November 29th, 2010
The new, Talk to an Architect website, is provided to help you take a confident first step towards participating in a highly creative, collaborative, and rewarding process with your architect. They’ll even help you get the conversation started.
View the video to understand why it is important to use an architects services. View the other video’s on the Talk to an Architect website here.
November 29th, 2010
Sometimes finding the right architect for your project can be a daunting task with many amazing talents out there! Thankfully, there is a new website set up to help you with this process.
Talk to an Architect is provided to help you take a confident first step towards participating in a highly creative, collaborative, and rewarding process with your architect. They’ll even help you get the conversation started.
November 29th, 2010
The NZIA have provided a submission on the Government’s a submission on the Government’s discussion document “Building Competitive Cities”. The submission reflects a number of the concepts highlighted in the Shaping our Places Manifesto for the Build Environment.
It is encouraging that the Government is looking at the idea of a Government Architect, as mentioned in the discussion document. NZIA believes that having such expertise within Government would contribute towards much better design decisions which all the research shows ultimately has economic, social, cultural, and environmental benefits for communities and cities.
To download a copy of this discussion document, visit the NZIA’s website or alternately download a copy of the document (PDF) here.
August 6th, 2010
North Shore City have just published this report for comment. The most significant local problem is how to prevent the Hurstmere Shops being wiped out by the Shopping Malls. The “Framework” does recognise the crucial feature that :
“ Takapuna Beach is the key point of difference- a stunning natural asset that we need to make the most of.”
But then the “Framework” gives up and offers no means “to make the most of” except a pious hope that improving the existing links, and the current scheme to waste a few million dollars on Hurstmere Green, may do the trick. Instead the “Framework” concentrates on creating “ A broad pedestrian Plaza” to link Hurstmere with Westfield Shore City, thus moving the centre of shopping yet further away from the Beach.
One of the most far-sighted acts of Anne Hartley’s first City Council was to buy the residential land between the shops and the Beach. What could have been a unique City / Beach development was unfortunately captured by the Greenies who turned most of this high value land into grass.
The land nearest the back of the shops became parking and a relatively unnecessary road. Today the shops are separated from the beach by a ‘Cordon Insanitaire’ of dead cars, irregular asphalt, uneven retaining walls and spotty planting, a strikingly unattractive Townscape.
Actually the ‘Broad Pedestrian Plaza ‘ should run the other way, towards the Beach and Rangitoto, from the Hurstmere shops to the edge of the reserve. At Hurstmere level the Plaza and new shops would go over the top and hide the present mess. A totally new Takapuna Restaurant Quarter could be built on the edge of the reserve , which might just“ make more of the Beach.’’, and attract more people to Takapuna.
Denys Oldham
Architect Retd . B.ARCH[NZ] FNZIA
6th August 2010
July 30th, 2010
Here’s what I said in my opening speech at the Local Government conference earlier this week:
“We are living through very interesting times. But the outcome will be that this great place, built in an extraordinary natural setting, will become a truly great international city within the next decade and beyond.
Simply requiring that all future built development will reflect the stunning quality of the natural environment will start to transform this city, and local peoples’ pride in it. But much remains to be done. “
I am really impressed with the quality of some recent developments in Auckland. Two of them –Ironbank on Karangahape Rd, and the refurbished De Bretts Hotel in High Street- won Urban Design Awards from the City recently.
But just as important are the upgrades of public space that have also been undertaken, like St Patricks Square, and like Queen Street and many other recent contributions dotted around the city. These all show the great potential of our creative community. Together, great buildings, great streets and public spaces, and transformational projects like an integrated waterfront development will combine to transform this extraordinary city.
As we grow and change though we have to do a far better job of preserving our heritage. I believe we’ve made good progress in increasing protection for our built heritage –far too much of which we have already lost- and we are taking steps now to do a better job of preserving the volcanic cones and other aspects of our cultural heritage.
So I see the quality of our built environments matching and as valued as our extraordinary natural environment.
