Architecture and Planning

Project

Supported in part by a number of UoA Summer Scholarships, the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects has published a series of maps of New Zealand architecture. Refer: https://www.andrewbarrielab.com/block

This scholarship project involves the research and production for a map of Invercargill and the wider Southland region.

The project will begin with library-based research to gather information, moving on to the layout and graphic of the map itself, before carrying out fieldwork to verify the correctness and currency of the map produced.

Solid research and graphic design skills are a necessity, and the ability to write well about architectural history is an advantage.

The project will supervised throughout the summer with weekly meetings. The map will be published (printing sponsored by Dulux) in early-2024 by Architecture New Zealand (the nation’s most significant architecture journal), so the work project will run mid-November to mid-February.

To conduct the project, the supervisor will select up to 1 student.

Project

Supported in part by a number of UoA Summer Scholarships, the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects has published a series of maps of New Zealand architecture. Refer: https://www.andrewbarrielab.com/block

This scholarship project involves the research and production for a map of Palmerston North, Whanganui, and the Manawatu region.

The project will begin with library-based research to gather information, moving on to the layout and graphic of the map itself, before carrying out fieldwork to verify the correctness and currency of the map produced.

Solid research and graphic design skills are a necessity, and the ability to write well about architectural history is an advantage.

The project will supervised throughout the summer with weekly meetings.

The map will be published (printing sponsored by Dulux) in mid-2024 by Architecture New Zealand (the nation’s most significant architecture journal), so the work project will run mid-November to mid-February. 

To conduct the project, the supervisor will select up to 1 student.

Project

This research proposal aims to investigate the relationship between disruptive mobility technologies and their potential to mitigate climate change.

Disruptive mobility refers to innovative transportation solutions that challenge traditional models, such as electric vehicles (EVs), shared mobility services, and autonomous vehicles (AVs). As transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, understanding the environmental impacts and opportunities associated with disruptive mobility is crucial for developing sustainable strategies.

This research investigates the environmental impact of disruptive mobility by evaluating the potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and energy consumption resulting from the adoption of disruptive mobility technologies. It examines the infrastructure needed to the environmental implications of infrastructure development and identify strategies for minimizing their carbon footprint.

Prospective candidates for this project should demonstrate a proficient understanding of literature search methodologies, archive and database research, a competent knowledge of the MS Office suite, and academic writing.

To conduct the project, the supervisor will select up to 2 students.

Project

This multi-faceted project endeavours to scrutinise several key elements within the context of the Circular Economy: Infrastructure, Transportation, Smart Cities, and Construction.

The Circular Economy, a dynamic and sustainable alternative to the conventional linear economy, offers an innovative approach to alleviate capitalism's detrimental side-effects such as pollution, carbon emissions, and climate change. This model promotes a more mindful production and consumption system, embracing strategies such as sharing, leasing, reusing, retrofitting, and recycling to extend the lifecycle of products to their utmost potential. It seeks to establish a closed-loop system that diminishes resource inputs, curtails waste, minimises pollution, and reduces carbon emissions.

Our investigation delves into the possible implications of implementing the Circular Economy model by elucidating the intricate interplay between infrastructure, transportation, Smart Cities initiatives, and construction sectors. By thoroughly examining real-world applications of the Circular Economy, we aim to discern its potential applicability within the New Zealand context.

The research primarily targets the identification of practical outcomes to counteract the obstacles hindering the transition to a circular economic model.

This project will be incubated within the Future Cities Research Hub, drawing from the collaborative expertise and support of its diverse members.

Prospective candidates for this project should demonstrate a proficient understanding of literature search methodologies, archive and database research, a competent knowledge of the MS Office suite, and academic writing.

For further information (Urban Planning), you may contact: Dr Mohsen Mohammadzadeh
For further information (Architecture), you may contact: Dr Alessandro Premier

Based on the supervisors’ capacities, we will select 6 students (4 Urban Planning and 2 Architecture) for this project.

