Green Heart Growth Strategy by Kieran Dove

GREEN Heart / GROWTH STRATEGY.

Josephine Clarke, Heather Docherty, Kieran Dove, Matthew Leen LAND6225 Studio

Contents Introduction ................................................................................................. 01 Context........................................................................................................ 04 Development Suitability Analysis .................................................................. 08 Mapping ...................................................................................................... 09 Case Studies ............................................................................................... 28 Development Plan ....................................................................................... 34

Introduction

uckland is the nation’s economic engine. As New Zealand’s only city-region of international scale, Auckland plays a huge social and economic role in the nation’s prosperity. This role will continue to grow with much of New Zealand’s future population and economic growth expected to occur in the upper North Island. The future of the Auckland region is closely aligned with the future of Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Sustainable outcomes can only be achieved by close collaboration between these regions and central government (Auckland Regional Growth Forum, The Auckland Sustainability Framework 2007). In this sense, we can therefore conceptualize a Northern “Polynucleate Macro-Region”. Auckland’s population is expected to increase by 300,000 in the next 20 years. This is the equivalent of the Wellington region population, based on consistent population growth trends of 1.5 to 2% per annum. Two thirds of this population growth is natural increase. Some of the growth is also coming from people moving into Auckland from other parts of New Zealand and many new international migrants also stay here, adding to Auckland’s diversity and cosmopolitan energy. This strong population growth will place stress on Auckland’s dwelling capacity, infrastructure, transport, and city form. The challenge for Auckland City is to manage that growth and the change it brings, while still preserving the values, character and environment that Aucklander’s value. The traditional, lineal approach to planning for Auckland’s future is becoming less effective. Functional and fiscal zoning is leading to an insufficient supply of housing and more unconnected office parks; the lack of diversification of investment severely reduces resilience of the territory (David Kooris); the “shrinkage” of public space and the loss of human quality are leading to spatial and social segregation, resulting in a metropolitan archipelago composed of large unconnected artefacts and islands (José Maria Ezquiaga).

This process is encouraged by real estate developers who build on the urge of people to live in protected areas. Interrupted models, also induced by the construction of dispersed commercial centres, the suburbanisation of families and the delocalisation of economic activity to the periphery bringing deterioration of the city centre and higher dependence on private transport (Stéphane Cobo). The impact of sprawl has implications across social, economic and environmental concerns at the detriment of the whole territory (Xerardo Estevez). The lineal approach to historic landuse planning practice will no longer suffice. It is energy intensive and reliant on the consumption of non-renewable resources in terms of fuel, materials + land-use. It supports an urban metabolism that is unsustainable + outside the capacity of the supporting natural environment. A new geography of thinking, where new initiatives directed towards creating more ecologically sustainable urban centres and realigning/transforming existing unsustainable city/nature relationships are now in order. If we include different strategic, tactical, spatial and contextual logics in decision-making, would there be a difference in outcome? Can enhanced spatial, political and social outcomes be achieved through our alternative approaches to managing growth development and environmental protection and enhancement? These are some of the questions explored through this project, channelled through a framework of landscape ecological system understanding.

Introduction - continued Initial Anaylsis - Silverdale • Division of town by HIbiscus Coast Highway • Town flanked by esturine environment, although weak connection • Rolling pasture transforming into large-scale housing development • Hills and valleys hint at underlying strength of hydrology

Initial Anaylsis - Potential for growth • Following hydrologicall patterns, interlocking river systems identified • Correlation of waterways and road systems - path of least resistance • Short distance to west coast settlements on Kaipara Harbour identified • Link to north and south of west coast infrastructure along SH16 and rail network • Are there opportunities for growth to occur along this corridor?

Current Population density higher along motorway corridor The problem: • linear city • urban sprawl • homogeneity of development • depenadant on private vehicles • long distance commuting/ employment • unsustainable growth

