Shaking The Norm: Structural Retrofitting Beyond The Minimum

Abstract

Due to changing regulations, many buildings in New Zealand do not have adequate seismic resisting structure. There is a real need to structurally retrofit these buildings before the next severe earthquake. Structural retrofits are often driven by structural and economic purposes, as opposed to architectural considerations. As a result, the architectural integrity of some buildings is jeopardised, and the opportunity to add value and character is overlooked.

This thesis proposes that the architecture of earthquake-prone buildings can be enhanced through structural retrofitting. It aims to encourage earthquake-prone building owners to take the opportunities presented by structural retrofitting to add architectural value. The research shows how by retrofitting, adapting and extending these buildings based on their site contexts, the characters of these buildings can be brought to life, creating a sense of place. The intention is for the additional structure required in the retrofits to drive the adaptation and extensions to create new and improved architectural spaces, while the forms and detailing of the retrofit structure will enhance the character of spaces.

This thesis focuses upon an area at Wellington CentrePort. The proposal is to retrofit two earthquake-prone buildings: Maritime House and MSC House. Their structural inadequacy, fragmented nature and lack of character provide the opportunity to use the structural retrofits to rejuvenate the area.

Through iterative design research involving the testing different structural and detailed retrofitting solutions, the design outcomes of Maritime House and MSC House show how structural retrofitting through an architectural approach can create richer environments than through purely economic motives. The structural retrofit of Maritime House adapts it into a restaurant and extends the building, adding a rooftop bar and outdoor seating areas. The structural retrofit of MSC House re-establishes it into an office space that makes an architectural statement along the main road, as well as introducing accommodation to the additional two floors. These retrofits not only transform the buildings, but their surrounding area as well, introducing new amenities and qualities, and reinvigorating the character of the Port.