2 research outputs found
The Adaptable Dwelling: A Response to Cultural Diversity
Traditionally, dwellings have evolved in response to social and cultural needs, and
changed simultaneously with the development of society. The dwelling is associated
primarily with the concept of culture and identity of its occupants. This is challenged
through migration to a new and unfamiliar context.
In 2010, immigrants granted residency in New Zealand came from increasingly
diverse cultural backgrounds (Department of Labour, 2009). These varied cultural
backgrounds present greater challenges and complex settlement barriers. A house
that is able to cater to diverse cultural needs in terms of function, privacy, and
adaptability is crucial for today's growing multicultural society. Immigrants are
often placed in council housing that was designed for New Zealand's Pakeha culture
which does not provide for the requirements of non-Pakeha cultures. Immigrants are
often required to make significant cultural changes through the immigration process
and many attributes of their cultures are lost because dwellings are inappropriate.
This thesis argues that architecture has a vital role to play in the mediation and
integration of immigrants. The dwelling is an important medium through which
immigrants can maintain a sense of cultural identity and can develop positive
interactions with the wider community. It proposes a generic solution to public
housing that is not spatially restrictive nor culturally inhibitive.
The research navigates multi-disciplinary boundaries, through both an individual
and community lens. It enables a holistic view of culture, immigrants and the
importance of the dwelling. The research looks at recent immigration to New
Zealand, the ethnic and cultural backgrounds of immigrants and the general
challenges immigrants face. Furthermore, it explores historic and contemporary
architectural theories on flexibility and adaptability.
The design phase brings together research findings of cultural research on immigrants'
cultures in the design of a dwelling. It focuses on flexibility as an architectural
solution. The design responds to the differing spatial needs of immigrant groups
moving to New Zealand. It enables reflection of their identity in their transition to
the new culture of New Zealand. The design phase is split into three sections: first,
the creation of a generic solution that remains site-less, second, the generic solution
is tested against the requirements of an Islamic family, and third, the outcomes of
part one are tested in a higher density situation.
This thesis concludes by reviewing how the proposal has taken into account the
diverse needs of particular cultures and specific living requirements of the immigrant
groups studied. Through the concept of flexible design, the changing cultural needs
of occupants are addressed. Immigrants moving to New Zealand will have a housing
typology that can be adapted to their lifestyles and accommodate diverse cultural
requirements
The Adaptable Dwelling: A Response to Cultural Diversity
Traditionally, dwellings have evolved in response to social and cultural needs, and
changed simultaneously with the development of society. The dwelling is associated
primarily with the concept of culture and identity of its occupants. This is challenged
through migration to a new and unfamiliar context.
In 2010, immigrants granted residency in New Zealand came from increasingly
diverse cultural backgrounds (Department of Labour, 2009). These varied cultural
backgrounds present greater challenges and complex settlement barriers. A house
that is able to cater to diverse cultural needs in terms of function, privacy, and
adaptability is crucial for today's growing multicultural society. Immigrants are
often placed in council housing that was designed for New Zealand's Pakeha culture
which does not provide for the requirements of non-Pakeha cultures. Immigrants are
often required to make significant cultural changes through the immigration process
and many attributes of their cultures are lost because dwellings are inappropriate.
This thesis argues that architecture has a vital role to play in the mediation and
integration of immigrants. The dwelling is an important medium through which
immigrants can maintain a sense of cultural identity and can develop positive
interactions with the wider community. It proposes a generic solution to public
housing that is not spatially restrictive nor culturally inhibitive.
The research navigates multi-disciplinary boundaries, through both an individual
and community lens. It enables a holistic view of culture, immigrants and the
importance of the dwelling. The research looks at recent immigration to New
Zealand, the ethnic and cultural backgrounds of immigrants and the general
challenges immigrants face. Furthermore, it explores historic and contemporary
architectural theories on flexibility and adaptability.
The design phase brings together research findings of cultural research on immigrants'
cultures in the design of a dwelling. It focuses on flexibility as an architectural
solution. The design responds to the differing spatial needs of immigrant groups
moving to New Zealand. It enables reflection of their identity in their transition to
the new culture of New Zealand. The design phase is split into three sections: first,
the creation of a generic solution that remains site-less, second, the generic solution
is tested against the requirements of an Islamic family, and third, the outcomes of
part one are tested in a higher density situation.
This thesis concludes by reviewing how the proposal has taken into account the
diverse needs of particular cultures and specific living requirements of the immigrant
groups studied. Through the concept of flexible design, the changing cultural needs
of occupants are addressed. Immigrants moving to New Zealand will have a housing
typology that can be adapted to their lifestyles and accommodate diverse cultural
requirements