CONTEXT SIlverdale, a rapidly growing peripheral suburb of Auckland, epitomies the way in which the city has grown and spread north along the coast since the Harbour Bridge opened in 1959. A buffer of industry guards the intricacies of Silverdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character. This commercial edging along the main highway acts like a veil hiding away the most distinctive aspects of the township of Silverdale, such as the historical Wade Hotel. The disconnection of natural processes is evident in the waterways, hidden under bridges of the impactive world, as these main highways cut through the body of the landscape like a blade through flesh to provide a faster form of transportation. Where as the waterways much like the Weiti River, within Silverdale twist in and out; becoming ventricle like and pumping nutrients outward, running off the backbone of the terrain into the valleys channelling and feeding the main water bodies. Historically a strategic point at the end of a Maori ara and portage, then later a European river settlement serviced by regular ferries, the use of waterways as part of a wider transport network in the SIlverdale area has been relegated to recreational activities. Analysis began at Silverdale for this brief, looking at the pressing need for development of prime land to create housing and the enhancement of motorway infrastructure to facilitate commuting long distances in cars. However, it was soon establised that the problems that Silverdale faces are far more wide-reaching and in order to solve them, a more holistic approach for planning growth in the north of Auckland is required.

Images sourced from A Brief History of Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Urban Form (2010) Auckland Regional Council

Current Population density low along rail corridor An opportunity: • Identify, recategorise and develop existing nodes of development • Maximise existing public transport networks • Create local employment opportunities in growth areas such as energy development projects and niche markets

regional energy demands

With the growth of population in the Auckland Region, the demands on existing infrastructure become more of a burden and the need to upgrade vital services, such as electricity supply, become key issues that can constrain growth. In order for growth to occur, including a variety of commercial, industrial and residential activities/ developments, a secure power supply is critical in facilitating a mix of land uses. Two energy supply developments have recently been investigated in the Helensville/ Kaukapakapa area, and provide a useful insight into the difficulties that can arise through planning for regional growth. Kaipara Harbour Tidal Power Research Crest Energy Ltd. were granted government approval in early 2011 to construct a total of 200 submerged marine tidal turbines in the Kaipara Harbour, northern Auckland, New Zealand. The turbines proposed will be 22m-tall and will be installed along the 8km sea bed at the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour entrance. It is estimated that when these turbines are fully operational they will provide enough power to supply from Auckland’s North shore through to Cape Reinga, providing power to 250,000 homes within a span of 10 years. The proposed cost of the project was originally estimated to be NZ$600 million in 2006. This scheme is not without controversy; there are environmental concerns as 90% of New Zealand’s snapper comes from the Kaipara Harbour, and local iwi and residents hold concerns around customary uses of the harbour. Crest were directed by the Environmental Court to undertake further research into how this scheme will impact the Kaipara fishery, in addition to further on-going monitoring of the environment in order to provide clarity into the impactions which may occur.

Genesis Power Station Genesis Energy Ltd have been granted permission build a 480-megawatt gas-fired station through a Proposed Plan Change to introduce a new Special Zone, the Rodney District Thermal Energy Generation Rural Zone, to enable the development and operation of a 48 ha power station near Kaukapakapa. The majority of electricity used north of Auckland is generated in South Auckland and beyond, and there is a growing constraint of transmission into and through the Auckland area due to the availability of land and the security of supply.. Demand growth for electricity in the Rodney District is estimated at around five percent per annum or more than double the national rate of growth. As with the tidal turbine development, this proposal has generated opposition from the local community. However, while the plan change and resource consents are now in place, Genesis Energy has indicated it doesq not intend to build the power station in the near future.

DEVELOPMENT SUITABILITY ANALYSIS

UNDERLYING HYDROLOGY The underlying hydrology map highlights the extensive nature of river systems in the area. The branching, arborescent forms draw from across the landscape, creating a network that ties and provides a link from coast to coast. Large river catchment systems predominantly occupy the central land, emptying either into the Kaipara Harbour to the north or the Waitemata to the south. Numerous short streams feed directly into the Hauraki Gulf from the east coast and into the Tasman Sea from the west. Providing connectivity through hydrological systems in an under-pinning strategy to provide ecological buffers, erosion protection and linear park systems.

UNDERLYING HYDROLOGY

TOPOGRAPHY AND HYDROLOGY Intrinsic to the hydrological network, terrain modelling shows the relationship between the land and water. A series of ridges and valleys across the centre are punctuated by two main valley systems; the Kaipara portage to the south-west and the Te Taruna ara, the historical overland connection between the Weiti River and Kaukapakapa River.

TOPOGRAPHY AND HYDROLOGY

Erosion Prone Areas Concurrently with topography and hydrology, erosion prone slopes compound sedimentation of waterways and loss of land quality. Inappropriate land use can exacerbate erosion of steep slopes, as can lack of riparian vegetation that buffer waterways, floodplains and riverbanks.

