Tuesday 26 August 2014

August workshop abstracts


Kieran Dove
How can landscape architects utilize digital design in the design process?

Digital design support tools, although initially received with skepticism by many, have enhanced the process of designing and have contributed to the creation of better artefacts. Since the introduction of CAD in the 1960’s, we have seen significant improvements in the way we design, but there have always been limitation and challenges. Through my initial research I have noted down a brief list of the challenges that CAD systems face today, notably geometry; it lies at the core of all CAD systems and is often challenged in it use of shape control, interoperability and design exploration. 
Recent digital design systems present opportunities for alleviating this challenge. Among these, and the most promising, are design systems enabling parametric and constraint-based modelling. They present opportunities for supporting the design process more naturally and seamlessly. They are capable of creating, managing, and organizing highly complex (parametric) design models by integrating different types of parameters and rapidly searching for alternative solutions. Using these systems for creating objects with non-Euclidian geometries has become more distinct in domains such as architecture, aerospace, automotive and industrial design, for example, aesthetic and functional goals. Parametric design has been widely used by many professions; some are stated above, however within landscape architecture and urban design its use has been very limited.
The way in which I will be approaching this problem starts with the investigation into literature, case study analysis about Parametric Design and also the wider family of digital design techniques. This is followed by case study analysis of both built projects and design proposals that employ the use of Parametric Design. In regards to my site being a long linear piece of land, Linear Parks will also be investigated to help understand the pros and cons when designing them. Through site analysis I will be able to understand the sites and its functions. This will be a vital component in the development of my model as the information I find will be used as quantitative values for my design. With all this information collected and reviewed I can start to form design experiments that show some of the qualities and characteristics I’ve found through my research. Throughout this process there will be a constant loop of feedback and reflection to give an added depth to the design process. This process should consider a broad range of inputs and variations to create a range of outputs that should be looked at individually and evaluated.

Raewyn Davie-Martin
Mountain to Sea - Water for 21st Century Resilient Cities
How can potable and non-potable decentralized water networks re-image cities?

Globally large water infrastructure projects are being redesigned to use smaller sized grey infrastructure by using operationalized landscapes in conjunction (Department of Environmental Protection 2006).  An example of traditional linear infrastructure with productive natural landscapes with a connected urban water network is Bishon Park, Singapore by Landscape Architect Herbert Dreiseitl (Dreiseitl 2012). The Singapore Island water network design is regulated at government policy level (Dreiseitl 2012). Likewise, precedents from New York City High Performance infrastructure), shows change from the traditional linear water system to alternative holistic infrastructure. (Brown Caputo Carnahan Nielsen 2005). This research will speculate on resilient city planning and city strategies for densification for a distributed city network, which considers water, cluster neighborhoods and eco cities use of recycled wastewater for city resource management (Ed Haas 2012).
The research will investigate precedents from water infrastructure projects for potable and non-potable water network systems for example Singapore. This research will analyze the precedents from Singapore's public utility board reclaimed infrastructure (PUB 2013) and compare this to the Auckland's water infrastructure projects to explore the options for separate potable and non-potable water network systems. The research will consider the use of reclaimed water infrastructure and new technologies. This exploration, will define how hybrid green and blue infrastructure can be designed for future resilient industrial and residential community needs to revue Auckland's current infrastructure (DEP 2006).
Water resources can be divided into a source for potable consumption and a source for non-potable consumption. The reclaimed water from the combined waste and storm water drainage could be used for the increasing city water needs. This secondary water can be recycled for reuse within the neighborhood, for example industrial or agricultural uses for example hydroponic gardening. Developing technologies will redefine the water infrastructure networks to encompass new and old infrastructure practices to redefine the linear infrastructure of the city. The neighborhood water network is the focus and this is where the main change to the developing city densification model is, in this research.
Increasing city density will change ecological functions of land and water. For example the ground water levels and aquifer recharge of the natural water systems will become less efficient. Caused by the increased non-permeable land cover created from the increased built environment. Water runoff from the changing city fabric, will change the natural hydrologic flow patterns. Less water infiltration will cause soils to become less productive.

Grace He
Multi Culturalism in the Urban Landscape
How can the urban designers work with the insights of multiculturalism to create a new kind of inclusive public space in a city?

