This is a fictional thesis project designed to explore a specific topic. As such, there are some components of the design that may not be realistic or possible.
It is limited to housing a specific
subgroup of mental healthcare patients. The main focus is developing design
principles to produce an architecture which feels reassuring so while the
political and sociological implications of housing these patients in this way
will be touched on, it is not the focus. Cultural considerations form an
important part of the design, but are not explored in depth.
Some functional
considerations will be obviously problematic in reality, such as unrestricted
access to upper levels with negligible safety features for a group of people
with a high suicide risk, not to mention open fires and large areas of water.
An important assumption is that the existing Kingseat administration
building and immediate surrounding buildings are protected sites as suggested
by the current Auckland Unitary Plan. Another assumption is that the
entertainment businesses, Spookers and Asylum Paintball, will eventually move
offsite
