Intro:

Problem statement:
In New Zealand, and throughout the globe, there is a rich social history within the application of
science or technology within infrastructure, the architecture that houses the development and operation
of these facilities, although has been tackled in the past, now neglects its social obligations. As the
national and international community assimilates a transient work environment for these, remote
location heavy infrastructure, projects it becomes an urgent area of investigation for the architecture
community. The social level in which these projects affect our communities has not been addressed
properly since the constructivist based movements as well as the fiscal pragmatic nature which now
dominates the field, it is imperative we address these projects with a social design initiative.
Problem break down:
Physical Problem:
This thesis acknowledges that both culture and technology are intrinsically linked; one cannot exist
without the other. I argue that the application of science, in the form of infrastructure, is one in which
the scale has an effect on society that reads at a global level, through shear magnitude, physically and
culturally. The location of electrical generation infrastructure, in the form of hydroelectric power
stations, is one that physically removes the community that builds and facilitates its operation. The
built form and environmental impact of our technological interventions (hydroelectric dams) are at
such a scale that they are read at a macro scale previously limited to construction feats such as the great
wall of china and the pyramids, the difference lies in the fact that these projects are now completed
within years rather than centuries. Even natural formations that are of similar scales, such as the Grand
Canyon, took millennia to achieve. Nye also investigates the monumental scale of these projects in his
book “American Technological Sublime” relating infrastructure to the wonders of the world. The role
of architecture within these projects was recognized as an important facet of design after the industrial
revolution by constructivists, futurists and modernists. The importance was also paralleled in the field
of theory with theorists such as Heidegger claiming that power stations, the keystone in electrical
infrastructure, being the “gothic cathedrals of our time. The aim of this thesis is to address
contemporary issues regarding the role of architecture in infrastructure technology at an appropriately
monumental scale.(relate to method of constructivist’s ect. Dealing with physical aesthetics and
program)
Remote location:
I claim that the social impact of these developments is a direct result of the physical location, design of
development (both design and phases of construction) and the limits produced by the nature of the
development. The act of physically removing a working environment from a community is one, which
introduces drastic changes in social or cultural environment for blue-collar workers. As we endure the
shift towards new nomadic culture, due to the remoteness of our work environment, it is necessary that
we as designers, especially architects, create environments that are appropriate to our new social
environment. This shift is already being explored by authors such as Feenburg and Pursell, through
architectural investigation, and through exploration in the fields of sociology and anthropology via
Merton and Latour. I endeavor to understand the history and current state of this type of culture
created by remote location and build upon it with respect to the current social working environments
inhabited by blue-collar workers.
Temporary environments:
As stated above, the nature of the working environment has changed due to the location of heavy
industrial projects. These environments are also different to those seen as a result of the industrial
revolution where settlements were created due to the infrastructure. The current trend, driven by
modernity and fiscal budgets, is toward temporary environments, which fail to foster community spirit
and appropriate design for the current social environment. The trends towards temporary environments
and the architecture that houses them have been explored in the works of Hailey and Kronenburg.
Through understanding of these environments and the architecture that houses them I will transfer the
theory to the social conditions created by heavy industrial infrastructure in New Zealand.
Construction Process:
It is within the nature of this project that we find the limits, which dictate the cultural environment,
created. As previously mentioned, the physical isolation of the project produces unique social
environments that must be addressed, which I argue should be done through the field of architecture.
The nature of the construction process itself also defines the social limits projected upon the workers
who build and operate the facility. Unlike mining exploits a electrical generation infrastructure
requires, even more so in hydroelectric facilities, require a large population to build the infrastructure
but only a small amount of people to operate it after its completion. The construction phases and
history of New Zealand electrical generation facilities is well documented, most comprehensively
through the Wellington Electricity Corporation, John Martins “People, Politics and Power Stations”,
and by the works of Frederick H. Newman and subsequently Andrew Leach. I endeavor to introduce
the role of architecture into the design of, not only the architecture that houses the facility, but also the
way in which we develop it.

Aim statement:
This thesis endeavors to work towards the placement of an architectural voice within heavy industrial
infrastructure projects. A design influence that engages the social environment, an environment
established by the transient nature of the peoples associated with the projects.
Aim breakdown:
This research will venture to build upon the existing information about New Zealand electrical
infrastructure. The way in which it will do so is through exploring the social ramifications of historical
and contemporary projects, developing the information on temporary environments that house blue
collar workers and the planning and aesthetic nature of the built form that houses them. Development
within the body of knowledge pertaining to transportable environments and the social or cultural hubs,
which manifest themselves as a product of the corresponding social limitations, is critical in developing
architecture for the transient working class. It is also necessary that we take advantage of the avenue of
architecture that lies within infrastructure design, its ability to communicate on such a large level is and
invaluable resource. The aim of this research is to develop an infrastructure model in which the social
impacts of technology and ultimately the shift to new nomadic culture are accommodated through
architectural intervention, thus communicating our cultural shift at a global scale on a platform
befitting of its effect.

