bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Crisis and Public Response: A Cross-Cultural Study of Curtailment Behaviour for Electricity Conservation Campaigns in New Zealand and Japan
Authors:   , Murphy Sophia
Published: July 2022

A myriad of factors can rapidly destabilise a nation’s energy security. Factors such as extreme weather events, geo-political tension, and supply instability may result in acute or chronic energy supply shortages occurring with little or no warning. In a critical response context, a society’s resilience is tested, and the ability to change consumption behaviour is vital. Energy conservation campaigns are often implemented to elicit this behaviour.

New Zealand and Japan have both experienced conservation campaigns in the past decade as a result of natural disasters (Japan) and weather-related generation shortages (New Zealand). The context from which each campaign developed and the resulting urgency of the reductions were distinct. However, the goal of appealing to the public to reduce electricity consumption was comparable. This provides a unique opportunity to explore determinants of willingness to change consumption behaviour during a conservation campaign in different socio-cultural contexts.

Values are guiding principles in people’s lives informing their behaviour, and value orientations can be shaped by socio-cultural contexts. Therefore, differences between value orientations may be present cross-culturally. Specifically, the Schwartz theory of basic values is used as a theoretical basis for investigating value orientations underpinning individuals’ willingness to participate in a conservation campaign.

This thesis investigates the relationships of two socio-psychological determinants, (1) value orientations, and (2) environmental concern, with willingness to participate in a conservation campaign and adopt curtailment behaviours. A sequential mixed-methods study was utilised in two countries, New Zealand and Japan. The quantitative questionnaire examined associations between values, environmental concern, and willingness to adopt curtailment behaviours. Furthermore, a cultural dimension was captured in both societies to determine each society’s preference for placing more importance on either personal, or social interests. Different sets of determinants were associated with willingness between countries.

The qualitative component provided an opportunity to explore value relationships and motivations through the dialogue of participants when discussing electricity shortage scenarios and conservation campaigns. Diversity among determinants that promote and hinder willingness to reduce electricity consumption transpired between participants from New Zealand and Japan, and these differences are found to be related to the personal versus social preference of their respective socio-cultural contexts.
Quality Assurance in Risk Management
Authors:   , Dykman Alexis
Published: July 2022

This thesis investigated the inherent relationship quality assurance has with risk management processes, specifically focused on the construction industry perception of risk and uncertainty. On the evidence gathered, there is currently a lack of awareness and knowledge about quality assurance in risk management as a means of creating reliable risk analyses in the New Zealand construction industry. Risk assessments reported by those project managers who were interviewed were not representative of what eventually happened in the projects they managed.

A triangulation research approach was adopted, where a literature analysis, a case study and a survey were used in critical analysis of the relationship between quality assurance, risk, and uncertainty as revealed in the research background chapter. The three methods scrutinise this relationship in different ways and eventually addressed all the research questions posed.

A literature analysis was undertaken to establish the perception and definition of the terms risk and uncertainty before the standards and processes to quantify uncertainty were scrutinised in further detail. This allowed understanding of current concerns to be realised, so these could be tested in the thesis.

A case study of a real-life New Zealand construction project was analysed in specific detail ensuring the literature analysis and the survey were grounded in current industry practice. The aim of this case study analysis was to understand the behaviour of people in the industry in comparison to how they are said to perform in the literature. The case study analysis essentially identified the existence of uncertainty in a project and attempted to understand how uncertainties are being controlled.

An online Qualtrics survey was used to further test the perception and processes used for uncertainty management in the industry. The results showed that the New Zealand construction industry does not typically understand the difference between risk and uncertainty on their own. Technique use proved to be comprehensive with quantification of uncertainty occurring through formal techniques whether purposeful or not. The participants noted that complexity and lack of knowledge were the reasons behind the lack of understanding and that the existence of simple processes or formulas could enable the increase of reliable risk analyses in the construction industry.
The Prudential Rationality of Radical Cognitive Enhancement
Authors:   , McDonald Johnny
Published: July 2022

The debate in the philosophical literature regarding human enhancement has largely focused on whether or not enhancement is moral. I take a different approach, examining not the morality of enhancement, but rather whether it promotes or undermines human interests. I argue that, from the perspective of prudential rationality, small degrees of enhancement promote our interests, but enhancements of a sufficiently large degree are likely to undermine them. Radical enhancement is likely to undermine our relationships with other human beings and our ability to form and fulfil our life plans. I argue that, although radical enhancement would benefit us in some ways, the value we place on our relationships and our life plans gives rise to pro tanto prudential reasons to reject radical enhancement.
Our hands are tied: The complaints process for psychologists under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCAA)
Authors:   , Ridgway Debra
Published: July 2022

