Anna Constable

Victoria University of Wellington

After visiting New York City for an internship before starting 4th year, Anna Constable thought she was just like the other millions of people that visit the bustling metropolis, hailing a yellow cab, munching on bagels and NY Pizza , photos on top of the Rock. She didn’t know it then but fast forward a year, Anna’s trip to the Big Apple has been the catalyst for the direction of her Master’s thesis. Anna’s thesis explores New York’s privately owned public spaces and investigates the current tension of private ownership. Click the link below to find out what this Cantabrian thinks of the changing city of Christchurch, why working at the University’s Resource centre is ideal while studying and why she’s having to wrap up her thesis in record time.

SANNZ: In 20 words, what is your thesis about?

Anna Constable: My thesis looks at New York’s Privately Owned Public Spaces, and proposes that human agency lead design can engage public space to benefit the urban environment, and investigates the current tensions of private ownership.

SANNZ: Who is your supervisor and why did you choose to work with him/her?

AC: Joanna Merwood-Salisbury. Her research explores the design of public spaces and buildings in modern cities and the socio-political contexts in which they are conceptualized and used. She is highly intelligent and has written a lot on Chicago and NY, I have a lot of respect for her, and she definitely knows more about my thesis topic than I do!

SANNZ: When you started your Masters just over a year ago at the start of fourth year, did you think your thesis would take this direction?

AC: No I didn’t, I visited NY for a summer internship before starting 4th year, not knowing that I would do my thesis on the city. But when searching for a research topic, I came across these Privately Owned Public Spaces that have been built since the 60’s and creates 80 acres of public space throughout Manhattan and the topic developed upon talking to Joanna.

SANNZ: Thats so cool. How was living in New York? Did you have much time to explore the city?

AC: I was living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and working in Union square, so was able to explore both Manhattan and Brooklyn alot. Site visits through the firm also took me to The Hamptons and some ridiculous apartments in the city.  It was also thanksgiving during that period so was able to have some time off work, but for me the best way to explore the city was almost avoiding the tourist things, and immersing myself with living and working there. I fell in love with the city, so can’t wait to go back.

SANNZ: Word is New York is expensive, How did you find the price of living compared to Wellington’s reasonably high costs?

AC: I was lucky enough to have my sister in NY, so I was staying with her. But yes, NY is very expensive.

SANNZ: What are your plans for next year?

AC: I have booked a trip to South Africa which involves finishing my thesis a bit earlier than everyone else. But I plan on getting a job and sticking around Wellington for one more year before moving overseas to work and travel.

SANNZ: Do you feel that architecture school has prepared you for the realities of working in the industry?

AC: It definitely teaches you how to think of structure and details of a building, but for me, University has been a place which harbors creativity, before the workforce teaches you the more practical specifics.

SANNZ: Do you work while studying/how many hours? How do you find the balance?

AC: I have worked at the Resource Centre at uni since first year. It’s such a dream job while studying, as they employ students and work around your timetable and classes. I can also do my own uni work at the same time on the computers, which makes balancing work at studying a lot easier. It’s around 10 hours a week, with more hours available around holidays

SANNZ: What coffee has fueled your degree and where do you usually buy it from?

AC: Customs lemon honey ginger 

SANNZ:  Where are you from? What’s your opinion of the architecture or built environment there?

AC: I am from Christchurch. The city is definitely changing, and with a lot of construction happening at the moment, there are these huge contrasts between the old and the very shiny and new. Throughout the CBD though, there are these facades that are held up by containers, so I am interested to see if there will be some buildings which incorporate both.

SANNZ: What work hours do you keep? / How do you feel about potentially moving into a 40-hour work week?

AC: I try to work 9-5 weekdays and avoid weekends, as balancing studying with personal life is hugely important for me and getting through this 9 month thesis. So the main difference for me moving into the workplace will be being able to switch off at 5pm, as currently my mind is constantly thinking about my thesis.

SANNZ: What is your favourite time of day?

AC: I am not a morning person, so anything but.

SANNZ: Who is your biggest support person at the moment?

AC: My flat has been a great support system, we have all been living together for a few years now, and they are a great break from the university environment, and keeping everything light-hearted.