This was my thesis project for my Master of Architecture (Professional), a 12-month self directed research project. My research was on how to facilitate social interaction within accessible social housing developments.
New Zealand’s current social housing is often inadequate, lacking appeal, dignity, and sufficient availability to meet growing needs. This thesis introduces Te Hanga Ora, a new vision for social housing that emphasises accessibility, dignity, and community interaction as essential elements for fostering healthy, connected communities. Grounded in trauma-informed architecture and universal accessibility principles, and supported by simulations using Fluid Sociability, Te Hanga Ora aims to inspire communal living.
The concept is exemplified through a medium-density apartment building designed for single and double-bedroom units, addressing the needs of the 80% of individuals on the social housing register who require such accommodations. Key features include seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, flexible social areas that span a spectrum from public to private, and a rooftop community garden to promote social engagement. Although illustrated for a site in Kilbirnie, Wellington, Te Hanga Ora is envisioned as a scalable model adaptable to various urban settings nationwide.
Te Hanga Ora strikes a balance between unsuitable high-density and unsustainable low-density developments, accommodating diverse resident needs through architecture that promotes engagement. This approach represents a progressive step toward a revitalised social housing system that builds stronger communities and a more resilient Aotearoa New Zealand.
A selection of the work from this thesis is presented below in three sections:
- Research Information
- Design Phase 1 - Initial studies
- Design Phase 2 - Design Outcome
- Research Information
- Design Phase 1 - Initial studies
- Design Phase 2 - Design Outcome
Key Research Outline Elements
Design Phase 1
Phase 1 began with initial design tests for circulation spaces, utilising simulations by FluidSociability to establish what constitutes a successful space. These diagrams are depicted above, showing where people move (blue), where people interact with each other briefly (green), and more substantively (gold).
These design studies came after the initial tests, putting together the individual lessons to form a development options, applied without site conditions to explore only the function within the development. These were then analysed to understand the lessons at a larger scale. One test incorporated a sole apartment building, the other explored multiple typologies to create space between.
Design Phase 2