This research endeavours to understand and describe the dissatisfaction of psychologists with the complaints process administered by the Psychologists Board under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA). This issue was raised in previous research¹ that sought opinions of psychologists within the Family Court regarding changes to the Care of Children legislation. The issue was of sufficient import to be self-reported by psychologists even when it was not part of the original interview questions. The purpose of this research is therefore to develop on discussions and consultations that followed that research, to consult those working with the psychologists’ complaints system and other bodies operating within the HPCAA. The research focuses particularly on whether the issues raised relate to the process or to the legislation. Consideration is given to whether the introduction of an early resolution process into the Act is feasible and preferred. The research also asks whether there are other amendments that the various bodies would like incorporated should the Act be amended in the future. In order to determine this, it is necessary to firstly understand how the HPCAA was developed and how it appears in the regulatory environment. Secondly, it is necessary to consider the legislative environment to determine whether the legislation needs improvement. This is done by contrasting the legislation with that of another professional body, in this case the Law Society, in terms of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006. Health complaints can also be lodged with the Health and Disability Commissioner, so that process and legislation² are considered as well. Thirdly, how the HPCAA is administered with regards to the complaints process by the Psychologists Board is considered, along with two other Boards operating under the same Act for comparative purposes. Within the research the bicultural considerations of the process are also considered, with particular focus on the restorative process. Finally, where possible the research considers other dispute resolution methods(ADR). This ADR may require specific amendments to the HPCAA.

¹ Debra Ridgway "Principles and Practice of Psychological Reporting in the Family Court" (LAWS389 Research Essay, Victoria University of Wellington, 2013).

² Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994.
A Machine for Growing. Relocalising Agriculture to an Urban Context
Authors:   , Davies Thomas
Published: July 2022

Agriculture is the most fundamental industry to our survival. With out being able to produce good nutritional food we can not exist. But increasingly this industry and the role it plays in our lives is changing due to its industrialisation driven by the access to cheap and, currently, abundant energy resources. Cheap fuel has given rise to large-scale, fossil fuel intensive, globalised food distribution systems that undermines the role of local food production in a sustainable food network. This thesis proposes that by integrating agriculture back into our communities we can create a more sustainable, secure and accessible food production system.

This thesis explores ways that we can use architectural design to relocalise agriculture into an urban context. It investigates how architecture could be used to develop a framework that could support local food production in an urban environment. Through exploring the relocalisation of agriculture the project develops architectural characteristics that enable it to integrate with its surrounding contexts. This integration is further explored by developing an environment to facilitate public engagement with the processes that the framework supports.
Finding meaning in behavioural predictors of child sexual reoffending: The Offence Characteristic Meaning Framework (OCMF)
Authors:   , Kitto Oliver
Published: July 2022

In the field of static actuarial risk assessment for sexual offending, the role of theory has historically been undervalued. This is problematic, for only through gaining a better understanding of why risk factors are predictive can we enhance the criminal justice system’s ability to reduce reoffending and protect our communities. To contextualise the importance of theory in risk assessment, we investigated offence characteristics (i.e., crime-scene behaviours); a theme of static risk factors that has shown promising statistical ability to predict risk of recidivism of child sex offenders, but suffers from a lack of theoretical elaboration. To understand why particular offence characteristics are statistically predictive of child sexual recidivism, we knitted together various pre-existing theories and findings in the literature; arguing that offence characteristics are static referents of psychological vulnerabilities and competencies. By abductively inferring what vulnerabilities and competencies underpin an offence characteristic, we can then use offender exemplars to hypothesise how these interact with each other, the potential goals and values of the offender, and contextual triggers to create and maintain risk of reoffending. Via this process, we argue we are able to better understand why the behaviour of interest is statistically predictive of child sexual reoffending. We then gathered the various threads of our theoretical arguments and wove them together into a robust, unifying model called the Offence Characteristic Meaning Framework OCMF). The OCMF is a structured reasoning process the reader can use to aid in understanding why particular crime scene behaviours predictive of risk of child sexual reoffending. The OCMF is a novel, if somewhat indirect, contribution to the burgeoning literature on offence characteristics. An initial evaluation indicates that the OCMF’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and is potentially the first theory to incorporate both competency-based and deficit-based models of risk.
Sovereign Sense
Authors:   , Majurey Dylan
Published: July 2022

