The liveable superblock

Abstract

Driven by the need to use our resources sustainably, increasing density is a viable option. Doing this in an already established city is complex. The models of greenfield development on the fringes of the city or piecemeal infill development is not satisfactory because it does not create a coherent ‘whole’ city. This project proposes creating superblock development which provides for a mixture of uses and allows buildings of varied typology to stand in relationship with each other in such a way that public place at human scale is developed in addition to private space. In this way density is achieved without losing the characteristic of the indoor outdoor relationship we expect in our environment. This also provides a platform for interaction between people which may develop a sense of invigoration and community. The site chosen for this project is a rundown area on the fringe of the central city and therefore an ideal position to initiate a wave of development outward toward the outer fringes of the city.

Project site: New North Road, Morningside Drive in Morningside, Auckland.