Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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Architectural Ecology: Cleansing & Regeneration of Polluted Place through Architecture

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posted on 2021-11-10, 21:24 authored by Pyke, Camden

New Zealand was once considered one of the least environmentally damaged countries in the world. Heralded for its pristine landscape, and its ‘Pure’ moniker, New Zealand was promoted, perhaps unintentionally, as an environmentally conscious country. However, despite this image New Zealand, like other Westernised countries, suffers from the residual effects of agriculture and industry which have left a legacy of damaged and contaminated sites. This thesis investigates how increased built development and regeneration of damaged environments can be achieved through architectural development, incorporating creatively and sensitively designed buildings. It seeks to adapt and translate technologies and resources to act not only as an environmental cleanser, but also provide for urban regeneration to go beyond the rhetoric of green and sustainable building principles. The research finds that a change in focus is required; away from monetary focus and instead to environmental focus. This needs to occur immediately to avoid further environmental damage and to begin remediation of existing damage. This can be resolved by incorporating existing remediation techniques further into development. The change also needs to incorporate the way in which we live. Urban responses and architecture play very important roles. The creation of mixed use sites with green space allow for localised consumption and recreation. Inhabitation patterns have been poorly addressed by New Zealand developers and a different rationale and process needs to be undertaken. It is time for New Zealand to stop appearing green and start taking significant steps to reducing environmental impact. The project successfully investigates and addresses the issues of regeneration, both of site and urban conditions. It sits between the two streams of thought, technological and theoretical and extracts the positives of these two elements to create an informed solution that recognises past, present and future use.

History

Copyright Date

2011-01-01

Date of Award

2011-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Architecture

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Architecture (Professional)

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Architecture

Advisors

de Sylva Kulugamman, Shenuka