Open space for medium density housing in Christchurch, New Zealand : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University

Abstract

Intensification of the urban form is advocated as a means of achieving the Sustainability of Cities goal of the United Nations. At various levels of governance in New Zealand, policies and strategies have been developed to achieve this goal. Successful urban design solutions have been encouraged and developed to support the practical application of these policies. However, research into consumer acceptance of intensification in New Zealand has seen a largely negative attitude towards this concept. The socio-historic attitudes and values of New Zealanders are entrenched in the Kiwi Dream of home ownership on a ‘quarter acre section’ with its associated lifestyle. While New Zealanders aspire to this Kiwi Dream, a conflict exists between this aspiration, affordability and the goal of sustainability. This inevitably results in trade-offs in terms of location and typology. This research questions what aspects of open space design influence individual’s choice of medium density housing. In doing so, landscape architecture of new developments and urban design across a city can be influenced to reduce the compromises that New Zealanders need to make when considering their housing options, increasing the appeal for medium density housing.

The inner-city suburb of Richmond, Christchurch was chosen as a case study due to its current low density relative to neighbouring inner city suburbs such as St Albans and Edgeware. This also gave context to the research question and the design material presented in focus groups. Considerate development of Richmond and other inner-city suburbs of Christchurch is inevitable, so it is critical that designers enhance liveability that will ensure that Christchurch recovers and develops as a vibrant and thriving city.

By presenting alternative futures to focus groups for a development block in Richmond, subjective data could be collected that reflected participants views of medium density housing options. Collating the data on personal preferences allowed for recommendations to be made from participants priorities that could guide open space design decisions for future developments. By increasing the appeal of medium density housing in the inner city, it is expected that market demand will shift from the greenfield developments of the suburbs to the city, positively impacting the city’s liveability and sustainability, while maintaining aspects of the Kiwi Dream.