City living : a residential development in central Christchurch
Date
2015Citation:
Brokenshire, M.D. (2015) City living : a residential development in central Christchurch. An unpublished explanatory document. A research project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional). Unitec Institute of Technology.Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/3244Abstract
Redesigning and inhabiting an empty city is a rare experience for planners, architects and developers to consider. On the surface of it, this is the situation in Christchurch City following earthquakes in 2011 and 2012. Local Council have a realistic view of the issues that faced Christchurch before the earthquakes and have an intent and a plan to create a liveable city from the opportunity that presents itself.
This research project considers an alternative approach to that suggested by Council for the inhabitation of the Central City by creating a high quality, public outdoor space, anchored by repurposed existing buildings. It proposes that the concept of Village is a vital component to the inhabitation and the nature of growth in the city.
The project then looks at the form and function of both repurposed and new buildings to contain the outdoor space and considers the importance of the edge zone - where building meets ground. It looks at an opportunity for Village community life to occur and prosper.