scholarly journals Aesthetics of Home. Continuity and Variation in New Zealand Medium Density Housing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Abigail Barclay
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Medium Density ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Visual Aesthetics ◽  
Integrated Research ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
The Aesthetic

<p>In New Zealand, most people do not find Medium Density housing (MDH) visually appealing. In October 2017, BRANZ carried out a survey on the different attitudes New Zealanders have towards MDH. This study concluded that the visual aesthetics is one of the top issues in shifting the acceptance of MDH within New Zealand. (BRANZ, 2017. p.2) Additionally in an attempt to house many people quickly, there have been growing concerns around the quality of the aesthetic output. (Howden-Chapman, 2015. p.80) This negative attitude towards MDH has fuelled the ever growing housing crisis.  This thesis proposes that improved aesthetic qualities can be achieved within a high density multiple housing project. It argues that identifying and analysing the current aesthetic issues connected with existing MDH in New Zealand, will create a starting point for further design-led research. From this critique, this thesis aims to design a viable alternative to the current New Zealand approach to MDH. This design will aim to model varied aesthetic qualities and to identify key strategies for potential application in other projects.  Research will occur through an extended series of different design-led research projects. Initially a quick fire design exercise in parallel with initial background research around the field of MDH and aesthetics will form the basis to begin from. Self and peer reflection will follow to inform the iterative research, extracting the key issues emerging from the research. Both research for design (theories and precedents), and researching through a series of iterative design projects occur. These two integrated research methods will be repeated in cycles throughout the year to keep the research current throughout the process and develop its depth.</p>

scholarly journals Aesthetics of Home. Continuity and Variation in New Zealand Medium Density Housing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Abigail Barclay
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Medium Density ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Visual Aesthetics ◽  
Integrated Research ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
The Aesthetic

<p>In New Zealand, most people do not find Medium Density housing (MDH) visually appealing. In October 2017, BRANZ carried out a survey on the different attitudes New Zealanders have towards MDH. This study concluded that the visual aesthetics is one of the top issues in shifting the acceptance of MDH within New Zealand. (BRANZ, 2017. p.2) Additionally in an attempt to house many people quickly, there have been growing concerns around the quality of the aesthetic output. (Howden-Chapman, 2015. p.80) This negative attitude towards MDH has fuelled the ever growing housing crisis.  This thesis proposes that improved aesthetic qualities can be achieved within a high density multiple housing project. It argues that identifying and analysing the current aesthetic issues connected with existing MDH in New Zealand, will create a starting point for further design-led research. From this critique, this thesis aims to design a viable alternative to the current New Zealand approach to MDH. This design will aim to model varied aesthetic qualities and to identify key strategies for potential application in other projects.  Research will occur through an extended series of different design-led research projects. Initially a quick fire design exercise in parallel with initial background research around the field of MDH and aesthetics will form the basis to begin from. Self and peer reflection will follow to inform the iterative research, extracting the key issues emerging from the research. Both research for design (theories and precedents), and researching through a series of iterative design projects occur. These two integrated research methods will be repeated in cycles throughout the year to keep the research current throughout the process and develop its depth.</p>

scholarly journals Engaging Neighbourhoods: Interrogating urban geometries and the implications on community

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Alexandra Hennessy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Sustainable Living ◽  
Cultural Engagement ◽  
Cultural Ideal ◽  
Living Environments

<p>The urban geometries of New Zealand suburbs do not encourage social and cultural engagement amongst contemporary communities.  In 2017, New Zealand is ‘Home’ to people from over 30 nations, however the planned suburban layout is still tailored for a bi-cultural ideal implemented in a country that had never experimented with suburban living design before and now struggles to break away from it.  The planning of future neighborhoods in New Zealand is crucial at this time of housing crisis, where the priority is given to the quantity of dwellings that can be produced to house families, when focus should be on the quality of life that is being provided and the healthiness of the context in which communities exist.  This thesis explores how New Zealand suburbs can be adapted through architectural and urban design interventions to allow for more immersive, healthy and sustainable living environments that facilitate cultural and social exchange.</p>

scholarly journals Designing a sustainable, medium density housing solution that is an affordable alternative for developers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Milla Saris
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Medium Density ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
Sustainable Technologies ◽  
Community Stakeholders ◽  
Cradle To Cradle ◽  
Sustainable Materials

<p>It has been acknowledged that there is a housing crisis in New Zealand (NZ), particularly in the large urban centres (Hulse, 2015). As a solution, medium density housing developments are becoming more prevalent. However, these developments are controversial in a country that prides itself on its generous housing and open spaces.  Sustainability is also an issue in the NZ architectural environment. NZ is a small country isolated in the South Pacific, so ‘sustainable’ materials must often be imported, this long-distance transportation increasing their cost as well as their carbon footprint. Many products also reference ‘green washing’, with companies misleading consumers into believing their product is environmentally friendly (EnviroMedia Social Marketing, 2017). Legitimately sustainable technologies and materials are often seen as unaffordable, and people (particularly property developers) are not prepared to consider eco-friendly building practices if they do not believe they will get an economic return for their investment.  Because of these factors, New Zealand does not have a dynamic and sustainable medium density housing vernacular. The current research addresses these issues by seeking out materials and technologies for use in a theoretical medium density housing development. The project focuses on finding innovative and sustainable potential solutions for architects, developers, property buyers, and wider community stakeholders. It argues that architectural materials and processes should aim to fit as closely as possible within cradle-to-cradle frameworks involving closed loop production, construction and reuse systems (Braungart & McDonough, 2010).</p>

scholarly journals Craft, Detail & Quality

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Georgia Peacocke
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Timber Joint ◽  
Residential Architecture ◽  
Hotel Design ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Boutique Hotel ◽  
Quality Issues ◽  
Definition Of