Erosion Prone Areas

LAND USE CAPABILITY Rich databases lie behind Land Use Capability (LUC) mapping taking into account numerous variables including underlining geology, soil types and vegetative cover. Land Use Capability Class, the broadest grouping of capability classification was selected to represent the potential use for development at this regional scale. At the best quality end the LUC Class 1 represents the most productive land, while LUC Class 7 represents the poorer soils that are more suitable for development. LUC Class 8 is land reserved for conservation purposes. From the map, patterns of rich soil in river valleys and floodplains emerged, graduating to poorer soils on ridges and slopes. The LUC Class map was a key instrument in indentifying areas for potential development, or retention as productive land.

LAND USE CAPABILITY

Existing Vegetation Mapping areas of vegetation highlighted the lack of connectivity between large patches (>25Ha) of both native and productive exotic forest. Agricultural pasture makes up the vast majority of vegetative land cover, raising the potential issues of erosion and leaching through the waterways. Wildlife links between the east and west coast are reliant on poorly connected patches of native forest, located in a vast background of farmland. Restoring connectivity of native vegetation through waterways became a key consideration in developing the strategy.

Existing Vegetation

Cadastral Boundaries and Land Use Capabilities LUC Class was combined into three categories to represent best use at a broad-scale, according to general suitability; Conservation, Production or Development (after Figure 2, Section 1, The LUC Survey Handbook, Landcare Research (2009). Overlaid with cadastral boundaries, patterns emerged where poorer quality areas are divided into large farm lots, such as southeast of Helensville, while intense urban development is occurring on the best quality areas, such as Kumeu. The appropriate development of land according to the LUC Classes is a key part of the strategy to making the most out of the land available.

Cadastral Boundaries and Land Use Capabilities

Cadastral Boundaries and Land Use Capability

Legend Cadastral Boundary Line LUC Simplified 0 Developed/ Unsuitable 1 - 4 Best Productive Land 5 - 7 Least Productive Land for Development 8 Conservation Land

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Current population density, nodes and cadastral Boundaries Relationships between the patterns of land parcel sizes and population density, and the limits of traditional planning tools, such as the Metropolitan Urban Limit (MUL) can be clearly identified in maps based on census data and cadastral boundaries. Opportunity to develop large, lowly populated areas currently zoned as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ruralâ&#x20AC;? (Rodney District Council, 2000), are presented in the centre and towards the west coast. Multiple nodes of peripheral settlement already exist throughout the landscape, presenting numerous locations with the potential to enhance simultaneously. These nodes predominantly lie along the main State Highway (SH) network going up either side of the coastal edges, converging at Wellsford. It is the growth of developed areas along these coastal edges that typify the current planning mentality. The potential intensification of development along the rail corridor is clearly visible, hindered by lack of investment in public transport infrastructure and planning restrictions on rural land.

Current population density, nodes and cadastral Boundaries

Current population density following existing motorway NETWORK: • Low lying flat river valley connects east to west • Existing infrastructure concentrated along coastal edges • Population density predominantly on east coast of north Auckland • Vast areas of pasture on poorer quality soils • Disconnected patches of forest, low ecological connectivity These factors reinforce our initial desire to create a more sustainable, holistic planning approach. By making the key move to enhance existing local road networks (Kahikatea Flat Road), a connection between east and west coast Auckland can be made and the loop of development can be closed. This connection centralises the Riverhead Forest, elevating it to the status of city-centre that the rest of the surrounding region depends on as integral green infrastructure, local employment opportunities, resource provider, amenity area and ecological harbour. By developing or containing existing nodes along the peripheral transport infrastructure networks, the entire region is re-programmed according to the most appropriate land use for that location. The objective is to create a variegated region that has self-sufficient supply of resources that minimises dependency on distant regions and in doing so provides local cohesiveness.

Current population density following existing motorway NETWORK

Current population density following existing railway corridor Identifing existing nodes along railway corridor produce existing infrastrucutre to facilitate growth limited by current planning restrictions.

Current population density following existing railway corridor

Logics Polycentric Urban Network

The “Green Heart”

Urban Metabolism

Our development suitability analysis has brought our attention to the opportunities of creating a new polycentric urban region, or urban network. These systems are often associated with the notion of synergy, the assumption being that the individual centres in these collections of distinct but proximally located centres relate to each other in a synergetic way, making the whole network of centres more than the sum of its parts.

