Queeriosities of Space

Queeriosities of Space explores the cross-cultural expressions and interpretations of queer spaces in the Philippines and Aotearoa New Zealand. The queer cultures of these countries reveal evident differences. In the Philippines, same-sex marriage remains prohibited, and there are no legal protections against public discrimination. In contrast, New Zealand recognises marriage equality and enforces anti-discrimination laws under the Human Rights Act 1993. However, despite these protections, living in New Zealand unmasked the presence of exclusion, particularly in private spaces promoted online, raising questions about the strength of queer acceptance in Aotearoa. The notions of ‘queer’ and ‘queer spaces’ are explored through theories that critique and challenge traditional architecture, historically shaped by gender binaries of men and women. Cross-cultural differences and similarities in queer cultures are examined through engagement with queer communities in both countries. These insights are further supported by stories of lived experiences, which serve as stepping stones towards creating safe and inclusive spaces. This research takes a design-led, speculative approach, presenting two distinct design outcomes that reflect the queer communities in the Philippines and Aotearoa. Each outcome explores its own unique programmatic use, scale and site.

These projects highlight how human experiences can influence creating queer spaces, as well as how these spaces resist or adapt to heteronormative norms. Through the queer lens, this thesis reimagines architectural design as a tool to welcome inclusivity and belonging, challenging the traditional image of space-making. By employing a methodology that blends ethnographic research, spatial analysis and speculative design, Queeriosities of Space positions queer spaces as sites of resilience, creativity and self-expression. This research ultimately aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersections between spatial occupation and identity, offering new perspectives for designing inclusive built environments.