 The field of multiculturalism is relatively new, emerging first in the Western democracies prior to World War II; it is part of the human rights revolution which explicitly propounded the equality of races and peoples (Kymlicka. W. 2012)
Due to the ageing population, New Zealand has one of fastest immigration population growth rates in the world, Aotearoa New Zealand is now one of the world's most super-diverse societies ( Spoonley P,  R Bedford, 2012).  Compared with rural areas, the challenges of dealing with multicultural societies in the cities are more intense due to this rapidly changing social landscape ( Phillips. S 2013). A city like Auckland has changed dramatically in its demographics over the past two decades and will face a more diverse society in the near future. About 40 percent of Auckland’s population is made up of immigrants from many countries, including the Pacific Islands, China, Korea, the Philippines, and South Africa, and this number will continue increasing in the future ( Spoonley P,  R Bedford, 2012) .
Aucklanders seem to be open to cultural diversity and are more supportive of settlement assistance for immigrants (Gendall et al., 2007).  The Auckland Draft Unitary Plan indicated that one of the critical disciplines of Auckland’s future urban development is: the visibility of Auckland’s cultural diversity (Draft Auckland Unitary Plan 2013) .  How does one transfer this social phenomenon - cultural diversity - to the urban design methodology? This research intends to seek linkage and between diverse cultural values and urban landscape, explore the opportunities to integrate and represent those values in the urban landscape though design practice.

Helen Frances
At the confluence: heritage, rivers and walking.
How can a river-side walkway be designed to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders, in a site that is rich in heritage?

This design project draws on three frames of research.  The primary focus is the practice of landscape architecture in relation to heritage, using the design of a walkway in a heritage-rich site as an applied case study.   Heritage is a cultural construct, a version of the past created by people to serve their needs in the present.  It is intimately related to place, and to people’s sense of identity and belonging.  The research question puts emphasis on the needs of multiple stakeholders.  This emphasis reflects the contestable and potentially complex nature of heritage.  What is significant and valued by one group of people may not be so by others, so within this set of relationships between landscape, heritage, identity and place is a political dimension.  A survey of local residents has revealed that the literal facts of the community’s heritage story has little meaning for most people, but that the story is valued for the sense of community that it generates.  The survey also revealed some resistance to the hegemony of the heritage story, and a desire to hear more diverse and suppressed narratives.
 Secondly, site analysis has examined the unique qualities of the rivers in the design site, and their implications for design, whilst locating them in the larger contexts of the spatial-temporal dynamics of rivers, the place of rivers in culture, and the meaning of these rivers to the local community.   Research so far has revealed that rivers and heritage converge in the way in which they both define and reflect a sense of place, and people’s sense of identification with place.    They both engage with, and generate, cultural and spiritual forces of memories, meanings and myths.
Third, the research explores the idea that landscape comes into being through habitation and engagement.  Walking as a means of inhabiting the land and “embedding” landscape as part of us converges with heritage and the rivers in the making of place and identity.  The spatial unfolding and the temporal and sensual qualities of walking, and the difference between meandering and purposeful walking also inform design. 
Out of the complex matrix of heritage, rivers and landscape, this project aims to generate a designed walkway for a particular community that responds to the ways in which people forge their sense of place and belonging. 

Zoe Cooper
Living Roof Urbanism
How can living roofs be approached urbanistically?

This research proposal outlines an investigation of living roofs urbanism and how we can better integrate urbanistic systems into our cities in light of global urbanisation.  Living roof design and incorporation into our landscape has not successfully maximised potential benefits, nor are these collective benefits acknowledged widely.  The resulting effect is a reduction in global uptake and a disconnect in which living roofs are being “tacked” onto buildings without consideration for the local environment.  Regularly, living roofs are designed for one benefit, for example stormwater attenuation or aesthetics.  Living roofs, if designed in a holistic manner can produce multi-functional benefits that will significantly improve our urban landscape.
The objective of this research is to establish a set of realms (including diagrammatic forms) that we need to collectively consider to achieve holistic living roof development.  In the last six years of working on living roofs I have not encountered a holistic set of design considerations to enable maximum benefits.  The current toolkits, models, policy incentives and case studies compartmentalise the benefits rather than considering living roofs as part of the landscape and another surface that can enhance our environment achieving a multitude of benefits.  My research will include the development of a design process in which holistic measurable metricise will be established, the identification of living roofs case studies, design of a living roofs development, and a qualitative and quantitative evidence based assessment of those designs.


