Inflated Response

Abstract

This thesis asserts the need for a form-changing architecture that encompasses the day-to-day requirements of Wellington’s citizens, while also having the ability to adapt its form and function in the event of a major earthquake, becoming a rallying point for displaced people.

Specifically, a process of design-led research will explore experimental modes of structure and form to allow for a form-changing architecture that is adaptable and flexible. These form-changing architectural systems are able to facilitate two distinct but important civic duties: a post-earthquake rallying point, and market.

The term ‘form-changing architecture’ refers to architectural technology that has the ability to move, expand, inflate, and unfold. Technologies such as pneumatics, folded-plate structures, and temporary shelter design, are important aspects of the design proposed in this thesis. It is this type of technology that will be explored in the design component of this thesis, and within the context of the Thorndon, Wellington site. The threat of a large earthquake is used as the primary ‘disaster scenario’ in this thesis, due to Wellington’s location directly above a major fault line and the relevance of earthquakes within New Zealand’s architectural dialogue in the last three years.

The research conducted in this thesis expands on the discourse on adaptable architectural interventions in disaster relief architecture and the idea of architecture as performing a civic duty.