The South Pacific Island of Funafuti, Tuvalu is at threat of becoming one of the first countries globally to be Inundated due to rising sea levels. The likely result is that the people of this country will lose a sense of place and culture and be unable to sustain their National Sovereignty in the face of impending climate change and refugee status. Willi Telavi Tuvalu’s Prime Minister states ‘Relocation is not seen as an option but as a last resort, rights to land and culture are held with utmost importance’. And thus relocation will result in a loss of sovereignty (McNamara and Gibson, 2009). Architectural intervention can insure that a sense of sovereignty is maintained during the drastic climate change transformations that their native lands face. The intention of this Architectural Thesis is to design a solution that actively engages with sea level rise so that Tuvalu and other low-lying atoll nations can maintain a minimum of subsistence dwelling and economy.

The current problems the Capital Island of Funafuti face are crippling with the loss of coastal areas and increased tidal flooding. This results with not only a loss in land area but also permanent salinisation in areas traditionally used for crop harvesting. This salinisation will only increase in severity with the projected future sea level rise. It will force the population of Funafuti to become climate refugees before it is fully submerged (IPCC, 2013).

The main question this thesis aims to address is; How can architecture maintain a sense of sovereignty within a disappearing context. And what are the implications of habitation, culture and contested territories for the Tuvaluan’s?

This critical reflection aims to investigate the architectural advantages of atoll environments. How the preservation of social, cultural identity and order can be maintained through a contemporary evolutionary process. Throughout this changing context it is imperative to maintain a sense of human scale within this small populace of Tuvaluan’s.

The process begins with analysing a series of architectural design experiments. They are design led research experiments with themes of impending reality. They are similar to Tuvalu’s vernacular and built environment by their inherent characteristics and layout design Sourcing concrete current ideas and findings on Tuvalu itself are scarce as to the nature of fluxes of the global climate change predictions. Therefore research will be provided on the current environmental conditions of the island and the current problems the Tuvaluan's face, The predictions for sea level rise will be compared on a Funafuti cross section. This will show impact on the islands informal dwellings over time periods and how improvements can be made to mitigate the exacerbated conditions of climate change and the potential future problems that Funafuti Island will face.
Cultural Urbanisation: The use of behavioural simulation in the design of indigenous urban settlements
Authors:   , Ballantyne Ariana
Published: July 2022

This thesis conducts an investigation into the use of multi-agent systems as a computational design research tool that implements a range of behavioural parameters relating to the design of specific cultural environments for Māori. It aims to offer an alternative methodology to the traditionally ‘top-down’ approach to Māori housing solutions within urban contexts, choosing instead to incorporate parameters that can be specific to a representative agent and their subsequent negotiation and interactions with other agents within a simulated environment.

This methodology works under the premise that by piecing together behavioural parameters that are specific to traditional Māori cultural environments, multi-agents can simulate these behaviours with respect to spatial occupation, establishing a system by which to construct the spatial organisation of a community of agents, and subsequently the communities they represent.

The use of cultural criteria enables us to contrast the research with standard multi agent simulations that operate on more generic rules of interaction. As a body of research it places an emphasis on the social and the collective identity or cohesion of bodies of single agents within a modern tribal structure as the main organisational vector. It is the hope that this methodology could lend itself to more diverse projects, aiding the design of spatial organisation for other socially orientated communities with needs beyond that of what can be provided by the western ‘top-down’ approach to architecture.
Stacking Urban Density: Volumetric Design for a new Kiwi Section
Authors:   , Brassey Brayden
Published: July 2022

Housing affordability has become a growing concern in New Zealand. Urban intensification has been raised as a way to address this, but its contribution has been limited by poor uptake and continued resistance to higher density housing. In response this thesis looks at a way to increase the appeal of higher density housing for more Kiwis and how it can be made more comparable to traditional detached housing.

Exploring what the Kiwi section looks like if it is not a ¼ acre section, this thesis researches stackable volumetric design as an innovative delivery process to provide an artificial land supply of stackable ‘sections’, as opposed to reliance on greenfield development to accommodate new homeowners. The research develops and evaluates a stackable volumetric design to address an inflexible housing market straining to respond to housing needs, and identifies important practical considerations of stackable buildings.

To address the multi-segmented nature of the housing market affecting housing choice (which has challenged existing research to deliver meaningful recommendations and outcomes) a consumer driven design approach was developed. Two primary stackable design iterations where developed and tested using a mock data pool of homeowners to generate layouts for each dwelling.

