City stitch : a study into how architecture can repair damaged urban fabric to create a vibrant urban environment

Abstract

This research project looks at the possible ways of creating well-connected and desirable urban environments. Many cities suffer from a poorly connected urban environment and are deprived of good quality public spaces. Auckland, New Zealand has been identified as an example of a ‘severed city’ and the location to test this research project. A problematic site was explored and chosen along the moat of motorways defining Auckland’s city centre. The built and natural context of the area has been analysed and crucial connections to be made were identified. Specific spaces for public activity at this node of intersecting links were developed to support their wider connections. These connections include new public transport and integrate a significant bicycle route. This project became part of an important green link between two parks. Within these parks lie two of Auckland’s most noteworthy cultural buildings; the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery. These two buildings incorporate cultural amenities and enforce a strong cultural link. A mixed-use development has merged from the neighbouring education, commercial and recreational typologies to create a vibrant new node in the city. The morphology of the project relates to the surrounding built and natural context. This built form has been integrated into the site and respects the topography of the gully below and views to natural landmarks. The architecture has been articulated to enforce the connections created, while giving it a local but unique identity. Fabricating this architectural stitch will repair the separation existing in the urban fabric. This project aimed to produce a world-class urban renewal example for cities that suffer from severance.

Site exploration: Grafton Gully between Auckland Domain and the University of Auckland buildings. Wellesley Street, Grafton Road Bridge, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Art Gallery