Queeriosities of Space explores the cross-cultural expressions and interpretations of queer spaces in the Philippines and Aotearoa New Zealand. The queer cultures of these countries reveal evident differences. In the Philippines, same-sex marriage remains prohibited and there are no legal protections against public discrimination. In contrast, New Zealand recognises marriage equality and enforces anti-discrimination laws under the Human Rights Act 1993. However, despite these protections, living in New Zealand unmasked the presence of exclusion, evident in the prevalence of private housing advertised as ‘LGBT-friendly’, raising questions about the depth of queer acceptance in Aotearoa.

The notions of ‘queer’ and ‘queer spaces’ are explored through theories that critique and challenge traditional architecture, historically shaped by gender binaries of men and women. Cross-cultural differences and similarities in queer cultures are examined through engagement with queer communities in both countries. These insights are further supported by stories of lived experiences, which serve as stepping stones towards creating safe and inclusive spaces.

This thesis presents two outcomes that reflect each queer cultural context. In the Philippines, where queer acceptance is still evolving, inspirations were drawn from The Golden Gays, an organisation of estranged elderly gay men and trans women who are often overlooked by society. Their story inspired a design that repurposes an existing building, reflecting their lives as performers. The existing façade symbolises the ‘closet’, serving as a protective layer that conceals the spaces within the building. 

The living areas are designed to challenge traditional family structures, such as the archetype of husband-and-wife roles. Operable walls allow the transformation of bedrooms and living spaces into larger, open areas, encouraging human connections while enabling occupants to adjust privacy levels as needed.

In New Zealand, discussions with the queer community emphasised themes of transformation. This inspired a design reflecting the journey of coming out. The space begins with a symbolic ‘closet’, through which each occupant enters to explore their gender identity while connecting with like-minded people. The lounge bar within this space features dim lighting and seating arrangements that reduce direct confrontation, creating a sense of comfort and intimacy.

As occupants gain confidence in their identities, they exit through a closet door, leading to a performance space that symbolises self-expression. For those who have faced public hostility, such spaces can also become pathways of healing. By retreating into the closet, its occupants can undergo a transformative process, reintegrating into public life with renewed courage. This space celebrates individuality and serves as a bridge for integrating with the broader community, including those outside the queer community.

The study highlights the ways in which human experiences can influence the creation of queer spaces, as well as how these spaces resist or adapt to heteronormative norms. Through the queer lens, this thesis re-imagines architectural design as a tool to welcome inclusivity and belonging, challenging the traditional image of spacemaking. By employing a methodology that blends ethnographic research, spatial analysis and speculative design, Queeriosities of Space positions queer spaces as sites of resilience, creativity and self-expression. The research ultimately aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersections between spatial occupation and identity, offering new perspectives for designing inclusive built environments.