The outcome of the design process formed a proof of concept for a stackable volumetric design and identifies that one of the major challenges of higher density housing is addressing consumer expectations. Opportunities for economic gains through increases in density, and flexible/customizable stackable ‘sections’ tested by a mock data pool, demonstrate strategies for responding to the high expectations of a Kiwi home. Additionally, some important aspects were recognized by the design process in developing an artificial Kiwi ‘section’, including the identity and delineation of individual household units and the inclusion and capability to personalize thresholds – design considerations that show potential for continued development in higher density design.
Industrial vitality
Authors:   , Bryant Luke
Published: July 2022

As global markets, big box retail and online outlets increasingly dominate the consumption domain, activity and street life of traditional suburban centres suffer. Social engagement is key to a high quality public realm. As social and community based functions, are stripped away from traditional centres, re-introducing production space to compensate for the loss of other functions from the street can offer an opportunity for public space regeneration.

Through design this thesis explores how the factory, focused on a new industry based on a cleaner, small-scale, digital and flexible manufacturing processes, can programmatically reassert its relevance in the urban context of cities today. The research tests how architecture can enhance new production spaces and future factories so they contribute to a high quality public realm in suburban centres.

A systematic approach to the research begins with a Literature Review, establishing criteria for high quality public space and to assess the findings of the research. A Precedent Case Study then informs a series of New Production Space Types which are used to generate generic strategies for Design Exploration.

The case study is sited in Newtown, an old inner-city suburban centre undergoing retail decline. The design exploration includes Urban Design Frameworks and a more detailed investigation of three retail based sites.

The Urban Design intervention limits the level of resolved design solutions for each site, however design exploration at different scaled sites proves production space can provide a level of regeneration to the public realm in relation to the location of the development within the centre.

Regeneration was achieved by maximizing visibility and proximity between production processes and established public space, at times suggesting a merging of the two realms. The range of redundant retail sites on offer meant that the spatial requirements of New Production could be readily accommodated.

Exploration through vertical separation of material/components and architectural treatment of street frontages is likely to incur additional cost in relation to conventional production environments.
Digital Decay: Glitch Architecture
Authors:   , Haslop Blaire
Published: July 2022

We now live in a world where architecture is produced through arrays of pixels and this remains as the representation rather than the reality of buildings inevitably ageing their physical forms. So if architecture is kept in this digitally frozen state, then how does architectural form age over time? It glitches. A glitch is defined as a sudden malfunction or fault caused by the harsh reality of digital decay. Currently glitches as a result of digital decay are solely explored as forms of 2d art therefore this thesis looks to reconnect the underlying data to its digital architectural spatial form and interpret digital decay in 3d. Our methodology follows a systematic iterative process of transformational change to explore design emergence on the base of computational glitches. A numerical data driven process is explored using decayed files which are turned into 3d formal expressions. In this context, stereoscopic techniques are experimented, helping understand further how glitch can be performed within a 3d virtual environment. Ultimately we explore digital architectural form existing solely in the digital realm that confidently expresses glitch in both its design process and aesthetic outcome. This thesis does not aim to answer the research question through a resolved building, we instead define architecture as three dimensional digital form and space. This thesis uses glitch as a methodology to design three dimensional spaces within the digital realm. The architecture exists in the digital therefore the spatial perception of architecture created through this research is in the eye of the beholder and their previous spatial experiences. Employing a methodology of transformational change to explore design emergence on the base of glitches or decayed files, the aim is to generate a contemporary architectural interpretation of decayed data. (Haslop et al., 2016).
Redefining an Institution; The public library as an activator of an urban heart
Authors:   , Nicholson Zac
Published: July 2022

Tauranga is a growing city with a dying heart. A pattern of neglect over recent years has left the downtown ‘dying’ and ‘unsustainable’. The same is perceived of the institution of the public library. Public buildings are no longer the staple of life they once were and the recent significant increase to digital resources has cast doubt on the primary function of the public library. Instead of rendering the library obsolete and declaring the downtown area of Tauranga irretrievable, this research portfolio embraces the synergy of these two research issues bound by a single complex site condition. This design research portfolio embraces the ambiguity around the future of the library and of the downtown area of Tauranga as a platform on which to explore and challenge these issues in a real-world scenario.

