In consideration of depth: a test of a theory

Abstract

It is widely recognised that New Zealand’s growing cities need to increase the amount of medium density living options in and around urban centres. Without a well established norm of apartment living the type itself is under investigated. This has lent only damage to the desirability of the housing option. The crux of this issue is the relationship between the public and private realms. To ensure the quality of our cities improves there is an opportunity and a need to explore different approaches to find and set the future standard of this relationship.

This thesis considers an unknown and relatively new theory called 'depth configuration', which is based on the analysis of existing buildings. The theory’s merit is that it amalgamates established writings on; territory, permeability and proximity, and presents the combination as what define the relationship of the public and private realms.

The theory is based on the premise that the quality of shared space is a concerning casualty of new apartment design, but is the integral element of a successful depth configuration. Kris Scheerlinck coined the term 'depth configuration' in his 2011 PhD, where he suggests that the analysis of depth can aid the controlled creation of public/private relationships. He does so without promoting a particular type of relationship. Understanding Scheerlinck's analytical theory is fundamental to the success and understanding of this thesis. His original work has been interpreted, re-ordered and is explained in terms of his analytical diagrams. Presented alongside case study projects Scheerlinck's retrospective analysis provides a lens for describing, evaluating and comparing public/private relationships.

This thesis refines Scheerlinck's process to identify and evaluate the architectural implications of various public/private relationships. A selection of case studies are used to show options for potential contribution to the standard of apartment design for New Zealand. The importance of the case studies is in connecting the theoretically explained aspects of public/private relationships with precedent architectural solutions. They showcase the influence of design on a range of public/private relationships.

The case studied options establish the need to create a symbiotic relationship between the realms to address the identified situation in New Zealand. Postwar Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck, whose work showcases his approach to 'anthropological experience', holds most relevance and potential to a local situation.

His humanistic designs focus on experiences and moments, which translates clearly from the theoretical analysis. Converted into objectives for the desired public/private relationship Aldo van Eyck gives direction and goals to Scheerlinck's theory. Strategies for designing are developed, taking lessons from the case studied examples and Scheerlinck’s original case studies and explanations.

A design proposal tests the application this particular public/private relationship within the context of Wellington. The proposed apartment building sets itself on a generic site on Adelaide road. Iterations within the building test a range of depth configurations. Various semi-public and semi-private territories condition areas of privacy and shared amenity. Evaluation of the design proposal assesses the theory’s effectiveness as a means for improving New Zealand’s apartment design.

This initial background chapter introduces Scheerlinck and his theories. Key terms are defined early in the chapter followed by a more detailed explanation of the meaning and implications of 'depth configurations'.

The theory chapter expands on each aspect, territory, permeability and proximity. Scheerlinck's analysis is interpreted and explained in terms of his diagrams using series of six case studies which are analysed along side the theoretical explanations. The theory chapter is the foundation for developing strategies for a particular relationship between the public and private realms. The techniques observed in the case studies are seen as architectural manifestations of the theory. The strategy chapter summarizes the conclusions of the preceding theory. It presents for each aspect; an objective - interpreted from Scheerlinck, an approach - taken from Aldo van Eyck and a reiteration of the aspects relevant impact on the relationship between the realms. Diagrams accompany the strategies to illustrate a selection of basic architectural solutions.

The thesis is concluded with the design chapter. A proposal for an apartment building in a developing part of Wellington city is used to test the implementation of the strategies. The resulting design is evaluated to highlight the unconventional impact of the theory on a conventional design brief. The finished design is a precedent for improving of the public/private relationship in growing cities across New Zealand.