Principles of housing which achieve social interaction and community integration. (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10652/1852

Abstract

Courtyard housing in other cultures, such as China and Europe, has been proven to be capable of providing densities similar to those proposed in intensified development for Auckland. Many existing models have also proven that courtyard housing can be a sustainable housing solution relevant for the environment. However, the application of courtyard housing with higher density development has not been explored before in the New Zealand context. Present housing patterns in Auckland tend to keep different types of households segregated from one other. There are areas of two-bedroom houses, other areas of studio and one-bedroom apartments, other areas of three-and four-bedroom houses. This means we have, correspondly single people, couples and small families with children, segregated by type. However, the idea of sustainable growth is to promote the increase in density, mix of functionality and communities, and create neighbourhoods with individuality and identity. Increase in density is vital, otherwise suburbs will endlessly take over agricultural land and even the countryside, resulting in urban sprawl and an ecological imbalance. A mix of function helps to compensate for social problems and the mix of type and age of people strengthens the community as a whole. This research design project challenges the current status quo in regards to the Auckland planning regime, as well as housing designs, and aiming at achieving social interaction and community integration to fulfil the human desire for a sense of belonging, through quality urban solutions and architectural designs. Through research it becomes apparent that housing is more than just architecture; it needs to engage with both the urban issues and the community in order to develop neighbourliness. The possibilities for the courtyard housing typology in the Auckland urban context have been tested through the processes of ‘research for design’ and ‘research by design’. This research showed that the typology has the potential to increase urban density and to provide for security and privacy.

Publisher

Link to ePress publication

DOI

Copyright holder

Author

Copyright notice

All rights reserved

Copyright license

Available online at