Beyond separatism : how can an understanding of domesticated animal behaviour enhance current models of subdivision design to privilege conservation and biodiversity goals in human settlements?

Abstract

Traditional approaches to subdivision demonstrate a tendency towards an erasure of nature in favor of human habitation and therefore a trend to separatism. New Zealand's landscape reflects the historical clearing of bush for towns and agriculture generating separation from nature, the result 'separateness", a loss of connectivity in particular to rural and remnant natural landscapes for urban dwellers. The current phase of subdivision design for exampled, Integrated Catchment Management as exercised by D. J. Scott and Associates uses nature as infrastructure e.g. waterways, erosion control planting, recreation corridors. This research investigates the potential for further integration of farming, pet ownership and habitat conservation design into subdivisions and national open spaces linking New Zealanders to their heritage. This thesis uses research by design to investigate the complexity of how the domesticated species we surround ourselves with and human activities such as settlement and production maybe be viewed as a means to achieve an even richer style of subdivision design than existing models upholding a wider goal of sustainability / biodiversity enhancement and not a barrier to it. The contribution I hope to make as a designer (and veterinarian) is to look at the possibility of how an awareness of selected domesticated animal behaviours may add to the current subdivision design methodologies with the aim off generating an economically viable 'Mainland Island Settlement Park'. One, which endeavours to maximize ecological connections, provide safe habitats for threatened species with a ru-urban site that integrates the different aspects of human activities within ru-urban landscapes creating new opportunities for intensified rural settlement and community growth, to achieve sustainability and to add value and moral legitimacy - protecting and promoting the rural landscape providing new opportunities for tourism, recreation, education, rural production and settlement with global and national consumers.