Karangahape Road train station : an urban catalyst for revitalisation

Abstract

The general focus of this research project is to explore how a train station in a rich and diverse up and coming neighbourhood can act as a catalyst for architectural exploration. This exploration is how architecture facilitates and enriches the connections of place and site and perhaps enables Auckland to become a step closer to reaching the desired title of ”world’s most liveable city”. It is clear that in terms of transportation and movement patterns “Auckland is lagging behind even cities with signi cantly lower populations”.

The general ideas are that urban regeneration around transit centres is growing. Transit buildings themselves need to facilitate connectivity, be innovative and act as the connective tissue between the urban public spaces and the functional spaces. The context of this research pertains directly to Auckland city. Progressively more people are starting to live in urban environments. Therefore, there is a gradient of interaction, which adds value, authenticity fluidity and identity to the city.

The project focuses on urban connections within the context of Karangahape Road precinct and investigates current knowledge including current station design, transport-oriented development and the concept of urban space. The project also analyses and understands design strategies gathered from precedents around the globe. The intention of the design is to discover and explore strategies of connections through movement and architectural activation. The research will also look at streetscapes, celebrate the grain and history of the site, and nd how best to stitch together the heritage of the site and the function of the train station.

The discovery and exploration of connections and hybrid activities are to develop an environment that facilitates and encourages activity and intensification around the created station, existing connections and future nodes and networks.