Patterns in the coastal landscape of Kaikōura

Abstract

‘Patterns in the coastal landscape of Kaikōura’ proposes a response to ingrained ideas in coastal landscape architecture, of privileging the unmodified environment and focusing on ecological concerns. This response is developed through the study of vernacular environments in coastal locations and seeks ways to bring these patterns into a spatial design.

The concepts of the coastal environment, landscape architecture and vernacular are investigated. An understanding of these concepts constructs a framework that the subsequent research is positioned within. A coastal definition is sought in specific relationship to Kaikōura. The Kaikōura coastline is dynamic and has qualities that set it apart from the rest of New Zealand. Although it could be suggested that there is a vernacular pattern to Kaikōura or even New Zealand coastal landscapes, this research argues that the vernacular environment is more specific that this. It is proposed that even within Kaikōura, the individual bays and settlements have conditions that set them apart.

This contextual nature of vernacular space, of how it exists with dependence to its surrounds, aligns it to the landscape architecture profession. The importance of this contextual relationship is validated with thorough field work study. This empirical analysis brings attention to specific vernacular qualities that can be rearticulated in a design process. Rearticulating these built traditions of coastal environments suggests ways in which innovation can link the vernacular to the designed landscape.

Three coastal environments were the focus of the field work and design process. They had the potential to display unique landscape qualities being distinctly separate environments, as such the influence of the coast affected these sites in specific ways. Yet as they shared a common regional context, cultural factors were less variable. The design testing of these observed patterns has potential to conclude if these environments are as unique as suggested. The design also provides an exploration of how effective these references may be, whether such design can produce landscape architecture that has a legible relationship to the vernacular environment.