An Architecture of Solas

Abstract

The thesis investigates the place of the architecture of the individual coastal dwelling in mitigating the future effects of Solastalgia. Solastalgia is understood as the notion of place-based distress stemming from changes occurring in the environment. The projected effects of climate change include a rise in sea levels and an increase in extreme coastal weather events. With many of New Zealand’s principal areas of inhabitation lying along the coast the physical and less tangible psychological effects arising from these future events are becoming both a pressing issue and a mobilising idea in the creation of coastal domestic architecture. The thesis examines three theoretical imperatives. Firstly, the work of Glenn Albrecht and his notion of Solastalgia. Utilised as a means to understand the effects of change in our home environment on the perception of comfort and the dwelling, Solastalgia acts as an initial reference for the design case study. Secondly, the notion of home and the dwelling as retreat is examined through phenomenological thought. Thirdly, by understanding the dwelling as an experiential connection and engagement with the unique conditions of place the thesis questions home as merely a refuge or place of shelter and retreat. The architectural design comprises three dwellings respectively titled The Outpost, The Cave and The Nest. Each articulates a distinct approach to retreat and engagement through the architectural notions of ground relationship, permanence, site specificity, and through questioning the expected qualities associated with the two primary materials timber and concrete. The dwellings are sited in Island Bay Wellington, a site chosen for its high exposure to the elements and rich history of coastal living. Each is positioned to exploit a specific condition of the coastal edge. The Outpost touches the sea, The Cave is set between sea and hill, and The Nest is sited upon the hill face itself. Ultimately, the three dwellings act both as a symbol for a need to proactively consider the uncertain future condition, as well as providing exemplars as possible solutions for this proactive future looking approach to an architectural dwelling upon this coastal edge. As such, the dwellings are thus three possible speculative solutions through design led research to the implications the solastalgic context has in the formation of domestic coastal architecture.