The Spatial plan will be one of the main focuses of the Mayoral Office. This Plan for the future of Auckland must embody our aspirations for a stunning city that protects its unique heritage and the quality of life of the many different communities that make Auckland so unique.
I would like to see the principle of good urban design under-pinning the Spatial Plan and everything that new Council does. We need to set an example with the Council’s own activities (including the hugely significant impacts of the Transport and Waterfront Development CCOs) and roll out an “urban Design Panel” approach across the whole region to ensure the best possible outcomes city wide.
During future Resource Management Act reviews I will be lobbying Central Government to ensure sufficient weighting is given to Urban Design Panel recommendations in the future regulatory environment.
I am exploring the concept being advocated by the NZIA at a central Government level of a “City Architect” charged with advising the Mayor on architecture and design. I will ensure that the design and architecture communities are engaged on issues like the integrated plan for the waterfront.
I am committed to seeing more resources for protecting our heritage, including our volcanic cones and buildings. I am also supportive of bringing a historic ferry –like the Kestrel, currently in Tauranga- back to the Waitemata Harbour. Preserving the uniqueness and character of places from Wellsford to Maraetai will be critical to the success of the new Council. Initiatives such as restoring the historic ferry run from Onehunga to Waiuku could help to revitalise town centres like Waiuku and add to the region’s tourism offering.
Council must set an example with its own projects that build better places. This requires resources but over time there needs to be a programme rolled out across a Greater Auckland that sees upgrades in all town centre that need them. Apart from Council setting an example and leading the way, there needs to be a fair regulatory regime in place that encourages good design and incentivises developments that help to create to a better city. The regulatory regime –reflected in the Spatial Plan- needs to be complemented by financial and time incentives where appropriate (for example for heritage retention or eco-friendly buildings or quality architecture) and by non-financial assistance in the form of advice and information. We need a Council and a community culture that actively looks for solutions and delivering the best outcomes for the city. We have to recognise that Council is only one party in building a fantastic city, however, and that private owners and communities also have a role in ensuring that we build a city that we can all be proud of.
July 14th, 2010
My vision for Auckland is that it be seen as the success story of the South Pacific. In the mind of New Zealanders- the city of choice as a place to work and live; in the mind of tourists-the premier holiday destination.
This is achieved by making quality decisions that deliver long term results. It is achieved in co-operation with citizens not by simply telling them what to do. Auckland needs to pursue excellence in lifestyle and enterprise.
Buildings and spaces are an important part of our urban identity. They directly support both lifestyle and enterprise. My vision for Auckland does therefore include ideas (that may well become policies) in respect on planning and urban design.
I would firstly say that I am not a planner, architect or other “expert”. I find it necessary therefore to start by saying that my starting policy is to take advice from those who are experts. I am going to rely on experts, not just my own opinion.
An example of how to do things the wrong way is the leaky homes disaster. Again and again architects raised concern about the likely problems of untreated timber and non-cavity building systems. If Government had taken the advice of experts at the coal face we could have limited the problem instead of ending up with a national disaster. Let’s not have to learn that lesson a second time.
My second policy relates to the now statutory requirement for a long term spatial plan for the city which will set the broad outline of how areas will develop. My view is that this be a relatively “big picture” document, flexible in nature without dictating detail or being unnecessary prescriptive on planning. I see requirements and guidelines are inevitably going to need to adjust anyway to a fast growing city with technology, transport options, and human preferences changing ever more quickly. I prefer not to inhibit creativity of architects and designers and would rather see projects assessed on their relevant merit instead of conforming to a prescriptive code.
With the above said, I do however believe heritage is worth preserving and support direct development/design controls in key heritage areas.
The first and major “mechanism” is to promote a forum of experts (Architects, planners etc.). I prefer an inclusive leadership style and I see the spatial plan especially as a document that needs input from experts first and foremost. It’s about listening and adopting the best ideas. I have no bias against taking good ideas from the private sector.
