Building blocks for a community

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How can the high density typology be used in the development of 21st century New Zealand cities to build socially interactive communities?

The traditional New Zealand dream of the 'quarter acre Pavlova paradise', a standalone suburban dwelling, is fast becoming unsuitable on the basis of our steadily growing population, shifts in urban demographics, changing lifestyle preferences and rising costs, both ecological and economic. As outlined in the Auckland City Council Master Plan for 2050, intensification will be the key initiative to address the increased demand for housing in the 21st century. This architectural project will focus on accommodation that caters to individual needs while enhancing a sense of community. At the same 'affordability' will be a focus in future developments of high density housing schemes. The region of Arch Hill on the fringe of the Auckland CBD is the context chosen. Located between Great North Road and the North Western Motorway the site site has strong links both to Newton and Ponsonby and the wider context of Grey Lynn. Relocation / redesign of existing buildings within the site boundaries was an idea that emerged mid-way through the master planning stage of the project. This re-use allow for a sustainable approach to be achieved through the reduction in the amount of the embodied energy produced during the construction process,. and time and cost involved in the new build. The existing Newton Central Primary School was integrated into the housing scheme.