<p>Over the past decade and even currently within New Zealand there have been quality issues within timber construction. My research proposes to address what these quality issues are both functionally, and aesthetically and how we can create a dialogue between craft, detail and quality. In residential architecture in New Zealand, the most common practice is timber stud framing or otherwise known as traditional platform framing. This construction type results in little variety throughout NZ as the vast majority is dominated by NZS:3604. This common platform framing can also create architecture that barely resembles the timber material.  This research creates a framework to what will be a possible solution in exposing the details of timber joints, which in turn may prevent quality issues along with creating a crafted timber design. As a starting point for this research, it seemed appropriate to draw on traditional Japanese, European and Pacific construction techniques. These cultures have mastered the art of craft, and we in New Zealand could learn from this and reflect in contemporary practices in NZ. This could in turn create a solution which highlights the quality issues in construction of New Zealand residential architecture.  Typically, in New Zealand platform framing construction, timber joint details are concealed. These concealed details are more prone to failure and so by exposing these, it can lead to improving quality of construction. Quality is, however, an elusive concept and this will become clear through an analysis of interviews with numerous builders, project managers, architects and of course the everyday user. These interviews define what they believe is the most common area of defect, and where quality can be improved. This research will therefore look at what system can be designed between the connections of architectural elements to focus on exposed refined details and joints. As these connection details are explored the definition of “craft” will become more defined, where it currently begins as examples of exposed, visible and readable detail.  Taking place in a rural New Zealand environment in Raglan Waikato, the portfolio proposes a boutique hotel, with a scheme that demonstrates this newly proposed construction system as an alternative to platform framing. The role of the hotel design is merely a vehicle to apply and test the research. There are many implications that may be a factor in the conclusion of this research proposal, for example CLT timber accessibility and costs. However further outcomes will result in celebration and awareness of detailing which leads to improving quality of New Zealand timber architecture.  This research explores turning traditional methods of construction into contemporary architecture using the technologies and material practices of today.</p>

scholarly journals Craft, Detail & Quality

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Georgia Peacocke
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Timber Joint ◽  
Residential Architecture ◽  
Hotel Design ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Boutique Hotel ◽  
Quality Issues ◽  
Definition Of

<p>Over the past decade and even currently within New Zealand there have been quality issues within timber construction. My research proposes to address what these quality issues are both functionally, and aesthetically and how we can create a dialogue between craft, detail and quality. In residential architecture in New Zealand, the most common practice is timber stud framing or otherwise known as traditional platform framing. This construction type results in little variety throughout NZ as the vast majority is dominated by NZS:3604. This common platform framing can also create architecture that barely resembles the timber material.  This research creates a framework to what will be a possible solution in exposing the details of timber joints, which in turn may prevent quality issues along with creating a crafted timber design. As a starting point for this research, it seemed appropriate to draw on traditional Japanese, European and Pacific construction techniques. These cultures have mastered the art of craft, and we in New Zealand could learn from this and reflect in contemporary practices in NZ. This could in turn create a solution which highlights the quality issues in construction of New Zealand residential architecture.  Typically, in New Zealand platform framing construction, timber joint details are concealed. These concealed details are more prone to failure and so by exposing these, it can lead to improving quality of construction. Quality is, however, an elusive concept and this will become clear through an analysis of interviews with numerous builders, project managers, architects and of course the everyday user. These interviews define what they believe is the most common area of defect, and where quality can be improved. This research will therefore look at what system can be designed between the connections of architectural elements to focus on exposed refined details and joints. As these connection details are explored the definition of “craft” will become more defined, where it currently begins as examples of exposed, visible and readable detail.  Taking place in a rural New Zealand environment in Raglan Waikato, the portfolio proposes a boutique hotel, with a scheme that demonstrates this newly proposed construction system as an alternative to platform framing. The role of the hotel design is merely a vehicle to apply and test the research. There are many implications that may be a factor in the conclusion of this research proposal, for example CLT timber accessibility and costs. However further outcomes will result in celebration and awareness of detailing which leads to improving quality of New Zealand timber architecture.  This research explores turning traditional methods of construction into contemporary architecture using the technologies and material practices of today.</p>

scholarly journals Designing a sustainable, medium density housing solution that is an affordable alternative for developers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Milla Saris
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Medium Density ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
Sustainable Technologies ◽  
Community Stakeholders ◽  
Cradle To Cradle ◽  
Sustainable Materials

