Improving spatial planning of urban form: Built and natural factors in the urban environment : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Planning at Lincoln University

Abstract

Better urban living conditions arise from a ‘negotiation’ relationship between humans and natural biophysical processes within the urban environment, encompassing both built and natural systems, meaning ‘the relationship is the system’. Current approaches to urban intensification laid out in the Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) Government’s National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS- UD) promote the idea of ‘well-functioning urban environments’ (WFUE). This dissertation looks at how planning processes could be enhanced to better achieve key sustainable development measures. Urban ecosystem processes and built forms are essential elements of land-use and spatial planning. People and their environments interact within dynamic spatial systems at multiple scales, where the physical structures of cities develop alongside societal and environmental shifts. Urban liveability and ecological sustainability would benefit from better mixed-use and ‘blue-green’ networks. By considering systems theories related to urban spaces, some general suggestions are proposed for integrating and improving spatial planning to address perceived weaknesses in the planning process. A multi-pronged scoping review was conducted, revealing five focal areas: 1) system theories relevant to urbanism and resilience, 2) ‘built’ features of urban networks, 3) ‘natural’ features of biophysical processes in urban networks, 4) scenario planning strategies and the three-dimensional planning support of urban digital twins, and 5) spatial planning instruments for land-use activities, particularly zoning to promote complementary mixed-use interactions. From this review a conceptual understanding was developed of ways that merging urban morphology assessments with precinct planning methods might benefit planners in urban intensification efforts, supporting mixed- use zoning interactions and ecological activities within urban environments. A Case Study was made of Greater Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), looking at relevant spatial planning and urban intensification policies. From this Case Study, some recommendations were made for how planners might work towards ‘well-functioning urban environments’.