A better way to live : community and collaboration

RESEARCH QUESTION: Can housing in Hamilton, promote community interaction and enhance individual well-being, when designed to the minimum density requirements of the Hamilton Operative District Plan? This research project is about researching and designing a community focused, housing scheme near a CBD and natural urban context. This brings forth an opportunity to explore ways in which dwellers can live efficiently together while enhancing the liveability for the occupants through its accessibility to neighbouring urban amenities. The site of the design project is based at an existing parking lot across the Waikato River from the Hamilton CBD. The Hamilton CBD being so close to the site provides a greater level of wellbeing to the occupants from its provision of amenities and urban networks. This research design project I am proposing will offer opportunities of connection to the Hamilton CBD and the Waikato River. Private housing typologies in Hamilton and the rest of New Zealand mainly focus on housing for the individual or individual families. These range from stand-alone dwellings to apartments of a condominium building. A common approach that these housing typologies have, is they are all designed for individuality and separation. My design project will propose a living condition that maintains an adequate level of privacy, outdoor connection and density (according to its location) but adds the elements of community and sociability to allow a higher level of neighbourhood interaction and efficient use of outdoor spaces that can be shared. This is carried out through the process of architecture. The project will include precedent studies on existing communal/group housing projects, different methods in which people and spaces work together, and site analysis of the chosen site with a specific focus on the Hamilton Operation District Plan requirements. The research and design will explore potential networks for pedestrian and cycle accessibility to the reduce vehicle usage, driveways and parking.