Sustaining growth through live-work
Date
2017Citation:
Bajallan, B. (2017). Sustaining growth through live-work (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4657Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4657Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION:
How can a live-work development respond sustainably to current growth patterns within Auckland?
ABSTRACT:
The rapid rise in population within Auckland has created a high demand for housing. Current urban developments within Auckland mostly consist of detached homes in new subdivisions, resulting in high demand for low-density housing. Suburban sprawl is an unsustainable way to house our growing population. It has abandoned the neighbourhood model in favour of cardependent structures, thereby widening the gap between professional and private life. Sub-urbanization has lead to a decrease in social interaction and physical activity. To move our urban environment forward, we must create more opportunities for residents within the existing suburbs.
A possible solution for cities, plagued by issues from unmaintainable urban sprawl, is to adopt qualities of compact neighbourhoods. These models aim to provide residents with work and amenities within proximity, thereby, reducing congestion while concurrently encouraging physical activity. This has been shown to significantly improve quality of life through a more vibrant urban fabric.
Research into the live-work typology and its history is limited, making it difficult to identify the benefits and drawbacks of the different design approaches. Regardless, literature and precedents such as the Rieselfeld Development in Freiburg, Germany and different contemporary workhomes, were studied to frame the development for a live-work typology within Auckland’s suburban fabric. Further research on urban sustainability, as well as the implications of the live-work typology, increased focus on a smaller portion of the live-work development to minimise the implications through design.
This project hypothesises that a live-work model can be used as a tool to revitalise the current sprawl situation within Auckland. Specifically, the project aims to introduce a livework development into Glenfield, North Shore. Currently, the site lacks an adequate buffer zone between industrial and residential zoning, a common characteristic noted throughout Auckland. Through a new well-designed neighbourhood model, social interaction and a sense of community can be established ultimately providing a live-work typology seen as ‘the neighbourhood of the 21st century’.