The Negotiable Line

This thesis predominantly focuses on the highly publicised situation unfolding at the Takapuna Beach Holiday Park. Located on the beachfront and just minutes’ walk from the metropolitan area of Takapuna, it is the last campground of its kind in Auckland. Its attributes make it a valued location for both local and international visitors. However, with the increasing need for more public space and alternative facilities, the campground has faced a constant battle to remain.

‘The Negotiable Line’ explores the complexity of tension and friction between groups. It represents a divide that simultaneously acts as the point of contact between the sides at odds. Symbolised by the line, the divide is where the rub occurs and tension is confronted, allowing a negotiation to transpire. Complex and turbulent, the negotiable line challenges the idea of binary tension by adding a wandering line that tiptoes back and forth across the straight line, representing the many subcategories that are neglected in favour of the hegemonic groups often at the forefront of tension.

The architecture of ‘The Negotiable Line’ encourages the rub to occur. It pursues no set resolution, but instead encourages a space where the friction can transpire. Ultimately it allows a space where a negotiation can take place without settling on an overtly obvious winner, but instead it draws these groups together in an effort to reach a compromise.