Project

City centres globally face economic challenges due to declining visitor numbers. Different town centres are experiencing varying levels of decline, suggesting the need for different strategies to cope with the situation. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, discouraging people from visiting urban areas. Given these circumstances, urgent efforts are required to address the impact of the pandemic shock on city centres and find ways to enhance their walkability, thereby revitalizing local economies. However, the correlation between visitor numbers and pedestrian infrastructure quality, which is crucial for enhancing local vibrancy, is not well-established.

The research proposal contributes to transdisciplinarity by studying the decline in urban visitor numbers, leading sustainable ecosystems through walkability and economic revitalization, and improving the health and well-being of citizens by understanding factors that revitalize vibrant city centres.

This study analyses footfall patterns and various walkability measures, including retailers, consumer behaviours, and physical characteristics, on each high street. The goal is to identify key factors that influence the success and vibrancy of these areas before, during, and after the pandemic. By exploring the relationship between walkability elements, retail uses, and footfall impacts, valuable insights will be obtained to inform strategies for improving the economic sustainability and attractiveness of urban areas.

The project will be jointly supervised by the Urban Design and Property faculties, ensuring an interdisciplinary approach to effectively address research objectives. The student's role includes literature review, data collection, analysis, and completing the final report. Familiarity with basic statistical analysis techniques and the use of the R statistical package is beneficial.

The maximum number of students for this project is 2. The supervisors are looking for stduents with a background in Architecture or Urban Planning. Familiarity with spatial analysis is advantageous but not mandatory.

If any interested students require support in preparation for the application, please contact Dr. I-Ting Chuang via email.

Project

This project aims to map the dynamic, digitally-enhanced and multi-layered emerging geographies resulting from the 2022 protests at the Parliament grounds in Wellington, New Zealand. By examining this complex spatial and social event, the study sheds light on important social issues such dis/misinformation while exploring the influence of digital spaces on public discourse. Examining this event will contribute to the literature on mapping the transformation of urban public spaces.

You will conduct surveys of media coverage and press releases to identify the physical and digital sites and geographies that were deployed for the formation of this counter-public.

This project will expose you to the most contemporary theories about the political role of architecture and the urban. The project aligns with the Taumata Teitei strategic plan to address the “the current decline in trust of democracy and consequential inequalities”.

Candidates must be interested in investigative journalism/aesthetics and their link to spatial practices, students should demonstrate certain skills to undertake this work: Knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel, Adobe suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

To conduct the project, the supervisor will select up to 2 students.

Project

The Waka Drawing is design research into a new form of ingenious indigenous drawing. It transforms architectural drawing here in Aotearoa, New Zealand, as well as aspires to impact on architectural representation worldwide.

I need a hand, a Summer Research Scholar, to:

• Map our past drawing endeavours undertaken in the design studio
• Capture this design mātauranga and compile the Waka Drawing as a Manual
• Be shipped out and disseminated.

The research innovatively shifts drawing from the colonising Western gaze of the perspective pioneered by Piero Della Francesca in the 15th Century and more recently colonised by every 21st-century CAD package. Instead, our hero is Tupaia, the Polynesian Navigator, who traveled with Cook and who drew spatial relationships as journeys from memory! Wave goodbye to perspective. Say ‘nau mae, haere mai’ to parallel projection! This is curriculum transformation drawn out large.

So how large? The Waka Drawing is one of the longest drawings you will ever see. It’s not about the individual drawing, it’s about the: Collective. In 2023 one Waka Drawing was 25m long and involved 84 pairs of hands! Many hands on the deck you might say. Like an ocean voyaging waka, The Waka Drawing is twin-hulled propelled and double-sided in orientation. Above and below become liquid positions, the drawing ‘floats’ on the horizon.

The Waka Drawing is crafty and crafted. Recalling Robin Evans comment that the hand-drawn line suggests something of the action that gives rise to it, the Waka Drawing eschews the computer. Instead, the hand-drawn allows us to embrace tattoo and transdisciplinary engagement with cultural artists. Sk/etch line work specific to the South Pacific.