Rithy Heng
Urban Renewal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cities are the products of human civilization and settlement. They keep changing both physically and socially. With the advancement of technology and economic prosperity, urban lives in the 21st century have become more comfortable and easier. However, there are still some negative aspects arising from urban growth such as air pollution, traffic congestion, and inadequacy of public spaces where people can freely enjoy their time after work. The world has shifted the attention to the creation of a more livable and greener urban environment.
The concept of urban renewal is vital for the lifespan of a city and planning as it helps curbing urban sprawl and introducing new lives into the old, sometimes abandoned, places. As the city is ageing, some parts of it have to be replaced by new elements to keep the city vibrant, livable, and sustainable.
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia dating back to 1431 A.D. The city underwent a lot of changes both physically and socially. During colonial period from 1863 to 1953, Phnom Penh became a center of French colonial government that left some French-styled buildings to present time. From 1953 to 1969, Phnom Penh was developed into one of the most modern cities in Asia acquiring the name “Pearl of Asia”. Modern buildings inspired by Khmer concept were built. In 1970, Cambodia plunged into civil war that destroyed almost everything.
After decades of civil war and instability, Cambodia is emerging as one of the fastest growing economies. Meanwhile, there is development challenge to be addressed. Phnom Penh, the capital, is suffered from absence of planning, population booming, pollution, traffic congestion, and constant flooding from storm water. The ongoing profit-driven developments give little consideration on livability and sustainability. Furthermore, urban renewal is inevitable as Phnom Penh population is increasing. A former landfill will need to be restored to make way for development. Because of its location within the city, it has the potential of becoming a more affluent area by using green space and water as amenities. This project aims to provide alternative design approach by balancing livability, sustainability, and profitability to make it more appealing to developers and government.



XinXin Wang
A green network for a regional city.

Auckland lifestyle is that people leisure time is very close to volcanoes, coasts, and bushes. However, climate change and increasing population has added more pressure to urban and environment. This paper rethinks Auckland plan as a regional city in a scope to 2100, and states three major challenges in the future. In order to address these problems, a green network needs to be built in Auckland region.

Xu Gao
Coastal Cities
How can we develop coastal line as a part of urban area for future and can we develop coastal line with tourism as well? The idea is about coastal cities development through tourism ways, and also protect local resident’s lifestyle.

As one can see, Auckland is the world famous city, and the city’s 70% area consist by coastal waters. Obviously, from the geographical features shows that Auckland belongs to a coastal city, and have many of coastal resources, nevertheless most of Auckland’s coastline is still in undeveloped state, some beach even appeared natural erosion or man-made pollution. However, the most coastal cities in the world always development this region as a regional priority, perhaps because of economic factors, as well as, because of environmental factors. As a coastal city, Auckland in this area have great potential for development, whether it is from the perspective of urban development or ecological protection or basic services for the residents. Then, form the other side, with the Auckland rapid development of urbanization, land has become the main reason for limiting the future development of Auckland, but for New Zealand as an island country, coastline is the most abundant resource, which may also be able to Auckland’s future development towards providing a valuable reference. Moreover, for coastal development, both in the construction of infrastructure and transportation should be relatively easier than construction in inland area.
In addition, as the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland has been the role of tourism as a transit point, so if we can keep these potential economic resources as a driving force of urban development, coastal development may be able to play a great help.
This project will base on those questions and find the way to deal with it, through the concept of eco-tourism and eco-design, which is environmentally and friendly idea for landscape architecture technology practice. However, to scan this topic should be including aesthetics, recreation, leisure, early investigation of sociological and ecological features, involvement of coastal shareholder, local population in the planning process, exactly of site selection and environmentally design.

Gemma Gao
How to achieve multifunctional public spaces in central Auckland in order to resilient urban from earthquake?

