Making Your Way: Navigating the Hospital Campus Through Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Methods of Way-Finding

Date
2023
Authors
Wilson, Emma
Supervisor
Bloomfield, Sibyl
Burgess, Andrew
Item type
Thesis
Degree name
Master of Architecture
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Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

This thesis embarks on a journey through design-led research to bridge intuitive way-finding practices and landscape architecture to enhance the user experience of the Greenlane Clinical Centre. By looking at Mona-nui-a-kiwa traditional methods of oceanic navigation, this research proposes a method of thinking about way-finding holistically and intuitively rather than relying on text based signage to navigate a landscape. The primary methodology for this research is design with a focus on using collage to reveal physical and intangible site conditions. Additionally utilising a strong visual language to familiarise the viewer with the context of the Greenlane Clinical Centre and effectively generate a sense of journey through propositional design. This project acknowledges that the speculative nature of designing for a complex site requires liberties to be taken in the proposal of any additions or changes to the existing landscape, thus the proposed design interventions are a suggestion of what an optimistic future for the landscape could be represented as. By investigating traditional intuitive navigation techniques, parallel to landscape architecture precedents, this research proposes an enhanced sense of arrival for the Greenlane Clinical Centre that invites users to self direct their healthcare journey and position themselves with certainty in the landscape. This thesis offers a transformative approach, intending to enrich the healthcare experience by fostering a deeper connection between users and their environment.

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