The Waka Drawing is an exercise in brainstorming and concept-forming. Within a slowly drawn-out period of hours, every line counts. There are no erasers, no deletes. The exercise produces: 100% Content.

Required student skills:

1. Likes to Write: can text map and articulate clearly to be understood by others
2. Likes to Visualise and imagine innovative ingenious indigenous research
3. Likes to do great rigorous, organised, methodical fun research

Project

Functionally Graded Concrete (FGC) is an innovative technology in concrete manufacturing that holds great potential for reducing material usage, weight, and carbon emissions by up to 60%. Our research team is currently conducting testing with the aim of implementing this technology in New Zealand. However, the production process is complex and demands advanced techniques.

The primary objective of this project is to investigate the integration of FGC into a simplified production process by utilizing traditional indigenous Māori techniques and materials. Our goal is to develop a straightforward and cost-effective method for manufacturing FGC.

The porous structure of graded concrete gives it an aesthetically pleasing appearance, even though it remains embedded within the monolithic concrete structure and is not visible. This intriguing structure can be explored as a design approach, which will be thoroughly investigated in this project.

The project has a specific focus on several key objectives, including the development of innovative design approaches, exploration of funding opportunities, defining the research scope, organizing meetings with potential team members, and ultimately preparing a research fund application.

One of the supervisors involved in this project is from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland, adding a significant transdisciplinary aspect to it.

We are looking for one Architecture student for this project.

Ferdinand Oswald is available to support and meet students prior to submitting their projects. 

Required skills:

1. Writing: The ability to convey findings and recommendations clearly and concisely
2. Creativity: Designing innovative research and design content and scopes
3. Research: Conducting thorough investigations into best practices and potential implementation strategies.
   

Project

In Auckland, there has been a significant increase in commercial waste to landfill between 2010 and 2016, primarily driven by the surge in construction and demolition waste. The Building Carbon Reduction Research Group at SoAP aims to establish a wider research team dedicated to investigating waste reduction in the New Zealand building industry. We envision collaborating with key stakeholders and research institutions.

The scope of this project will focus on waste minimization efforts during the construction phase as well as throughout the entire lifespan of buildings.

Our aim is to explore effective strategies for reducing waste generation by investigating component details, fixing technologies, planning processes and promoting sustainable approaches within the industry.

Objectives:

1. Define research scope: The student researcher will work closely with the supervisors to define the specific areas of research within waste minimization. This will involve identifying key research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and outlining the project's objectives
2. Collaborate with potential team members: The student researcher will organise and facilitate meetings with potential team members from partner organisations
3. Develop a research fund application: Based on the defined research scope, the student researcher will draft a comprehensive research fund application. This will involve outlining the project's objectives, methodologies, anticipated outcomes, and the potential impact of the research.

This project will be incubated within the Future Cities Research Hub, drawing from the collaborative expertise and support of its diverse members.

Required skills:

1. Writing: The student researcher should possess strong writing skills to effectively communicate research findings and recommendations clearly and concisely
2. Creativity: It is essential to design innovative tasks and approaches to promote waste reduction in the building industry. The student researcher should be able to think creatively and propose novel ideas for addressing the waste minimization challenge
3. Research: The student researcher will be responsible for conducting thorough investigations into best practices and potential implementation strategies for waste minimization. They should have the ability to gather and analyze relevant data, review existing literature, and identify successful waste reduction initiatives in similar contexts.
   

Ferdinand Oswald is available to provide support and meet with students prior to their submissions.

Project

In the building industry, there is an increasing emphasis on incorporating sustainability. Architects, in particular, are encouraged to adopt cradle-to-cradle approaches that consider the entire life cycle of a building. However, the behaviour change toward recycling materials should start in academia and become a common practice among Architecture students.

Recently, the Architecture Technology course students embarked on a project focused on reusing light timber-frame model materials. In its first phase, students successfully reused over 75% of materials from previous models to do their new assignments. This pilot research provided evidence that light timber-frame, with standardised dimensioning and form, can be reused for academic purposes.