Research approach:
Chp1.Pragmatics: Trouble shooting (budget, location &engineering)
This chapter will explore logistics involved with the creation and operation of heavy industrial
infrastructure projects. This information will provide the limits in which the project will operate and
further define the research problem, why it exists and possible avenues for architectural intervention.
Chp2. The Role of the architect 21ct (theoretical background) – isolating:
This chapter will investigate the role of the architect within these projects, building upon the avenues
highlighted within chapter one. Contemporary and historical methods embraced by architects and
designers, within the infrastructure field, will be explored and critiqued.
Chp3.The History lesson (social, physical, transients & Infra Projects) – grounding:
This chapter will look at the history of heavy industrial projects, the social history of technology,
history of both transient cultures and workers associated with these projects. The objective of this
chapter is to bring the reader up to speed on the history and current state of technology, associations,
ramifications, and cultures associated with this work.
Chp4.Case Studies (Different Projects throughout New Zealand) – bonding:
This chapter is an investigation of the historical outcome, both physical and social, of three heavy
infrastructure projects within New Zealand.
Chp5.Current Case Studies – terminating:
This chapter analyzes the proposal for a new hydro electric facility on the south island, this proposal
currently has gained consent, although no official drawings or building consents for the facility have
been put forward allowing for design influence.
Chp6. So what now (applying the information) – generation:
Chapter six will define the methods created for a multitude of design interventions for the proposed
hydro facility.
Chp7.Producing the goods - Metering:
Chapter seven will consist of a series of iterations and explanations of each.
Chp8.
Chapter eight will consist of a write up of the critique of each of the iterations and a conclusion of
which one should be used based on an architectural stance.
Chp9.
Examines the project with respect to the budget, pragmatics, and program of a hydroelectric facility,
this is from both a social and fiscal stance.

Method(teirs of theory which form the method): The method designed for both the thesis approach and
the design research was influenced from a number of theoretical notions. Most of these theories are
grounded in theory connected to the first application of technology and infrastructure during the
industrial revolution. The theory in which has the greatest influence on my method is Walter
Benjamin’s allegory ‘Angelous Novus’ where he describes the role of the historian and the importance
of our past, the compassionate yet degenerative nature of one obsessed with history.
Although understanding our history may be a responsible method to understand the progression of
design typologies and social environments, we need an apparatus, complete with limitations and
trajectory, in which we can focus our investigation. By adopting and manipulating theories pertaining
to the role of architecture within infrastructure, such as those found in constructivist, futurist and
brutalist movements, we are able to hone in on specific research criteria ie the social consequence and
influence inherent in electrical generation infrastructure projects.
The third aspect in which this method operates is its mode, the mode in which the information is learnt
or processed. Continuing on from the constructivist theme and era, the mode of analysis will be based
on the social constructivist learning style. The twist is how we propel ourselves into the future, similar
to the theories of Feenburg and Koolhaus, a development of abandoned trajectories, in social
technological history of infrastructure, are re visited in hopes of furthering our development past the
stagnant state in which it exists. This stage of the method, in respect to the thesis development, dictates
the layout of chapters or research stages. What must be learnt first in order to analyze case studies with
the correct stance and knowledge base.

Location of Method(in relation to existing methods): This method acknowledges the subjective nature
of research and therefore, is, at its core, an Interpretive-Historical Research method and thus lies within
the realm of qualitative research, as it is my influence within what research I conduct, the case studies
etc. Evidence is collected on the social environments of the case studies, organizing the evidence,
evaluating it, and subsequently creating a narrative (I don’t want a narrative but a delineated
development)
Triangulation? As verification…

Validity of Method:
-Subjective historical analysis: appropriate due to my electrical history, architectural history, residential
history (staying in the camps “validity of lived experience” (Linda and Wang, 2002) It also is valid as a
it is a historical interpretation rather than that of a fictional story, which means it still adheres to
specific events. (what does this mean for the de lineated history?)
-Chapter layout: The organization of the chapters is in such an order to dictate what I learn first and
therefore how I analyze the case study with a specific rhetoric.
-Ethnography is a social or anthropological technique and I am dealing with a sociological influence
within architecture.
-The constructivist movements were (arguably need back up) the first to tackle the social
responsibilities of these facilities.
-why have I chosen a historical approach? I am looking for an alternate development of technology and
therefore have investigated the development of technology, which is linear in fashion. The aim is to
develop and alternate and to do so I must develop a alternate future.
-Why have I chosen case studies? Case studies provide explanations of

