Future living in Auckland's CBD

Abstract

This thesis addresses parts of the Auckland Central Business District (CBD) infrastructure that contain sites/land not living up to their potential, such as parking lots and abandoned land. These sites contribute to an ever-changing environment catering for the automobile. They also affect Auckland’s environment by either spoiling views from neighbouring buildings or destroying the streetscape. This has become a norm and needs to be changed, in order to improve Auckland’s urban environment, by using New Urbanism principles. It is suggested by the Auckland Regional Council that by the year 2036, the Auckland region could grow to about two million people.(1) The intention of this thesis is to suggest New Urbanism principles in the context of the proposed growth, to create an alternative view and to inform and alter the perception/direction of conventional living. This project promotes the fundamental principle of New Urbanism through creating a small community plan which includes a sustainable living environment that provides people with opportunities to live, work, and play in a single area while still supporting and enhancing the surrounding infrastructure of the city. This will be achieved by designing an exemplary environmentally-friendly apartment complex, which will provide convenient living in close proximity to jobs, businesses and retail, and by promoting a walkable distance between these urban functions.

This apartment complex will cater for the needs of single and extended families. The retail and commercial part of the complex will cater for the family’s everyday needs and services. This project will lead to a planned community which will be connected and interactive; it will provide jobs for dwellers and eliminate the need to commute for some.

This complex concept will promote a pleasurable living environment using materials that complement our sustainable environment and enhance internal living and services. The New Urbanism ideas of walkability, connectivity, mixed-use and diversity, mixed housing, sustainability, and introducing public transport will enhance Auckland’s CBD environment.

1. Auckland Regional Council, http://www.arc.govt.nz/economy/aucklands-growth/aucklands-growth_home.cfm