Summary of Urban Design Case Studies
Auckland University of Technology
This case study illustrates the importance of an integrated approach to urban design, using the technique of master planning. The project aims to enhance campus life, culture and education outcomes through an improved learning, social and working environment. Physically, this involves consolidating the facilities into one campus to create efficient access and better connections between buildings, and creating public plazas and meeting areas for improved social interaction.
Beaumont Quarter, Auckland
The design of Beaumont Quarter is based on a modernist reinterpretation of a traditional terrace house. It is a successful medium-density development offering alternative housing forms that combine to create a unique place to live and work close to the city. It avoids domination by private vehicles by creating narrow streets and semi-public squares that give priority to pedestrian movement. Restoration of the historic Enerco buildings along the street frontage and retention of a number of mature trees adds to the character and identity of the development.
Botany Downs, Manukau City
This case study focuses on Sacramento and Eastpark, two of the more established medium-density developments in this rapidly expanding area, and their relationship with Botany Town Centre. These developments demonstrate how a liveable community with a distinctive and safe environment can be created. The case study highlights the important role of town planning in taking a visionary approach through the adoption of urban design principles and through active involvement in the development process.
Britomart, Auckland
The first phase of the Britomart project, the central Auckland rail terminal, is complete. This project will eventually include a comprehensive public transport interchange for bus, rail and ferry passengers and result in the revitalisation of an entire city precinct. This project represents the largest construction project ever undertaken by a local government in New Zealand and demonstrates what can be achieved by local government taking an active approach and calculated risks. The project illustrates the importance of good consultation techniques, and the benefits of retaining and restoring heritage buildings as an integral part of a major development project.
Chancery, Auckland
This case study describes a successful inner-city development driven by design principles rather than maximising floor space potential. The creation of a new public space is an integral part of the development, which links successfully with the existing urban fabric by maintaining an appropriate scale and responding to the topography of the site. It demonstrates the importance of creating an environment that is at a scale that feels comfortable for people, and of actively designing a place that is memorable and attractive to people.
Character Appraisal in Inner-city Wellington
This case study does not analyse a development project, but demonstrates a methodology for character appraisal in an existing inner-city area, and highlights useful research methods to provide objective and effective character evaluation. It also illustrates techniques to rate the value and relative significance of existing residential areas and their constituent elements, as a contribution to setting development control policies.
Christchurch Bus Exchange
The Bus Exchange, an off-street and purpose-built public transport facility in the city centre, has helped to revitalise this part of the city and provide sustainable transport options. The development has also resulted in a significant increase in bus patronage, which now means expansion is needed. This case study illustrates how a substantial new activity can be successfully incorporated into the streetscape of an existing commercial and retail area, and the benefits of local government working collaboratively with the private sector in the development process.
Harbour View, Waitakere City
Harbour View is a demonstration project which shows how the natural environment can be successfully incorporated and reinstated as an integral part of a development scheme. The development builds a distinctive identity, through connections to the adjacent wetland conservation area, which plays a vital role in the stormwater system. This case study also demonstrates the successful integration of a mix of housing densities and types, using varied lot sizes and provision for a range of lifestyles. A network of streets and pedestrian pathways provide a permeable and well connected local movement system.
Lancewood Courts, Christchurch
Lancewood Courts, developed by Christchurch City Council, demonstrates how social housing can be designed and built to a very high standard on a restricted budget. The vision for the housing complex was to provide a healing environment through architecture, design, landscaping, and a sense of community. A strong community consultation process was an integral part of the project, and the development is successfully integrated into the local community, meeting both its social and environmental objectives.
New Brighton Library, Christchurch
This case study of the New Brighton Library demonstrates a design-led approach to revitalise and bring new life to run-down suburbs. The Library is a terminus building adjacent to the New Brighton Pier and containing a 'new generation' library, café, retail area and public space. It provides a range of activities including spaces for study, socialising and relaxing. 'Living rooms' provide books, television, PlayStations and music listening posts. The Library has achieved unprecedented success as a library, tourist destination and community focal point.
New Lynn Town Centre, Waitakere City
New Lynn town centre demonstrates the successful use of a comprehensive urban design process that began with a community charette. The design process addressed social, economic and environmental elements of revitalisation, including improving community facilities, developing business and retail opportunities and restoring elements of the natural environment. Inspired by the shared vision that emerged, both Council and private developers have invested more than $200 million into numerous projects to support the revitalisation of the town centre.
New Plymouth Foreshore
"Mountain to the Sea", a design-led master plan for the central city's redevelopment, provided the impetus to create a unique walkway along the foreshore linking into the upgrade of New Plymouth's city centre. This has not only revitalised the foreshore but contributed to a distinctive new identity for New Plymouth itself. The master plan addressed the city's lack of identity with its natural environment, the poor integration of open spaces, and the physical separation of the commercial area of the city from the sea.
Northwood Residential Area, Christchurch
This case study illustrates the challenge of developing a greenfield area in accordance with a master plan with strongly articulated urban design principles. The area was developed over a period of five years, and the end result shows significant differences from what was originally envisaged, as a result of commercial pressures and changing requirements. The project illustrates the successful modification of some urban design principles in response to changing demands.
Terraced Housing in Takapuna, North Shore
This terrace housing project in Takapuna demonstrates how intensive development can be successfully integrated into a town centre, and how it can provide an attractive and liveable neighbourhood. The development responds to its corner site, and deals successfully with difficult issues of car parking and private open space.
Vero Building, Auckland
The Vero Building is New Zealand's tallest and most technologically advanced office tower. It demonstrates how a commercial building can successfully incorporate public art, through its large collection of contemporary New Zealand art in the lobby area. The office tower also achieves high standards of energy efficiency for a building of its type, and has received recognition for its energy efficient design.
West Quay, Napier
This case study demonstrates how a heritage precinct can be successfully redeveloped without losing its significant character and mix of activities. West Quay is an excellent example of a local government taking a proactive approach to the future of an area, through a design-led policy framework, extensive public consultation and an integrated approach to resource consents. The focus of the process has been on managing and guiding change so as not to destroy the important character of the area, including the working wharf.
