Secret Place
Through the Space of Representation
Old Meets New
Heritage is often a delicate issue when it comes to new architecture. Many wasted opportunities are created in the name of preserving a past that has little connection to the current zeitgeist. That is not to say that heritage is not important, but when a district's demographic has changed, perhaps it is also prudent for its architecture to follow suit. Ponsonby is one such district. Situated adjacent to Auckland CBD it has become the up and coming social hub in recent years. It also has a very high concentration of colonial New Zealand architecture. Many of Ponsonby's residents and visitors are citizens looking for alternative lifestyles. While 'vintage' is a staple of hipster culture, in an area populated by gay bars and boutique eateries, there must be something new to accompany the old.
Revitalize
To give this part of Ponsonby a much needed update, the scheme proposes a large canopy running the length of the narrow site. The canopy helps to bridge the stark juncture between commercial and residential on the site. Additionally it activates the roof layer of the development and allows the creation of a park-like social space, a rare occurrence in Ponsonby. This multi-functional space is kept as a conceptual 'secret place' as its existence is not immediately apparent from street level. With the demographic of Ponsonby likely to be novelty seekers, this treatment gives the space an explorational aspect despite it being part of a very constrained site. Underneath this space is a myriad of small restaurants and boutique stores commonplace in the area, coupled with a small triplex housing unit towards the back of the site.
Design project taken during year 3 of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies programme at the University of Auckland. The main components of the design dealt with densification and the creation of unique social spaces within a heritage zone. Secondary aspects included sustainability strategies including passive solar and rainwater collection implementations. Working with a very constrained site in terms of size, this became an exercise in far-sighted division of volumes.
