La Fête in the Oeuvre.

In 1967, Henri Lefebvre published a pivotal piece on urban sociology, “The Right to the City” The text centred around his critiques of modern capitalist society prioritising utility and profit infrastructures over the social needs of urban life. As a response, he conjured a utopian city which prioritises the Oeuvre, a collective production of all citizens representing the city’s identity and uniqueness of the city to overcome division and restore totality. The research deciphered the compelling concept of the Oeuvre and bridged the gap between his sociological text and architecture.

This thesis develops a process that finds the city's beauty and potential. The methodology aspires to give architects a new perspective on the design process of social well-being. This thesis systematically analyses Wellington's everyday life to understand its Oeuvre and the contradictions within social spaces. It proposes a holistic architectural design that prioritises social well-being and reflects Wellington’s Oeuvre.

This thesis’ title, “La Fête in the Oeuvre,” translates to “a celebration in the city.” It represents a design and a process worth celebrating, holding the architects responsible for creating a work of art in the city that accentuates differences and celebrates diversity, allowing the Oeuvre and its inhabitants to flourish. The city will continually evolve, so it is up to each one of us to guide the changes for the better, into an Oeuvre.