With regards to heritage buildings, I expect that partnerships with organisations such as the Historic Places Trust will continue.
In respect of funding there will be a need for the incoming council to assess and determine funding priorities. I envisage there will be tight fiscal restraints and some difficult choices to make. It is too early to say exactly what funding will be committed to what activities at this stage.
Above all else there is a need to have an “open door” for input from those that know the industry and work within it. If the city can work with the NZIA and other professional bodies it will be far more effective.
July 13th, 2010
Shaping our Places keeps an eye on the local rags and media releases to see what’s happening in terms of urban planning and design around the country, but sometimes this just doesn’t cover all the issues.
Do you have an issue that you would like to see more widely publicised? Perhaps it is an issue that is happening in many towns and cities across the country that people are unaware of.
We would like to invite you to submit a blog about things that please you (or may not please you) about your community’s urban affairs. These could become interesting topics for us or our mayoral candidates to discuss.
You can send us your thoughts, ideas or just a good old rant through the contact us page on this website.
July 1st, 2010
Many people need incentive to do menial tasks. Earlier in the year, we posted a blog on how transforming a set of stairs in a subway gave people the incentive to use them rather than take the escalator.
Here is another example of how by making something as little as using a rubbish bin fun, can make a whole lot of difference.
“To throw rubbish in the bin instead of onto the floor shouldn’t really be so hard. Many people still fail to do so. Can we get more people to throw rubbish into the bin, rather than onto the ground, by making it fun to do? See the results here.”
June 29th, 2010
With local body elections fast approaching, a number of candidates have now been declared with more expected over the coming months. Local government has a huge role to play in the shape of our communities.
We’ll be asking a variety of candidates a number of questions about positions and policies on urban design, architecture, heritage, and planning.
We’ll report back to you on what they have to say, or as the case maybe not say, in the e-newsletter and through the website.
If you have any thoughts on questions or possible candidates you’d like to hear from, please submit them through the website.
Here are a few to start with:
All comments on the website are welcomed – but we do ask that you be prepared to put your name with your feedback.
June 22nd, 2010
A MAYORAL CONVERSATION WITH INTERNATIONAL URBAN DESIGN EXPERT -
JAN GEHL of GEHL Architects, Copenhagen
In 2008, Jan Gehl, the world’s leading expert in urban design, was commissioned by the Urban Design group at Auckland City Council to undertake the first ever Public Life Survey to assess the condition of public life in the Auckland city centre.
This research involved cross council and inter agency sponsorship and was completed by a team of passionate cross regional volunteers.
Jan will be presenting the findings of this research held in May of this year, highlighting the current condition of the public realm in Auckland, the bold steps taken to begin the transformation of the city and the further interventions that will assist in the completion of this paradigm shift.
Date: Monday 5 July
Time: 5.00pm – 5.30pm Welcome Drinks
5.30pm Presentation
Venue: Aotea Centre, Lower NZI Room
RSVP: Wednesday 30 June 2010
Click here for more information on past mayoral conversations speakers.
June 3rd, 2010
The City of Charlotte won the Policies & Regulations category for the 2009 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement.
As the central city in a rapidly growing metropolitan area, Charlotte is under intense development pressures. Rather than continue the automobile-dominated development patterns of the last 50 years, Charlotte adopted Urban Street Design Guidelines to make walking, bicycling, and transit more appealing and make the city more attractive and sustainable.
Interesting ideas for our local governments to look at.
June 1st, 2010
Dominion Post, 27 May 2010
Mayor Kerry Prendergast would like to see private cars banned from Wellington’s ‘golden mile’ within 10-20years.
Removing cars makes the city more pedestrian friendly but the mile would still be open for public transport. which includes electric busses or light rail, courier vans, retail vehicles and taxis.
