2016

Sh*t's getting real: An architectural distillation of waste

Emily Smith

Pictogram Updated
Distillation of waste and process

The densification of Auckland is bringing an influx of people – and an equal efflux of waste. Fort Street, which was once the original foreshore of Auckland city, is a reclaimed area that represents the consequences of growth, trade and expansion. The vacant site between Shortland Street and Fort Street, where the Star Times building once existed, is primed for redevelopment. Convention would suggest it be reserved for either office space or apartments. However, by utilising this site for wastewater processing it is possible to bring this essential infrastructural service to the forefront of Auckland’s consciousness. The current system collects and transports wastewater through a large network of subterranean pipes to be treated at a distant location. This architecture thesis intends to exhibit this primarily hidden infrastructural service, through a process of architectural representation – humanising and emboldening the melancholic zeitgeist of waste. 

Long Section2
Earlier process illustrations: Longitudinal section of site on Fort Street
Modo Plan Test
Project: Ground floor plan. Service areas to the left, public thoroughfare and mezzanine to the right. Ground floor covers primary treatment for wastewater and service access from Shortland Street.
Modo Plan 2
Project: Fourth floor plan. Gravity thickener tanks and gravity belt thickeners are located on the left in the service area. Courtyard, garden and public space on right.
Test Persp
Project: Sectional perspective of mezzanine/thoroughfare space below a reactor on the ground floor. This space is open to the public, and connects Fort Street to Shortland Street.
Garden Persp
Project: Perspective of courtyard space on fourth floor.
Wastewaer Axo
Project: Sectional axonometric
Untitled 1
Project outcome: Perspective from Fort Street