Earthquake is a natural disaster that is considered unpredictable in worldwide. People died and injured because of falling buildings but not earthquake itself. However, as Sule (2012) suggested, building resistant cities as well as sustainable land use in order to minimum the natural hazards, and it is similar as my concept of design a multifunctional park. Thus there is a need to analyze the problems of building such a park for people recovery after earthquake, make relative assumptions, and find out reasonable solutions. In this research, six recent case studies from online library were used to analyze research question. Theory of city plan is considered and the relationship between density and safety would be analyzed because there exists high risk of damage due to diffident degree of density. The locations of recovery public space need to be identified while next earthquake happened. Besides, the multifunctional park is allowed to adapt to general use for people.

Junjie Xu
A Brownfield Park.
The Sustainable Landscape - A Practice in Transformation of Brownfield Site

With the development of city, more and more people moving into the city, more houses and roads will be built, but the land is limited. In that case, more greenfield will be occupied to provide the leisure and entertainment space for people. In order to deal with a series of problems of urban development, it is vital to efficiently utilise and redevelop brownfield sites. We need to explore the space of development, put it into good use, return people a comfortable and natural space of living, and make it the greatest treasure of human beings. How can a brownfield site be redeveloped into a public space? Different city has different people, culture and background, the redevelopment of brownfield sites should both observing codes and understanding the local history and geography. According to the Auckland plan, the city will be compact and the world’s most liveable. Sustainability, as a primary principal, has been used to judge whether people can long-term survival or not, so apply sustainable methods to build public space can improve the quality of environment and people’s live, integrate the urban green system and achieve the goal of urban development. Though case studies can collect database and understand relative techniques and skills, find the best way to develop the most appropriated project which will give the answer to the research question.



Thursday 21 August 2014

August workshop Roundup



The August workshop was probably the biggest event we have had in the Master by Project programme with four exhibitions and successful examinations, a successful writing seminar and a full day workshop with four new research proposals. Exhausting but very satisfying.

 The week kicked off with four by Maurits Kelderman, Mathew Brown, Peter McPherson, and Grace Warne.
Maurits Kelderman kicked of the first examination at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae. Maurits research project is titled, Te Whare Wananga o Haoni Waititi, Maurits asks how Whare Wananga differ from ‘mainstream’ institutions in terms of education forms, styles and delivery, and, how does the Pedagogy of Tikanga Māori influence the planning style and form of architectural design. Maurits presented a passionate defence of his proposed building for the Haoni Waititi Marae. Associate Professor Marcus William from Unitec and Associate Professor Dr Deidre Brown from Auckland University examined Maurits with the able assistance of Professor Mike Austin.

Next up was Mathew Brown, his research project was entitled, A way of looking: The architecture of Rudolph Schindler, through an alternate lens. Mathews research project explores the nature of architectural representations by carrying out an experiment using comics to represent a building that incorporates the spatial composition found in Schindler’s work. The design work proposes a way of emphasising those aspects of architecture that Schindler believed were important and therefore looks to encourage an understanding, development and perhaps a demand for his approach to building design. Mark Southcombe Programme Director, Senior Lecturer – Architecture at Victoria University and Graeme McConchie, Senior Lecturer,  Department of Architecture, Unitec examined Mat. Supervisor and distinguished heritage architect Adam Wild helped Mat to successfully pass.

Peter McPherson’s examination; The Art of Geometry: Extending Knowledge of Architectural Geometry and the Shapes We Create. Peters research project investigates how the computer and Computer Aided Design software has influenced architecture in the past twenty years; from the influence the digital has had on design thinking, to the production of buildings not before thought possible. Bojan Tepavčević, visiting Professor, University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, and Elvon Young Senior Lecturer and Head of Spatial Design AUT, examined Peter. Professor Branko Mitrovic and Nikolay Popov ably supervised Peter.