<p>It has been acknowledged that there is a housing crisis in New Zealand (NZ), particularly in the large urban centres (Hulse, 2015). As a solution, medium density housing developments are becoming more prevalent. However, these developments are controversial in a country that prides itself on its generous housing and open spaces.  Sustainability is also an issue in the NZ architectural environment. NZ is a small country isolated in the South Pacific, so ‘sustainable’ materials must often be imported, this long-distance transportation increasing their cost as well as their carbon footprint. Many products also reference ‘green washing’, with companies misleading consumers into believing their product is environmentally friendly (EnviroMedia Social Marketing, 2017). Legitimately sustainable technologies and materials are often seen as unaffordable, and people (particularly property developers) are not prepared to consider eco-friendly building practices if they do not believe they will get an economic return for their investment.  Because of these factors, New Zealand does not have a dynamic and sustainable medium density housing vernacular. The current research addresses these issues by seeking out materials and technologies for use in a theoretical medium density housing development. The project focuses on finding innovative and sustainable potential solutions for architects, developers, property buyers, and wider community stakeholders. It argues that architectural materials and processes should aim to fit as closely as possible within cradle-to-cradle frameworks involving closed loop production, construction and reuse systems (Braungart & McDonough, 2010).</p>

scholarly journals Housing Human Needs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Saskia Simpson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Iterative Process ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
Human Psyche

<p>An ever-increasing population calls for more housing at higher densities. New Zealand is struggling to keep up with the demand for housing, and consequently, the country is experiencing a housing crisis. In addressing this demand, developer-led projects are becoming more frequent. However, the focus of developer-led construction is often on costs and profits, not its future occupants’ well-being. Many studies have shown that the physical environment, especially the quality of housing, affects the human psyche. New Zealand’s current situation offers the opportunity to alter the way housing is designed to benefit society. This design-led research portfolio informs architects and designers of human psychological needs and the importance of facilitating them through the design of housing. The study develops a framework based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs, which assists architects and designers in creating housing at higher densities, more holistically. Finally, the introduction of a specific site allows the framework to be tested and evaluated through an iterative process of architectural design in an appropriate situation; Christchurch, New Zealand.</p>

scholarly journals Housing Human Needs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Saskia Simpson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Iterative Process ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
Human Psyche

<p>An ever-increasing population calls for more housing at higher densities. New Zealand is struggling to keep up with the demand for housing, and consequently, the country is experiencing a housing crisis. In addressing this demand, developer-led projects are becoming more frequent. However, the focus of developer-led construction is often on costs and profits, not its future occupants’ well-being. Many studies have shown that the physical environment, especially the quality of housing, affects the human psyche. New Zealand’s current situation offers the opportunity to alter the way housing is designed to benefit society. This design-led research portfolio informs architects and designers of human psychological needs and the importance of facilitating them through the design of housing. The study develops a framework based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs, which assists architects and designers in creating housing at higher densities, more holistically. Finally, the introduction of a specific site allows the framework to be tested and evaluated through an iterative process of architectural design in an appropriate situation; Christchurch, New Zealand.</p>

Exploring the Meaning of Occupation: The Case for Phenomenology

2011 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 303-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk D. Reed ◽  
Clare S. Hocking ◽  
Liz A. Smythe
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Key Issues

Background. Some authors are beginning to challenge current categorisations of occupation as self-care, productivity, and leisure in favour of categories that address meaning. However, the meaning of occupation receives relatively little attention in the literature. Purpose. To provide a synthesis of the contemporary literature that considers the meaning of occupation and to argue that phenomenological insights into the meaning of occupation might usefully inform occupational therapy research, theory, and practice. Key Issues. Meaning is a key aspect of occupation. Three phenomenological meanings of occupation uncovered by a study conducted in New Zealand—the call, Being-with and possibilities—provide a starting point for practice, research, and theory informed by understandings of the lived experience of occupation. Implications. Occupational therapy's theories would benefit from an evidence base that includes meaning, which in turn would lead to authentic occupational therapy practice.

scholarly journals Recovering the Common Good: The Key to a truly Prosperous Society?

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 319
Author(s):  
Andrew Bradstock
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Social Teaching ◽  
The Good Life ◽  
Common Life ◽  
The Common Good ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Common ◽  
Definition Of

This article argues that the common good would have much to contribute to political discourse in New Zealand at the present time. Beginning with a definition of the concept, particularly as it has developed within Catholic Social Teaching, the article examines attempts by New Zealand church leaders to introduce it into public debate in recent decades, and concludes that, were the common good to be given serious consideration today, it would both prompt New Zealanders to look critically at their society and consider the purpose of their common life together, and enhance their quality of life individually and communally. The article addresses the charge that promoting the common good might be seen as favouring one (religiously-inspired) notion of 'the good life' over others, and, following Raymond Plant, suggests that, in a pluralist society, a more appropriate starting point for a conversation about such issues would be an exploration of 'social justice'. The article also explores the extent to which markets and governments might promote the common good.

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