Based on comprehensive research, this research portfolio establishes that the library is a building typology with an important future due to an ever-increasing and vital social, community and democratic role. This research portfolio begins to engage with this emerging context and the changing nature of information media architecturally. Exploring directly how this growing social role of the library can assist in redefining the urban area of downtown Tauranga and contribute a response to issues of urban activation.

This research portfolio explores through a body of pragmatic and rational design-led iteration designing for public engagement with both information and public urban space. The rational design-led methodology embraced simultaneous exploration to provide a response to two uncertain and complex disciplinary issues. Resulting from this design research process is a creative and qualitative architectural solution the demonstrates how the library can be considered as an activator of a stagnant urban centre and the ways in which library design can prepare a changing typology for the future.
Aerotopia
Authors:   , Ho Ka Hei
Published: July 2022

Air travel and retail are two inseparable elements at any airport. Airports provide people traffic and perfect retail landscape for all sorts of retailers for passengers with an excessive amount of dwell time. Retail accounts for the most significant non-aeronautical revenue is crucial to airports. Both air travel and retail are forever evolving to accommodate the market’s need.

Air travellers have been growing rapidly and it will continue accentuating in the foreseeable future. Airport retail, the most significant non-aeronautical revenue should increase simultaneously with the climb of the number of passengers. Research shows that satisfied passengers have higher propensity to buy. In order to keep passengers satisfied, time and emotions are the two key factors and they are determined by airport efficiency as well as passenger experience. Airport efficiency is a big operating challenge to accommodate the influx of passengers and has a direct impact on passenger experience. With the integration of seamless travel innovations and strategies will eliminate the airside-landside boundary, offering maximum flexibility for a free-roaming terminal to accommodate the latest retail environments.

The retail landscape is also undergoing a substantial change. Shopping malls are in decline caused by the growth of online shopping, with its flexibility in time and location. Traditional brick and mortar stores have to transform to compete. They have to offer a unique brand experience in-store and flexibility for consumers to purchase online so that consumers get the best from both online and offline worlds.

Integrating the latest technologies and strategies is the key to a successful evolution of airports and shopping malls. By hybridising the next-generation airport with the latest retail typology. This thesis experiments how a new generation airport terminal can serve as a destination for both passengers and non-passengers, providing a unique shopping and travel experience at the world’s first Airport Alpha Mall.
MetaFlute: Developing Tools to Observe Micro-Timing and Physical Movements in Flute Playing
Authors:   , Siwiak Diana
Published: July 2022

This thesis develops new methods to acquire information about observable aspects of flute playing. Performance parameters, such as the changes in expelled breath, the forearm muscle movements, the variation in the applied pressure at the flute fulcrum points, and the modification of the flute’s spatial orientation, can reveal the physical actions exhibited by the musician during playing. Examining quantifiable characteristics such as these from a technological perspective could provide researchers with a more complete understanding of flute performance techniques. However, existing data capture and analysis methods lend themselves to inaccuracy and tend to occur primarily offline.

Gesture and audio signals from experienced flutists were recorded while they performed lyrical études. This provided a corpus of hybrid signal data that revealed performance techniques. To acquire this data, a hybrid signal sensing system, a new flute-based audio onset detection algorithm, and a new hybrid signal onset detection algorithm specific to flute audio and gesture features were created. These methods, which operate online with low latency, result in the ability to more accurately assess note onset and to track various physical motions and movements of a flute player.

Results are presented from the analyses of the captured audio, the gesture features, and a fusion thereof. Including gesture feature sensing with the audio data improves upon an audio-only approach for flute note onset detection. Analyzing gesture features gives insight into movements that occur during playing. Additionally, a proposed visual feedback application shows how we can graphically present this corpus of captured data.
Latent in the Flax: A paradigm for Indigenous Computation and Fabrication
Authors:   , Trewavas Dominic
Published: July 2022

Computational methods and digital tools provide an opportunity to engage with Indigenous/ Māori design processes to a depth not previously imagined. It can be argued that default western architectural design methods in New Zealand focus on surface imprinting on panel materials privileging pictorial pattern representation and narrative over potential mathematical, geometrical and technological methods specific to Māori pattern. The author argues that computational tools and digital formats allow greater understandings of Māori pattern than a visual depiction put forward by mainstream architectural practice.

This research thesis looks at the potential to use computational tools and methods in association with mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). It explores traditional weaving techniques and patterns as a means of understanding how weaving and woven structures (Hinaki etc.) can influence architectural topological forms, by incorporating systems such as structure, aperture, fenestration, and construction directly into the geometry of the design. So through a better understanding of complex traditional Māori organizational patterns, How can computational tools and fabrication techniques be used to create culturally significant, non-linear, self-supporting structures?

