Architecture of Mortality: a conflict of materiality and time

Inquiring upon the current state of our architecture and our infrastructure’s temporal qualities, this thesis engages with the mortal aspects of architecture through its material qualities and sees architecture as a Palimpsest. This thesis will serve as an experimental framework for designing buildings with a holistic view of their materials, use and time.

The thesis aims to answer two main questions: 1) How can we design architecture that does not neglect the post-production life of the building? And 2) How can we use materials that can stand the tests of time and use, inevitably showing age with grace?

Defining what ageing gracefully means to the designer allows a refined design process to create architectural infrastructure that will accept ageing due to weather, people, and time.

This thesis proceeds through writing and a design-based methodology, with the investigation taking place at the existing derelict Takapuna Fire Station and site at 41-43 Killarney Street. The design is an urban development incorporating mixed-use facilities, both temporal and permanent. The design demonstrates key strategies of material selection to improve the quality and longevity of our built environment while redefining the context of this part of Takapuna.