Design for Diversity: Exploring the Cultural Diversity of Auckland City

Abstract

We live in a time of unparalleled human migration, translating cultures, identities and traditions across multiple continents. In the year to mid- 2014 New Zealand became ‘home’ to a staggering 100,000 permanent and long-term migrant arrivals (Friensen 15). This influx of new migrants has had a significant effect on Auckland, where there are now more than 200 ethnic groups living in the city (Tan). The Asian ethnic group was identified as the largest immigrant group; in particular, the Chinese community was the largest subgroup and currently constitutes 8.9% of Auckland’s population (Auckland Council).

Settlement patterns have changed and new migrants who previously settled near the city now reside within the suburbs. The rapid diversification of the city has resulted in ethnic clusters, or ‘ethnoburbs’, similar to those in other Pacific Rim countries. Auckland now features several ethnoburbs within its suburbs where the Chinese community plays a significant role.

The formation of ‘ethnoburbs’ presents two major challenges. First, the environments in which ethnoburbs are formed have been informed by a European design and lifestyle, which are inapt for the Chinese community. The second is that these ethnoburbs present an element of social exclusion to the wider community and, as a result, in Auckland social tension is beginning to rise between “host” society and immigrants.

This thesis investigates the potential for architecture to facilitate diversity and improve social interaction between different ethnic groups-seeking to construct an environment which offers an alternative to the “one size fits all” design philosophy currently within New Zealand. This thesis explores the opportunities for transprogramming and culturally responsive design within an emerging ethnoburb.