The proposal allows the Emirates New Zealand design and assembly team to manufacture and assembly the equipment required to compete in the Americas Cup event all under one roof. The manufacturing of the hull, mask, and rigging and assembly will all occur in assembly-line formation. The proposal attempts to establish a new paradigm of world-class yacht design; one that questions the traditional appeal of manufacuring facilities. The architecture and engineering is a reflection of the high-end, modern, and high-cost lifestyle of the yacht racing culture. The facility is a reflection of this need for a comprehensive built environment that satisifies the needs of both the private and public sectors. By combining the two sectors, the architecture is used to embrace the culture and public realm into the sport of yacht racing and inform the public. It also accomodates the public by accomodating event space, retail space, restaurants, and a yacht club. The new facility revolutionizes the idea of a manufacturing facility by promoting the sport itself through the architecture as an object of motion, world-class design, and technology.

A research document made for my final graduate architectural project. Introduces the project, identifies the program and includes case studies and site analysis.

A new development in Auckland, New Zealand that will include a new yacht manufacturing facility incorporating a high tech “assembly line.” The facility will the include the high tech manufacturing of 72’-0” hulls for catamarans; requiring the structure to be at least 72’ of uninterrupted space. A minimum of 5 catamarans will be produced by the Emirates New Zealand racing team for preparation for the final racing match in San Francisco. Due to the linear expressionism of the “assembly line” nature, the development is required to be linear structurally and formally. Hull and mast assemblies will be tested and manufactured in the plant and then tested in the water prior to shipment. The new facility will have direct access to the water and a form of transportation such as a rail, truck or boat. The assembly line production area will have direct access to the shipping and receiving of products and supplies. The hull and mast assemblies will be able to be loaded and transferred to the west coast for final assembly and testing of the yachts.

(Above) Aerial View of Auckland, NZ