Perceiving Wellington: Minds and Bodies in Space

In response to how architectural theory speaks on the phenomenological and temporal factors surrounding the interpretation of urban atmospheres, this research portfolio investigates how design and the consideration of atmospheres can embody and celebrate connectedness between place and people for members of the Wellington Region. This is to achieve a better understanding of how urban design and its resultant atmospheres can speak to a range of people, rather than an assumed single body. The study centres on atmospheric interpretation as its core theme and also explores the interconnectedness of collective memory and regional identity with atmospheres and place meaning. Qualitative research data from an online survey questionnaire and follow-up photo elicitation exercise have been compiled and analysed to explore some possible trends and differences across ethnicity and age demographics on the experience of atmosphere of urban place.

These findings are used to inform a design-led research investigation culminating in an architectural and urban design response on the site of the former underground carpark in Frank Kitts Park, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). This study and design response demonstrate the power of understanding a range of urban experiences as well as collective and temporal notions of place to inform our production of urban environments where everyone can feel connected to place and others around them.