Finding Space: Creating Community Spaces: The Potential of Feng Shui + Adaptive Reuse for Cultural Centres

This proposal aims to recognise the Indonesian community and the need of a Chinese Indonesian focused venue for the community to have a sense of belonging and pride residing in Wellington. This thesis explores the shift of Wellington cultures and more particularly the growing presence of Southeast Asian migrants, specifically those who are of Chinese Indonesian descent. Establishing an Indonesian Cultural Centre with a Chinese Peranakan Interior focused design in Wellington, will provide a space for the community to gather and showcase their cultural heritage, connect with others who share similar backgrounds and experiences, and promote cultural exchange and understanding.

Despite Wellington’s unique and vibrant architectural style, it is evident that signs of neglect in regards of the city’s existing buildings are present through the growing number of heritage buildings being ‘forgotten’. This research seeks to reveal the significance of heritage building interiors and the value of preserving its identity, exploring how adaptive reuse is the most ideal strategy to rehabilitate heritage building interiors. In hopes to prevent the outcome of demolition of heritage interiors, strategic actions such as adaptive re-use can be the best solution alongside the rehabilitation method.

This design-led research will provide a case study of The Albemarle Hotel in Wellington, to explore the significance of heritage building interiors and the value of Feng Shui principles, particularly through the establishment of a Chinese Indonesian cultural centre within a heritage building. The rehabilitation of a heritage building for a Chinese Indonesian cultural centre can contribute towards the city and its future; it can help to attract visitors to the area, promote community pride and cohesion.

Furthermore, the preservation of a heritage maintains a sense of historical continuity and identity within the community. This will provide insights for other heritage building projects that face similar challenges in terms of rehabilitation and adaptive reuse.