1. architrave

    The lintel or beam that rests on the capitals of the columns.

  2. best practice

    A technique, method, or process that is most effective at delivering a particular outcome, or multiple outcomes, based on repeatable procedures that can be proven over time.

  3. channelization

    The creation of a channel or channels resulting in faster water flow, a reduction in hydraulic residence time, and less contact between water and solid surfaces in the water body.

  4. delineation

    A clearly defined boundary between two conditions. For example, having delineation between a public and private area, or between a roadway and a footpath.

  5. ecological connectivity

    The maintenance of a connected system of open space throughout an ecosystem. Not only is a contiguous line of open space maintained, but also specific natural systems are kept intact. Ecological connectivity relies on maintaining ecotones, the linkages between different ecological regions.

  6. freshwater fish

    Includes finfish and shellfish which must at any time in the life history of the species inhabit freshwater, and includes finfish and shellfish that seasonally migrate into and out of freshwater.

  7. genetic diversity

    Variation in the genetic makeup of populations or species.

  8. habitat

    The environment within which a particular species or group of species lives. It includes the physical and biotic characteristics that are relevant to the species concerned.

  9. impervious surface

    Constructed surfaces, such as rooftops,sidewalks, roads, and parking lots, covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, and stone. These materials seal surfaces, repel water, and prevent precipitation and melt-water from infiltrating soils. The term impermeable may also be used.

  10. kāinga

    Home

  11. legibility

    This term refers to the ability of people who are unfamiliar with an area to be able to find their way. Legibility instils a sense of confidence in users of public space and can be achieved though the identification of designated pedestrian routes through the use of signage, lighting and suitable landscaping.

  12. masterplan

    A detailed plan for a defined area, e.g. a centre or a new urban development. It involves the integration of all elements (including social, cultural, economic and environmental considerations) into one overall design and can include the final expected physical form of the buildings and spaces within.

  13. native

    Plant species that have evolved or are indigenous to a specific geographical area. The strict definition is a species that has not been introduced by humans either accidentally or intentionally. Because native species are a part of an ecosystem where everything is interdependent, these plants are adapted to local soil and weather conditions as well as pests and diseases.

  14. open space

    The term ‘open space’ covers green space consisting of any vegetated land or structure, water or geological feature in an urban area and civic space consisting of squares, market places and other paved or hard landscaped areas with a civic function.

  15. place-making

    An inclusive approach to design that actively engages with local communities and stakeholders thoughout all stages of the design process; planning, designing, building, managing and programming of places in an integrated way. so that they are successful, attractive and enduring for people. It requires consideration of the relationships between all the parts of a place and the way they work together, rather than a focus on each part (e.g. just the building) in isolation from the whole area.

  16. restoration

    The active intervention and management of modified or degraded habitats, ecosystems, landforms and landscapes in order to restore indigenous natural character, ecological and physical processes and their cultural and visual qualities. For historic heritage: to return a place as nearly as possible to a known earlier state.

  17. service area

    An area that is external to the apartment building and used for the storage and collection of waste and recycling from individual apartments.

  18. tikanga

    The act of interpreting and practising Māori knowledge

  19. unitary plan

    The Unitary Plan is Auckland Council’s regulatory land-use planning document and prepared under the Resource Management Act 1991. The Unitary Plan will replace the existing district and some regional plans from the former city, district and regional councils. It will contain guidance and rules about how land can be developed and how resources can be used.

  20. vernacular forms

    Buildings that reflect characteristics particular to a place. Vernacular forms are based on local needs, materials, social habits, economy, and reflect common construction techniques. Such buildings have not usually come about through professional design input. In the New Zealand context it could be argued that forms that have derived from Maori construction, domestic building from pre 20th century, mid 20th century State houses and houses that respond to the New Zealand landform might be considered ‘vernacular’ forms.

  21. wāhi tapu

    Place sacred to Māori in a traditional, spiritual, religious, ritual or mythological sense (section 6, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014).

  22. zero lot house

    A house where one wall is built along a boundary, usually a side boundary.