Mayor Prendergast seems to be going very middle road, by trying to appease both sides of the argument. Possible mayoral candidate, Sir Robert Jones believes that it should only be access for pedestrians, while Fran Wilde (Chair of the Greater Wellington Regional Council and Cross-council Regional Transport Committee) said that ‘making the golden mile an effective public transport spine, but did not require removing cars”
The vision for the golden mile, which runs from Lambton Quay, along Willis and Manners Streets to Courtenay Place is to align with the Wellington City Council’s transport strategy and moving more people on to public transport.
How would this shape Wellington City? Do you think that this is an effective way to use public space? If you are not a Wellingtonian, what would this mean to your town/city if your major shopping areas were turned into pedestrian only access?
Your comments are welcome.
To read the full story, visit the Dominion Post website here.
May 31st, 2010
The Dominion Post, 27 May 2010
Wellington has been pipped by Auckland in a global survey to find the world’s most livable city.
Auckland was ranked in the world’s top five cities, holding steady at 4th position and scoring 107.4 points, on par with Vancouver. Wellington held its position from last year at 12th place, with 105.9 points.
The Mercer’s 2010 Quality of Living Survey, which covered 221 cities, was based on 39 criteria including socio-economic, environmental, health, education, and transport.
Cities were compared to New York as the base city, with an index score of 100. New Zealand and Australian cities were attractive destinations for overseas expatriates, it found. Vienna was ranked as the city with the world’s best quality of living. Baghdad came in at the bottom of the table.
Top 20 cities: Quality of living ranking
1. Vienna
2. Zurich
3. Geneva
4. Vancouver
5. Auckland
6. Dusseldorf
7. Frankfurt
8. Munich
9. Bern
10. Sydney
11. Copenhagen
12. Wellington
13. Amsterdam
14. Ottawa
15. Brussels
16. Toronto
17. Berlin
18. Melbourne
19. Luxembourg
20. Stockholm
Although, two New Zealand cities being ranked in the top 20 out of 221 cities world wide isn’t something to scoff about. To read more in relation to this article, visit the DomPost website here.
May 20th, 2010
Scale Architecture have thought outside the box, and then put it straight back in again! In Sydney’s central city, these architects have concealed a forest within a forgotten alley.
“As part of a series of temporary urban art interventions taking place in the City of Sydney, The Infinity Forest is a green oasis amongst the hard, vertical walls of Penfold’s and Hosking Place.”
“In the space between fire escapes, vehicle ramps and back door entrances, you will come upon tough timber walls that conceal a forest within. Entering this intimate urban living room, you discover yourself captured in an infinite view of a silver birch forest, where you can pause and reflect on the city above.”
This is an interesting way to put a little green back into the concrete jungles. Maybe our councils could set up a similar urban art exhibition?
View the original blog on the Archdaily website here.
May 12th, 2010
A fascinating video from Julie Anne Gentern who discusses a few issues around sustainability issues around transport.
Her solution: “Development and redevelopment is happening all the time so we can see a rapidly changing urban forum, but instead of seeing it spread out, we want to see it pull in. Back to transport nodes, where people can feel safe and easily take a bike or walk”.
“We can’t promote both car oriented development and pedestrian, bike and transit orientated development. We have to choose one or the other”
May 6th, 2010
Do you remember a time when it was safe for our children to walk to their friend’s house or go to the park unaccompanied? It seems that those days are long gone, but in various cities in Spain, they are looking at resurrecting this.
Image Credit: Melissa Garcia Lamarca
In large, busy urban areas, where the majority is dominated by cars, roads housing and business (obviously designed by adults) they are building safe and accessible spaces for children in public areas.
The project, called City of Children, aims to make it possible for children to leave their home without being unaccompanied by an adult so that they can meet with their friends and play in public places within the city: from courtyards to sidewalks, from public squares to parks. Through children’s proposals and ideas, participation in decision-making and realisation of their projects, it aims at building a children’s culture in the minds of adults and especially in administrators so that they know how to make their decisions, having interiorised children’s thoughts and needs. The project believes that only when adults understand that spending for the good of children is not a cost but an investment that will bring returns many times over will it be possible to think seriously of the future of our cities.