Project objectives:

Students interested in this project can work in three fields:

1. The first objective is to investigate the feasibility of implementing this approach in the wider built environment of New Zealand. It is crucial to explore avenues for integrating this approach into the broader construction industry of New Zealand. Can this successful approach be adapted to the reality of the NZ building industry on a 1:1 scale?
2. By demonstrating the potential for sustainable building practices through the reuse of light-frame timber, the students have paved the way for further analysis and the development of new tasks for upcoming cohorts. The next step for future courses is to not only incorporate timber as a material but also develop strategies to recycle and reuse other building component materials such as insulation, interior lining, foundation, and cladding.
3. Additionally, the aim is to create a publication based on the results and knowledge gathered so far. Notably, the students involved in the project will have the opportunity to be recognized as co-authors in this publication.

One of the supervisors involved in this project is from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland, adding a significant transdisciplinary aspect to it.

The project will be carried out within the Future Cities Research Hub and will benefit from the support of other members in the hub.

We are currently seeking two students for this project, one with an Architecture background and one with an Engineering background. Ferdinand Oswald is available to provide support and meet with students prior to their submissions. 

Required skills:

1. Writing: The ability to convey findings and recommendations clearly and concisely
2. Creativity: Designing innovative tasks and approaches to promote sustainable reuse
3. Research: Conducting thorough investigations into best practices and potential implementation strategies.
   

Project

As machine learning applications like ChatGPT reshape education, it is essential to revisit traditional assessment methods.

This research aims to construct a novel assessment framework for the History, Theory, and Criticism (HTC) course in the Bachelor of Architecture degree. The goal is to integrate, not exclude, machine learning tools, while fostering students' research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

The research student will undertake a literature review on the use of machine learning tools in education, explore novel assessment methods that can effectively evaluate student skills when aided by machine learning tools, and assist in developing a pilot version of the proposed assessment model.

The student will also participate in implementing the pilot model, gathering and analyzing feedback, and collaborating on a report detailing the findings and recommendations.

Desired experience:
Ideal candidates should be students who have done well in their HTC courses and demonstrated strong essay writing skills. Interest in the intersection of education, technology, and architecture, along with experience in research and strong analytical skills, will be beneficial. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is also essential.

Through this project, the research student will acquire valuable insights into the interplay between education, technology, and architecture, with a particular focus on the potential of machine learning tools to enhance learning. They will have a unique opportunity to influence the direction of the HTC course and the learning experiences of future architecture students.

This research project will serve as an excellent precursor to their thesis work and a promising stepping stone for their future architectural career.

Please email Dr Anthony Brand to arrange a meeting, either in person or via Zoom, to discuss the project.

*(nb. Yes, this article was written with ChatGPT…)

Project

This research project aims to explore the use of interactive virtual environments in architectural education, focusing on Claude Megson's Bowker House. The objective is to create a platform that enables interdisciplinary exploration of architectural concepts, facilitated by different user interfaces within the same virtual environment.

The chosen student will enhance an existing virtual model by developing interactive features and creating immersive experiences in Unity and Unreal Engine. Coding skills in C++ or JavaScript are essential to embed functionality and interactive learning resources.

The project will explore how different overlays, such as those emphasizing sustainable design or a kaupapa Māori perspective, can enhance understanding.

Ideal candidates should have experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, and familiarity with gaming interfaces and user experience design. This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the innovative field of interactive virtual environments in architectural education.

Desired experience:
Ideal candidates should have experience in Unity and Unreal Engine, with strong coding skills in C++ or JavaScript. While knowledge of LiDAR and photogrammetry is advantageous, it is not a requirement.

Candidates should have a keen interest in the intersection of technology and architecture, a passion for innovative educational techniques, and a familiarity with gaming interfaces and user experience design.

Through this project, the research student will gain valuable experience in the emerging field of interactive virtual environments in architectural education. They will contribute to the development of an innovative educational tool that could revolutionise the learning experience for future architecture students.

This research project will provide a solid foundation for their future career in architecture or a related technology field.

Please email Dr Anthony Brand to arrange a meeting, either in person or via Zoom, to discuss the project.