Public participation in design : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment [sic] of the requirement for the Diploma in Landscape Architecture at the University of Canterbury [Lincoln College]

Abstract

This dissertation looks firstly at the landscape architect's philosophy of man and the land and the assumption that community views are not sufficiently integrated in the design process. The meaning of community and community development objectives are discussed. Three New Zealand case studies are examined in detail to investigate whether the communication gap is occurring in the design process. The results of the studies are analysed and the conclusion finds that there is wide variation in the involvement of the public in design according to the social and organisational contexts and the individual commitment of each designer. Literature sources covering techniques of participation overseas are then reported. Perspectives on public participation are discussed and a public participation model is formulated. The conventional design process and designer's role are described to deduce whether and where they are inflexible to changing needs. The case studies are compared to the public participation model and problems in the application of public participation at a community level are listed. The final section deals with problems and recommendations for the wider use of public participation by landscape architects in New Zealand, and concludes by advising that a change to a more problem focussed design method will better serve the public interest in some situations.