This thesis initiates an investigation into a pavilion for the people of Te Arawa at the Māori Institute of Arts and Crafts. The design is amalgamated into a rich cultural territory connected to the narratives of the past, present and questions the future of indigenous design.

A series of design iterations and materials studies both in analogue and digital formats will contribute to the large-scale prototyping and fabrication of non-linear self-supporting structures. The work will be supported by optimisation software (Rhinoceros & Grasshopper/ Galapagos and Silvereye) for finite element analysis (FEA) and formal optimisation. Both subtractive (CNC Milling) and additive (3d printing) manufacturing methods will be used to explore material effects and performance.

In summary, this research explores the potential for indigenous development, cultural empowerment and innovation. As part of SITUA it combines the potential of academia and indigenous groups to foster new knowledge through the exploration of emergent materials and building systems located within a specific tribal domain.
Contextualised Objects: The Application of Object Oriented Ontology in Chinese Embassy Design
Authors:   , Gray Simon John
Published: July 2022

Embassies represent their country abroad by promoting their diplomatic interests to conduct political, economic and cultural relations with the host country. Furthermore, they provide a range of consulate services which address the needs of their citizens. Symbolically, embassy architecture communicates the country’s values and ideals.

Historically, 20th century embassy topologies have reached an impasse. Previous attempts at creating inviting embassy complexes failed due to prescribed safety and security regulations. These have ultimately led to embassy architecture being visually misrepresented as uninviting and oppressive. An alienation of the existing context and a failure to properly recognise the host country has not been uncommon. Strict adherence to regulatory processes have retrospectively rendered embassy buildings to resemble detainee compounds. This project affords an opportunity for China to create an embassy facility which exemplifies a quality, inviting and engaging approach to architecture; whilst still providing appropriate measures of security. This proposal postulates that this could be achieved through adoption of a contemporary western design philosophy called Object Oriented Ontology (OOO). This direction runs parallel to China’s foray into engagement with western knowledge during the 1949 Chinese Industrial Revolution, to expand, update and improve Chinese architecture.

Within the framework of OOO, non-living non-human entities are recognised as possessing agency, are grounded in the real and operate privately outside of the human realm. The traditional post phenomenological viewpoint of ‘correlationism’ which is a subjective interpretation of what an object means to humans, is bound by an anthropocentric framework. It is the subject who acts upon the object. Conversely within the guise of OOO, it is the object which exerts its power over the subject and all surrounding objects.

This approach challenges conventional notions of relationship structures between objects and the connectedness to their existing surroundings.
A Foray into Play: An Adventure in the Forest of Kāpiti Island
Authors:   , Proby-Cautley Elise Mary
Published: July 2022

In New Zealand, there are numerous initiatives as to how we build in the landscape. On one hand, giant engineered infrastructures knit together a chaotic network of mountainous slopes for skiers. Meanwhile, constructions in forests assume a minimal impact on the natural environment. Kāpiti Island Nature Reserve has become a wilderness of untamed forest - the island is only navigated by pathways built by the Department of Conservation, to keep its nature as an art gallery, when it could be a playscape for adventure.

This thesis proposes a way that culture could rekindle a strong, playful relationship with the forest landscape. The process develops a system of structures that intimately understand the trees, the birds and the spirit of the land and proposes a playground, where visitors can play in our most revered natural landscape. The project uses analog media to understand the relationship between painting and architecture, as a way to formulate and discover an artistic language of play in the forest. From an initial use of acrylic, then to watercolour, introducing pencil and concluding with digital modeling, seven pavilions emerge to form the playground in the bush: arranging new opportunities for visitors to play with the forest on Kāpiti Island.
Sticky Spaces
Authors:   , Bryant Kerry
Published: July 2022

