Redensification of Hamilton Central, New Zealand

The redensification of Hamilton Central, New Zealand connects divided communities through the inventive use of architectural typology. Traditional Maori typologies, Marae and Wharenui, are adapted to create contemporary urban housing.

Hamilton, a city witnessing a significant demographic shift with the increasing Maori population, grapples with a housing landscape devoid of cultural roots and identity. State housing, primarily catering to low-income groups, lacks acknowledgment of indigenous heritage. This creates a pressing need to reimagine housing typologies that not only accommodate diverse cultures but also celebrate and integrate Maori architectural traditions.

Typology is used as a transformative tool blending past elements to create a new type. By dissecting existing typologies and understanding their nostalgic significance, the past is acknowledged while addressing contemporary housing needs. Traditional Maori architectural features are reinterpreted. For example, the characteristic sloping pitched roof and intricate carvings are incorporated into the framework of modern urban housing.

The concept of the Marae, serving as a communal gathering space, and the Wharenui, a sacred meeting house, offer invaluable insights into community-centric design principles. These elements give rise to a new type of urban housing that not only provide shelter but also foster a sense of belonging and cultural pride among residents.

The lens of Critical Regionalism is used to resist the homogenizing forces of globalization. Leveraging anomalies and quirks of the new building type leads to an opportunity to reflect the unique and historical identity of Hamilton.