Built environment Print


Desi​gn Checklist​​​​​​​​​

  1. The building and basic organisation of the development demonstrate an understanding of the immediate street and wider neighbourhood – future or existing 
  2. The development supports and enhances route, street and open space connections
  3. The proposal embraces the Māori cultural values related to Whakapapa and Tohu
​​​​​​​The context of the surrounding built environment is a key driver for apartment site planning. Therefore it is important to understand and analyse the elements that make up this context, including the movement network, urban structure, use and activity of the area, and the built form of the buildings and spaces. It is also important to understand the needs and expectations of the community, to ensure opportunities are not missed.

Better Design Practice

Built form

Analyse the existing and historical development patterns and surrounding architecture to determine whether there are appropriate cues or narratives for the new development (Whakapapa).

Ensure that the main bulk of the development is carefully located to integrate with open spaces, views and outlook.

Design buffers (vegetation or fencing) between different sites to protect the amenity of existing developments.

Movement framework

Reinforce existing movement patterns, such as pedestrian desire lines and direct and convenient vehicle routes, and introduce new connections and route choices.

Increase the degree of connectivity and number of route choices for all users (vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians) both to the site and within it, as development density increases.

Use the development to enhance the legibility of the streets and public spaces.

Use and activity:

Consider the type of open space and recreational activities that will benefit future residents the most.

Try to physically connect or expand existing open space networks where possible, instead of creating similar open spaces to those that already exist.

Community

Provide a mix of tenure and type to meet the housing needs of the community.

Design the development to capitalise on important views from the site, and also views or connections (Tohu) from the wider neighbourhood onto the site.

Engage mana whenua at the beginning of the project for advice on how to appropriately respond to Whakapapa and Tohu.
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