Through the looking glass : an alternative modern history of Takapuna

Abstract

This thesis is about understanding the relationship between the built environment, people and society. The goal is to broaden the scope of architectural thinking after three decades of architecture concentrating on formalism, image and communication.

It evaluates the ideas of some architects, now part of history, but also aims to ignite debate about the direction for architecture and urban planning in general by applying these ideas specifically to the New Zealand town of Takapuna in the 1960s - not as a return to an old approach, but as a way to look forward.

Ideas developed by influential 20th century authors in architecture and planning will be introduced; particularly concepts from Patrick Geddes and Aldo Van Eyck, and supporting ideas from Arthur Koestler, Team 10, Ernst Plischke and Lewis Mumford. These theorists will create the core of the thesis’s theoretical approach and design.

Case studies and plans are used to illustrate the applications of these theories.