Grace Warne was the sole Master of Landscape Architecture by project examination. The title of Graces  project was, The Sustainable Industrial Landscape. Grace’s research work has been concerned with how can landscape architects advance sustainability within industry through the use of social interaction and behaviour.  Grace chose a real world project, the Harbourside Business Park to test the design methodology. The proposed Harbourside Business Park design aims to generate social interaction by encouraging visual and physical connections and providing opportunities for engagement between both people and people and their environment. Grace believes that the proposed design elements aim to improve and increase the level of social interaction on the site and generate awareness of others and the environment as a means to increase the level of sustainable behaviour. Gary Marshall, Senior Associate and Design Manager and Dr. Diane Menzies, Director of Undergraduate Programmes School of Architecture Victoria University examined Grace. Special thanks Peter Griffiths for helping Grace put together a convincing and compelling exhibition and exegesis.

Disseminating research through writing and presentations through a wide variety of media is an important part of the programme. To help graduates present their work to the wide world, Catherine Mitchell, from Te Puna Ako Unitec and Justine Harvey, editor of Architecture NZ presented a writing workshop. Catherine concentrated on writing for conferences, how to write an abstract, a paper and for a refereed publication, while Justine concentrated on the elusive art of journalism.

Friday saw the workshop for both architecture and landscape architecture candidates. The day kicked off with Kieran Dove presenting his research work, How can landscape architects utilize digital design in the design process? Kieran is interested in the way parametric design has been widely used by many professions, but not landscape architecture. Raewyn Davie-Martin followed with a presentation of her research work; Mountain to Sea - Water for 21st Century Resilient Cities. Raewyn’s research investigates precedents from water infrastructure projects for potable and non-potable water network systems. The research considers the use of reclaimed water infrastructure and new technologies. This exploration will define how hybrid green and blue infrastructure can be designed for future resilient industrial and residential community needs in Auckland. Grace He followed Raewyn with her latest research work entitled, Multi Culturalism in the Urban Landscape, How can urban designers work with the insights of multiculturalism to create a new kind of inclusive public space in a city? Grace is interested in how to transfer cultural diversity into an urban design methodology The research intends to seek linkages between diverse cultural values and urban landscape and explore the opportunities to integrate and represent those values in the urban landscape though design practice. The research work was critiqued by distinguished critics; Grant Duncan, School of People, Environment and Planning Massy University, Euen MacKeller, Principal, Jasmax, and Clare Chapman editor of Landscape New Zealand,

After lunch Helen Frances presented her penultimate research work titled; At the confluence: heritage, rivers and walking, How can a river-side walkway be designed to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders, in a site that is rich in heritage? The project aims to generate a designed walkway for a particular community that responds to the ways in which people forge their sense of place and belonging. Zoe Cooper followed with her project; Living Roof Urbanism, How can living roofs be approached urbanistically? Zoë’s research is an investigation of living roof urbanism Zoe believes that living roof design and incorporation into our landscape has not successfully maximized potential benefits, nor are these collective benefits acknowledged widely.  Rithy Heng finished the early afternoon presentation with his project; Urban Renewal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Rithy is looking at a former landfill that will need to be restored to make way for development. Because of its location within the city, it has the potential of becoming a more affluent area by using green space and water as amenities. This project aims to provide alternative design approach by balancing livability, sustainability, and profitability to make it more appealing to developers and government.

The last four presentations were candidature proposals. Xinxin Wang started by presenting her proposal for a green network for a regional city. Xinxin wants to rethink the Auckland plan as a regional city to 2100. Xu Gao followed with his project on Coastal Cities, How can we develop the coastaline as an urban area for the future through increased tourism. Gemma Gao’s research question is, How to achieve multifunctional public spaces in central Auckland in order to become resilient from earthquakes? Gemma believes that the location of recovery public spaces needs to be identified before earthquakes happen. Junjie Xu finished the day with the presentation of his project, A Brownfield Park. The Sustainable Landscape - A Practice in Transformation of Brownfield Site.
The students were joined by a lively and engaged panel that included; Dr. Lee Beattie Deputy Head – Urban Planning School of Architecture and Planning University of Auckland, Phil Wihongi Landscape Architect/Planner, Raukawa Charitable Trust, David Irwin, founding director Isthmus Group, Associate Professor Sarah Treadwell, Architecture & Planning University of Auckland and Lisa Mein Principal Urban Design Boffa Miskell. 