Stage 1:
The first stage of the method will be a more in depth literature review on the key topics: the role of
architecture in technology, the architecture of technology, the social history of technology, the history
of technology in new Zealand, the history of the settlements associated with them, transient
environments and the social conditions that occur in response to them. The point of this is to develop
an understanding of the issues involved in the development process of hydroelectric facilities in New
Zealand.
Stage 2:
Stage two involves analyzing specific case studies within New Zealands Hydroelectric infrastructure
projects and their subsequent communities (historical and present). The objective is to derive problems
or areas where the technology could be furthered through a different development in order to create a
more successful project. A problem area would be a decision in the design or execution of the project
that lead to a poor outcome in respect to its social influence. What constitutes a poor outcome will be
based on the information gained in stage one. Parameters will be set on what determines a successful
outcome, these will be based on sociology theories and text.
Stage 3.
The development of multiple design iterations based on a delineated history created from the problem
areas found within the case studies. These iterations will be based on existing hydro development
proposals, specifically the ones currently under review by the Ministry of Economic Development.
The extent of the design will be limited by the current design engineered by the developer but will
include small changes to the dam and power house but the majority will be within the working and
operating facilities.
The delineated history is a methodology created based on Feenberg’s idea of technological
development. The basis of this theory is that the development of technology is linear and if we looked
at it more like a web or tree and developed an alternate branch we are able to further our investigations.
These iterations will be based on alternate developments of previous investigations in electrical
infrastructure within New Zealand.

Stage 4:
The 4th stage is the re evaluation of the multiple iterations produced with socially specific inquiries.
These questions will be as follows:
Is the design and construction of the project sensitive to the transient ephemeral
environment in which the workers are housed? Does the design cater for the
operators as a transient worker staying within a permanent environment yet detached
from their home (by home I mean the place in which they commute from)

Dictionary for readings:

Epistemology the theory of knowledge, with regard to its methods, validity and
scope… investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion.
Posit assume as fact; put forward as a basis of argument
Et al. and others
Taxonomy the branch of science concerned with classification
Kernel the central or most important part of something
Ontology the branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being
Subservient prepared to obey others unquestioningly – less important –
subordinate
Ideation the formation of ideas or concepts
Vestige a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
Discursive gone hastily to and fro digressing from subject to subject
Subsumed include or absorb
Ecclesiastical of or realting to the Christian Church or its clergy
Veracity conformity to facts; accuracy
Cordial warm and friendly
Conjecture an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete
information
Lore a body of traditions and knowledge on a subject or held by a particular
group, typically passed from person to person by word of mouth
Interpretive historical research: “ In each case, the researcher attempts to collect
as much evidence as possible concerining a complex social phenomenon and
seeks to provide an account of the that phenomenon.”pg 137
- narrative and analysis in interpretive historical research … validity of
historical accounts stats with a demonstration that the events descrived
occurred in the actual flow of time … the one histocial world Collingwood
in wang and groat
- narrative sentences … the tirty years war began in 1618 ideal chronicle
machine objective gadget roles out all possible events as time progresses
- Literary metaphors for historical narratives emplot(evidence weaved
together to make a coherent account) history, stories out of chronicles
validity of lived experience
- Role of imagination and comprehension in historical narratives the
historian is constantly abandoning what he deems to be unimportant and
recording the important.
- Analysis and verification one historical world … the difference between
fiction stories and historical accounts lies in its ability to be placed within
empirical space and time tosh(three things).. textual authentication,
validity of factual inferences and weighing alternative interpretations
- Casual explanations of history the idea of a “covering Law” compared to
natural laws such as gravity… cover law .. large scale predictions.. Hempel
Popper only small scale predictions are possible in social sciences
- History of movement of absolute spirit Hegel geist communal
consciousness is the sum of the indicidual consciousness the single
subject is enmeshed in a much larger zeitgeist … corb a new spirit.
Industry giedion space, time and architecture epistemological
assumptions
- Hegelian catergorizing work into periods …Moesei Ginzburg’s Style and
Epoch: calls for the machine, the factory, and workers housing to be the
stylistic features of Russian architecture at the turn of the century
- Structuralism products of widely dispersed cultural systems have some of
the same inherent qualities – structural analysis literature example is
Chomsky or eisermans basis for reaction structura limits the operation
within mind has an innate ability to organize the world and to frame that
organization into language… boradbent et al the building is container for
activity modifier for climate, cultural symbol, consumer of resources
Glassie / Chomsky – core or kernel structures (Chomsky sentences) in
which design is then applied 92% barns are based on bilaterally
symmetrical tripartite concept. (am I going to use this kernel structures
to find the base of the developments of technology in which I will then
create alternate technology developments which will be the new temporal
architecture)
- Post structuralism human nature is a product of practices of the time not
a overriding human nature… a web of meaning that defines an era.
Instances of cultural manifestations may be a periods literature, arts or
professions… Foucault sees Human nature itself as a discursive product of
a fairly recent western way of thinking… pockets of time as they are not
confined by humane nature as overall law object as complex reality
 understanding of that reality consists of parsing the discourses that define
it.