Historically the body in architecture has been ignored. As Robert Imrie (2003) explains, “architects rarely relate their design conceptions to the human body and its multiple forms of embodiment. Where the body is conceived of, it is usually regarding the conception of the ‘normal body’, or a body characterised by geometrical proportions” (Imrie, 2003, p. 47). Imrie suggests there is a need to design spaces for diverse bodies. To address this issue, this thesis looks at sticky spaces as a way to design and foreground the body in architecture. Within this context, this thesis examines how architecture can orientate the body at different scales. This thesis draws from Sara Ahmed’s (2004, p. 11), and how “objects become sticky, or saturated with affect, as sites of personal and social tension.” The research follows a design- led methodology. This methodological framework follows Jane Rendell (2003) and Peter Downton (2003) to develop an iterative approach to exploring design, which is then reflected on. To support an iterative and reflective design process, this research was structured to focus on three different scales. Each scale increased in complexity. The three design scales were installation-scale, mid-scale and the public scale building. The result of this project was an installation-scale and two buildings in Wellington. The three scales explored how the body orientates at different scales. This thesis argues that it is critical to consider how bodies stick to space, how architecture can orientate the body towards architecture and the spaces around architecture.
Spaces for all Faces
Authors:   , Freeman Rebecca
Published: July 2022

Fieldwork in public spaces throughout Wellington and Hamilton has revealed synergistic interactions between those who may often be regarded as ‘socially undesirable’ and other urban dwellers. These ‘undesirables’ might be commonly identified as homeless, beggars, street workers, the publicly intoxicated, young punks, or skateboarders and are largely seen to be an ‘urban problem’. While a first move of this research has been to recast these groups under a more compassionate light by referring to them wholly as ‘vulnerables’ the focus of this research is looking at these interactions. With vary degrees of intensity and interactivity exploring these interactions hopes to open a practice for designers to design more compassionate and open urban spaces in the context of population increase and urbanization.

The aims of this research have been to demystify these synergistic interactions and break it down to a set of spatial conditions which can be experimented with to uncover some tools and a method which designers can use to help facilitate better interactions. Also looking to others who have tackled similar projects, to study not just the design result but how they approached the process in a non-hypothetical project, how they went about consultation, and what potentially unexpected factors were important for these groups and interactions.

 Firstly, studying discovered examples where some synergistic interactions occur and breaking them down to a set of reoccurring spatial factors. Then testing these spatial factors through a design process to understand how they work, what their limitations are, and the processes for implementing them to best facilitate these synergistic interactions. The result of this thesis research is, partly, a set of spatial conditions collected from real examples and tested through a design investigation. However, the method for experimenting with these devices and implementing them is an equally important product of the research.
A Living Building for the Chinese Diaspora of Aotearoa
Authors:   , Lee Caitlyn
Published: July 2022

It is quite apparent that our planet and our very being is in a state of disrepair. My thesis seeks to answer the question: How can the built environment heal nature and a community?

More specifically, can a framework such as the Living Building Challenge bring healing to our physical environment and to the Chinese community of New Zealand? How can this be done through an Anglican spirituality?

There is a congregation of about forty to fifty worshipping at the Anglican Chinese Mission. The building which they worship in is not just a church but a community building with a multi-purpose basketball court and hall equipped with commercial kitchen and stage used by many groups throughout the week.

The building was designed in 1976 by Bill Alington and being a signature design of its day as well as distinctly Chinese, spoke aloud, where Chinese had often been denied, to give them a place in a country that they had settled in and wished to call their own. It is a well-loved building to this day. This particular church wishes to reach the entire diverse Chinese New Zealand population, and ought to be a much larger congregation considering the nationwide proportion of Chinese Christians.

A healthy community building would also be attractive to the wider New Zealand population being used for local and national events, a place in the words of the vicar, Reverend Henry Yap, “to be respected and honoured by the nation”.

Taking the premier regenerative framework in the industry today, the Living Building Challenge, among the sustainable frameworks available, the aim is to design through an iterative Design by Research (Research-led) process of analog and digital methods, a new church and community building for the site located on the corner of Tasman and Rugby Streets, Mt Cook. The result is a project that hopefully answers a primary need for this community which is one of belonging. Also, it is a project that hopefully answers secondary needs that are spiritual and are for fellowship, and then also answers an identified desire for this community to build sustainably.
Tomorrows Future
Authors:   , Dyer Sinclair
Published: July 2022

Domestic capsule environments and portable architecture have been around for a long time. During the 60s and 70s the subject of capsules was far more explorative in nature by being provocative and unafraid to challenge social norms. This research aimed to step outside the social norms of conventional housing and develop a customisable system for inhabiting vacant infrastructure with little or no modification to the existing conditions. The foundation of this research is one of mass customisation for the individual through contemporary design tools, in a search for easily manufactured and largely self-sustained solutions to modern life in condensed cities. This design research selectively utilised elements of existing compact interiors along with computational design software in order to test methods for resolving the research question. Human movement simulation for spatial requirements of the design furthered the developing function of interiors for multiple domestic scenarios to customise efficient use of space. This knowledge produced the holistic design of a scripted customisable domestic capsule that can be constructed almost entirely using additive manufacturing techniques.
Representing, Matching, and Generalising Structural Descriptions of Complex Physical Objects
Authors:   , Andreae David Brian
Published: July 2022