Wednesday 20 August 2014



Wednesday, 27th of August 2014
Time
Students
Subject
Full time/
Part Time
Principal Supervisor/
 Associate Supervisor
Status
Critics
9.00
Maurits  Kelderman
Te Whare Wananga o Haoni Waititi
PT
Michael Austin
Final Exam

Maurits Kelderman:
·   Final Exam Presentation will be held at the Unitec’s Marae on Wednesday, 27th of August @ 9.00 am
·   The exhibition will be opened on Monday, 25th of August @ 5.00 pm in the  Snowwhite Gallery, Building 1
Thursday, 28th of August 2014
Time
Students
Subject
Full time/
Part Time
Principal Supervisor/
 Associate Supervisor
Status
Critics
9.00
Mathew Brown
A way of looking: The architecture of Rudolph Schindler, through an alternate lens.
PT
Branko Mitrovic /
Adam Wild
Final Exam

Mathew Brown:
·   Final Exam Presentation will be held on Thursday, 28th of August @ 9.00 am in the  main exhibition space, Building 1
·   The exhibition will be opened on Monday, 25th of August @ 5.00 pm in the  main exhibition space, Building 1
10.00
Peter McPherson
The Art of Geometry: Extending Knowledge of Architectural Geometry and the Shapes We Create.
FT
Branko Mitrovic / Nikolay Popov
Final Exam

Peter McPherson:
·   Final Exam Presentation will be held on Thursday, 28th of August @ 10.00 am in the  Snowwhite Gallery, Building 1
·   The exhibition will be opened on Monday, 25th of August @ 5.00 pm in the  Snowwhite Gallery, Building 1
LUNCH 12- 1

WRITING WORKSHOP
1- 3
Catherine Mitchell, Te Puna Ako : 1 hour : on writing for conferences, how to write an abstract, a paper and for a refereed publication.
Justine Harvey, Architecture NZ : 1 hour: how to write journalise

Friday, 29th of August 2014
9.00
Grace Warne

The Sustainable Industrial Landscape
FT
Peter Griffiths/
Matthew Bradbury
Final Exam

Grace Warne:
·   Final Exam Presentation will be held on Friday, 29th of August @ 9.00 am in the  main exhibition space, Building 1
·   The exhibition will be opened on Monday, 25th of August @ 5.00 pm in the  main exhibition space, Building 1
10.00
BREAK





10.15
Kieran Dove
The Parametric Landscape
PT
Nikolay Popov
Matthew Bradbury
2nd Workshop
Associate Professor Grant Duncan, School of People, Environment and Planning Massy University,
Euen MacKeller, Principal, Jasmax, 
Clare Chapman editor of Landscape New Zealand,
Kate Healy, Chief Operating Officer Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Limited,

11.00
Raewyn Beavis
Mountain to Sea - Water for 21st Century Resilient Cities
FT
Pete Grifths
Matthew Bradbury
1st Workshop

11.45
Grace He
Multi Culturalism in the Urban Landscape.
PT
Hamish Foote
Matthew Bradbury
2nd Workshop

12.30 – 1. 15
LUNCH





1. 15
Helen Frances
At the confluence: heritage, rivers and walking
PT
Hamish Foote
3rd Worskhop
Dr Lee Beattie Deputy Head – Urban Planning School of Architecture and Planning University of Auckland, ,
Phil Wihongi Landscape Architect/Planner, Raukawa Charitable Trust,
David Irwin, founding director Isthmus Group,  and
Associate Professor Sarah Treadwell, Architecture & Planning University of Auckland.
Lisa Mein Principal Urban Design Boffa Miskell

2.00
Zoe Cooper
Living Roof Urbanism,
PT
Hamish Foote
2nd Workshop

2.45
Rithy Heng
Urban Renewal in Cambodia Case study: Phnom Penh Park.
FT
Hamish Foote
1st Workshop

3.30 - 3. 45
BREAK





3.45
XinXin Wang
A green network for a regional city,
FT
Matthew Bradbury
Candidature

4.05
Xu Gao
Coastal Cities
FT
Matthew Bradbury
Candidature Practice

4.25
Yan Gao
Market Urbanism

FT
Matthew Bradbury
Candidature Practice

4. 45
Junjie Xu
A Brownfield Park.

FT
Matthew Bradbury
Candidature Practice

5.00
THE PUB