Heal us, heal you: Applying an eco-centric lens to design
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Other Title
Authors
Manoharan, Morgan
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Landscape Architecture
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2024
Supervisors
Bradbury, Matthew
Wang, Xinxin
Wang, Xinxin
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Māngere (Auckland, N.Z.)
Auckland (N.Z.)
New Zealand
water catchments
urban design
well being
mental health
climate change
water in architecture
Auckland (N.Z.)
New Zealand
water catchments
urban design
well being
mental health
climate change
water in architecture
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Manoharan, M. (2024) Heal us, heal you: Applying an eco-centric lens to design (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Landscape Architecture). Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6651
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
How can design address climate change-induced mental wellbeing impacts?
ABSTRACT
The issues of climate change and mental wellbeing may appear to be dissimilar and separate; however, they do converge. Both the impacts of climate change and mental wellbeing are most felt in urban environments, where the natural landscape has been heavily modified, reducing its capacity to function and, with this, causing a psychological impact on individuals’ mental wellbeing. This research set out to explore the relationship between these two issues and their relevance to design. The question posed is: How can design address climate change-induced mental wellbeing impacts? This research first investigates the existing discourse on the relationship between climate change and mental wellbeing, drawing from disciplines beyond design, such as psychology. Once this connection is established, an exploration of the drivers in design that contributed to this socio-ecological crisis is conducted. This research then posits an alternative model—eco-centrism— as a way forward to address the issue of climate change-induced mental wellbeing impacts. From eco-centrism, designing for the health and wellbeing of water is extrapolated; in doing so, designing for the health and wellbeing of all life. The research adopts a research-by-design methodology and utilises hand drawings as an exploratory technique to reach the final design. Social and ecological wellbeing data are collected and mapped to inform an appropriate sub-catchment to be examined for design—in this instance, located in Māngere. The sub-catchment was analysed at two scales: first, at the wider scale, to provide context and understand how water extends beyond the catchment, and then at the finer scale, zooming into the sub-catchment to examine water, the green network, and the land use patterns. From the issues identified with the site, three separate yet interconnected interventions are proposed. The first is the introduction of a new local wetland park to address the surrounding problems with flooding. The second is the enhancement of an existing park and stream system, and the third is a reimagination of our streets. This research concludes by reflecting on the relevance of such a design approach to achieve better socio-ecological outcomes and the practical necessities to get there.
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