This thesis addresses the problem of representing, matching, and generalising descriptions of complex structured physical objects, in the absence of functional and domain-specific knowledge. A system called GRAM is described, which includes a representation scheme, an instance-constructor, a matcher, and a generaliser. These components incorporate and extend ideas from a number of other structured-object learning systems, as well as introducing several new ideas. A central contribution of this thesis is to show that descriptions of complex physical objects can be matched and generalised effectively and efficiently by exploiting their structure. GRAM does this by a number of means, such as by representing objects at multiple levels of detail; using 'neighbour relationships' to allow a more flexible traversal of object graphs during matching; explicitly distinguishing between substructure and context to allow partial matching and a simple form of disjunction; and using an explicit representation of groups to describe several similar objects as a single descriptive entity. A second contribution is to show that complex objects can be matched without having to enforce consistency between object correspondences. This is possible partly because of the richness of physical objects, and partly because GRAM represents concepts as simple entities defined by relationships with other concepts, rather than as a complete set of subcomponents defined locally within the concept description itself. This scheme leads to greater simplicity, efficiency, and robustness.
Little Old Urbanism: A suburban shift from building to block
Authors:   , Parbhu Hamish
Published: July 2022

Hataitai forms part of a shift from countryside to cityscape. The village grew organically through the turn of the 20th century and is now heritage listed as a “good example of commercial growth” from this period. As Wellington shifts towards a polycentric city, Hataitai’s close proximity demands its town village intensify and provide more public amenity. A barrier to this is the New Zealand ICOMOS charters, which specify a “minimal intervention” approach when adapting places of heritage value. It prioritises the retention of existing fabric, with no contrast to the existing “form, scale, and material”1. How then, do we intensify the village and provide more public amenity, while preserving the existing fabric?

 I have explored this through an elemental study of the existing fabric and the introduction of a public library. Stitching and stretching key moments to intensify the block through direct engagement of the existing form, scale, and materials. The final scheme stretches one existing roof tile across the entire block to unify a number of other site-specific interventions, consistent with the ICOMOS charters.

 This approach to urbanism is not the tabula rasa urbanism of the 1920’s, nor is it the pastiche eclecticism of the 1970’s. It’s not achieved through prescriptive guidelines or top-down planning and massing. It has been through a tectonic approach to what is existing. Providing a crucial step for the village, developing from a collection of separate buildings into a coherent urban block.

 This research provides an alternative to the ICOMOS charter and contributes to the growing conversation about how we shift New Zealand’s built environment from its rural beginnings to more sustainable urban forms.
Architecture of Interaction: Re-thinking Moscow's Apartments
Authors:   , Aliashkevich Anton
Published: July 2022

During the social transformation in the 1950’s through to the late 1980’s, thousands of Khrushchyovka* were built in Moscow to cater for the social housing demand after the war. After nearly 70 years of occupation these housing developments and homes have become outdated, overrun and irreparable. The current government strategy is to forcibly relocate families from Khrushchyovka to apartments of ‘equal size’ on the outskirts of Moscow. Even in the newer developments high-density living is seen as temporary and confined to specific life stages. This view is informed by the lack of social space and increase of narrow and dark spaces which are seen to compromise health and safety and is the result of ridged and stringent planning.

This thesis proposes to incorporate the principles of social interaction such as passive contact and low intensity interaction opportunities; which is merely the ability to meet, see and hear and thereby to improve living conditions and bring back a sense community to high-density urban housing in Moscow. It argues that a new planning and design framework for high-density housing through low intensity social contact can promote greater social engagement, which can contribute to people’s wellbeing and happiness.

The development of an urban and architectural framework for greater social interaction will look at creating opportunities for the interaction of people in public and semi-public space. This will provide a method for understanding how social contact can be combined with the provision of private and public space, while looking to promote safety, comfort and healthier living environments. It also recognises the importance of the public and semi-private spaces being governed by the residents and not private entities or individuals.

Khrushchyovka [Хрущёвка] - Housing built in the 1950s-1960s and named after Nikita Khrushchev (First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union) 1953-1964.