Central City Mall, Christchurch

Abstract

An established street pattern forms the structure within which a city's character can evolve. The physical character and appearance is constantly changing by social needs and styles. These changes to the urban environment are not necessarily positive. The built environment with its associated paraphernalia has deteriorated the city's image to such an extent that it adds little to our personal experiences. The impact of the motor vehicle on the streets has caused the qualities and size of pedestrian open space to diminish. This has led to a concern for environment, the social needs of the urban dweller and pedestrian safety; hence the need to reassess the function of the city. Cities are for people. It becomes the responsibility of the Town Planner, Architect and Landscape Architect to ensure that the vitality of the inner city remains intact and that any further development responds to the physical and social needs of the user. By re-designing the street environment the Landscape Architect can contribute to the pedestrian's perception of the city's image. To constructively formulate design policy and criteria the designer must be aware of the development of the street's character so that established features can be protected or reinforced. The effect of the streets micro climate on pedestrian behaviour and how pedestrians use spaces must be analysed. To be successful the design concept must relate to the user's needs.