Method: identification, organization, evaluation

- types: determinative(dates, archaeological, photographic),
contextual(letters, elements in time, dates all compared to topic),
inferential(logical deductions made by proximity of time places reasoned
interpretation.. ), and re collective (interviews may be a negative way to
extract data due to the pile up of interpretation)
- Protzen tatics (onsite familiarity, extant documents, visual inspection,
material evidence, comparison with conditions elsewhere, local
informants/lore, Reenactment, identify remaining questions
- Collingwood terms for method of interpretive research: everything is
evidence but it must be situated within time and space … ie not alice in
wonderland but ww2 would be acceptable
- Barzun and Graff “ suggest that a researcher’s cultural background and
values play a role in organization and interpretation as well.” Pg 153
wang and groat
- Veracity via triangulation of source

My thoughts:
The tool box!
The evolution of the tool box could be a significant province of historical
investigation of a tangible object that is indicative of the cultural or social
phenomena. The movement from belt to box to bag…

When investigating the topic of large or small scale predictions I lean towards
popper and the small scale predictions but what are the limits to the scale ??
could it effect a large populous over a short period of time or a small populous
within a short duration of time?

Chomsky & Glassie … am I going to use this kernel structures to find the base of
the developments of technology in which I will then create alternate technology
developments which will be the new temporal architecture

In relation to Poststructuralism where does instinct or innate knowledge play a

part?
Strengths and Weaknesses
Qualitative Ethnography is what I have already done although failed to record
adequately … is it possible to get friends who are still there to fill out some
surveys? Marcel, Jason, kirk, pelley, normore,

What is the correlation between my movement between Canada and New

Zealand have to do with the relationship or movement from city to camp … city
to study etc..

How important is the camp in respect to its controllable environment and inate
ability to test and alter communities.

Completely unrelated but when sitting on the window sill and the mechanical
components of the building gently shake the structure there is a sense that the
building is alive or at least a mechanism… it is very stunning as an idea concept
or observation.

Never forget that design aesthetic should correlate with the concept or point you
are trying to get across, how come this so often ends up taking a back seat within
our projects for what we are comfortable with, can do and think is “cool”

Qualitative Research:

Natural setting ability to highlight trends within the context, does not alter
the context

Focus on interpretation and meaning – applying methodologies that embrace

interpretation and context

How the respondents make sense of their own circumstances

Multiple tactics not all have to be qualitative but the overall out put is
qualitative…

Grounded theory: without preset opinions or notions (what happens

determines the data and theory) grounded theories because they are drawn
from data… object of study cannot be fully understood on the first take
observation, data collection and structuring must take place in an iterative
process before the theory is developed.
Ethnography: culminates in a rich and full delineation of a particular setting
that persuades a wide audience of its human validity… lays particular
emphasis on the immersion of the researcher in a particular cultural
context… how those living in that context interpret their situation. … in this
context of research it is often participating research and therefore the role of
the researcher must be revealed delicately … what they record is often
influenced or based upon their role and person(entity etc)
Interpretivism: “the inquirer constructus a reading of the meaning making
process of the people he or she studies” phenomenological inquiries are often
associated, personal experience locate map then apply the “extra”
Datacollection: interactive or noninteractive
Data codeing
Data display ie matrixes
Data conclusions and verification (finding patterns etc)

This area of research relies heavily on the ability for people to make sense of
their surroundings and the ability for them to communicate it and you (the
researcher to record and un-bias qualitative data.

Correlational Research:
-survey building look at figure 8.15 pg 221