In the aftermath of the earthquakes that devastated areas of Christchurch in 2010 and 2011, the city faced the monumental challenge of demolishing and rebuilding approximately 70% of the buildings in the central city.
The legislative changes requiring dispersed medium-density housing in our major cities will not deliver the compact urban centres we should be aiming for. The ideal is higher-density developments, dotted with open green spaces, which enhance wellbeing and provide living environments that are accessible and communal.
With weather disasters becoming more frequent, overheating, flooding and growing stresses in everyday life, can the design of our homes and communities provide relief? Research shows the answer is a resounding yes.
Te Hotonga Hapori – Connecting Communities is a research programme exploring the relationship between urban redevelopment and community wellbeing. Its overarching purpose is to provide evidence that can be used...
Is urbanisation delivering the design quality that supports the health and wellbeing of our communities? And how should we move forward under increasing pressures, including extreme weather events? Taking Auckland as an example, we can check how we’re going.
Nature is showing us that the sprawling, traffic-friendly cities and towns we live in are no longer good for us or the planet. It is past time for Aotearoa New Zealand to get moving and deliver the higher-density housing that will cut our carbon emissions.
The move to greater densification of our towns and cities will bring about the biggest lifestyle changes in a century, with smaller homes and less use of private cars but more vibrant communities. While some are fighting the change, a growing body of evidence suggests it is the only option we have for an affordable, low-carbon future.