This is great food for thought for New Zealander’s. Although we don’t have the large population numbers as other countries, it could be an idea to include all of our community, young and old, when thinking about our urban design.
May 4th, 2010
Shaping Our Places is pleased to hear that the Green Party has welcomed the new report by the Public Health Advisory Committee (PHAC) calling for an urgent need to consider health in urban planning.
The PHAC, which provides independent public health advice to the Minister of Health, released a report Friday that highlights the urgency of designing urban areas in ways that promote – not impede – good health.
Kevin Hague, Green Party spokesperson for health and active transport said that the report, Healthy Places, Healthy Lives: Urban environments and wellbeing, provides detailed evidence about the strong link between poor urban design and poor health, and the large burden that puts on our communities and health services.
“This report is right in line with Green Party Urban and Transport policies, which recognise the linkages between urban design, transport and good health,” said Mr Hague. “Better urban planning and transport policy can reverse the alarming trend of increasing obesity and chronic diseases by providing everyday opportunities to be active.”
The report states that increasing sustainable transport, i.e., walking, cycling and public transport, reduces road accidents, which in 2008 were estimated to cost New Zealand $3.8 billion. This would give New Zealand enormous opportunity to improve health outcomes and cut down the road toll through smarter urban planning.
The Green Party believes that, John Key’s Government is doing the exact opposite at the moment, by cutting funds for active transport and spending up large on motorways, which will reduce sustainable transport choices for Kiwis, and result in more urban sprawl.
“Better urban and transport planning is a no-brainer. It is a cost-effective way of tackling the health challenges we face, and will result in a higher quality of life for New Zealanders,” said Mr Hague
May 3rd, 2010
It is generally accepted that New Zealand needs to spend big on on infrastructure over the next few decades. The Government looks committed to to using the PPP model. New Zealand is in it’s infancy in regards to PPPs, and even in countries where there are well established PPP laws, policies and plans, it doesn’t always go to plan.
However, what is established wherever PPP have been tried is the vital importance of design in realising long-term value. In parts of Australia the public sector retains the design component, specifying design requirements for those bidding. The general idea had always been that this was best left to the private partner, the thinking being that they were best placed to discover design innovations.
The PPP model is an evolving one. There certainly seems to be room to configure it in a way that best meets our needs here in New Zealand.
Your thoughts and comments are welcome.
Watch the interview from TV3 News as Group Manager for Australian-based GHD , Steve Kanowski, joins Michael Wilson to discuss the pros and cons of public-private partnerships.
April 27th, 2010
Hamilton city councillor, Dave Macpherson has put up a list of Hamilton’s ugliest and nicest buildings on his personal blog site. This has gained the backing of one of Hamilton’s top architects, NZIA Waikato/Bay of Plenty branch chair, Andrew Bydder.
Mr Macpherson is inviting Hamilton residents to nominate the city’s least beautiful buildings in attempt to generate debate and influence future designs.
“Function is the most important, but part of function, but part of function, particularly for commercial buildings, is how you engage with the people around you. Good design should achieve both, and it’s not difficult.”
Those listed on the ‘ugly list’ include the Farmers retail store at the Base and also the Warehouse building in central Hamilton. While the designs that are more pleasing on the eye include The Verandah Café at the Hamilton Lake and the city’s Transport Centre.
Mr Macpherson’s campaign follows that of fellow city councillor, Gordon Chesterman who launched the city’s first ugly buildings awards, aimed at highlighting poor urban design, in 2007.
For more on this story, visit the the Waikato Times website.
April 21st, 2010
A brilliant new Chinese innovation, get on and off the train without it stopping!
No time is wasted. The bullet train is moving all the time. If there are 30 stations between Beijing and Guangzhou , just stopping and accelerating again at each station will waste both energy and time.
A mere 5 min stop per station (elderly passengers cannot be hurried) will result in a total loss of 5 min x 30 stations or 2.5 hours of train journey time!
Thanks to interest.co.nz.