We look at landscape as Green Middle – a connecting element operating in the polycentric city region. We have identified the landscape as an inside zone, forming the core of the city region, integrating regional centres. The Green Middle or, what we have termed the “Green Heart” (borrowing from the Dutch) supposes a connecting role of landscape to define the new urban form of the Auckland Regional City.

We are adopting the concept of Urban Metabolism as a pillar to the framework of our study. An urban metabolism is characterised by an inward flow, feeding the internal processes, and by an outward one, constituted by the sink of wastes and emissions into the surrounding environment, thus closing the cycle of metabolism. (Use the Urban Metabolism diagrams in this PP) We compare the metabolism of cities to that of natural ecosystems. Natural ecosystems are energetically open but materially closed systems. Urban ecosystems on the other hand are energetically and materially open systems that heavily depend on their surroundings for the provision of natural resources, including energy, and for the disposal of waste.

Drawing on the metabolism analogy, we raise the question: how can we begin to close Auckland’cycle of metabolism? Or in other words, how do we “close the loop”? We can now refine our enquiry – “Can Auckland develop as a regional system of multiple, compact, interactive satellite centres linked by strategically located transit lines that reduce resource consumption and emissions while preserving an overall land mosaic in which ecological systems can interlink + thrive?

Case StudY/ Ranstad + Groene Hart/WESTERN NETHERLANDS What lessons can we learn from the Dutch Ranstad + Groene Hart or New Yorks Central Park. We can also look towards China, India and South Korea for examples of polycentrism and landscape cities, where designers are creating whole neighbourhoods and cities to capture and direct Asia’s sudden urbanization.

Ranstad + Groene Hart Western Netherlands Area: 8287 km2

Randstad Holland is the political, administrative, social and cultural heart of the Netherlands and the most important economic motor. The metropolitan region (as an urban network) Randstad (meaning rim city) is a very high-densed populated area in the western part of the country. More than 6.6 million people live there (41% of Dutch inhabitants) and almost half of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Netherlands is earned in this area. The Randstad is an international player in trade, logistics and transport, financial & business services, and horticulture. It is one of the most attractive regions in the OECD foreign direct investment (FDI). This area is highly significant for the long-term vitality and appeal of The Netherlands and Europe. The area that is enclosed by Ranstad is called Groene Hart (Green Heart). The Green Heart is the most pronounced Dutch planning concept. Ever since the mid 1930’s, planners have conceptualized urban development in the Netherlands in these terms. The founding fathers of Dutch

national planning assembled in the Commission for the Western Netherlands (1950-1958) conceived of the Green Heart as the essential compliment of the Ranstad. There is an underlying metaphor, that of the country as a body, the wellbeing of which depends on the health of its heart. Together, the Ranstad and the Green Heart are at the core of what we call Dutch “planning doctrine”. The Green Heart is characterized by its rural character, which contrasts the urban areas around it. Agriculture, nature and recreation are the primary activities in the Green Heart, where residents and urban visitors can often find rest and many green spaces. To protect the Green Heart in the long term, powerful action is needed for working on a green/blue structure in the Ranstad.

Case StudY/ Central Park/ New York City, United States of America

Central Park+Bostons back bay fens New York City + Boston,v United States of America Almost 2500 years ago, the legendary Greek physician Hippocrates wrote his classic Treatise on Air, Water, and Places. He offered careful observations on how towns and cities were situated, on wind, sunlight, soil, ground cover, and topography, and on how these factors influenced the health of residents. Writing as both physician and geographer, he knew the importance of place for health. More than two millennia later, Frederick Law Olmsted had the same insight. New York’s Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, was officially completed in 1873. Among the most influential innovations in the park’s design were the “separate

circulation systems” for pedestrians, horses, and carriages. Commonly referred to as “the lungs of the city” Central Park achieved four objectives. Although at the time public parks were virtually unheard of, two objectives were widely accepted. The most important of these was to provide an idyllic counterpoint to the noise and confusion of the city—a place where green pastures and still waters could restore the soul. To achieve the second, the park included places where residents, especially children, could play, thereby relieving the tensions of urban life. Central Park’s third objective was more ambitious. Its designers conceived of the park as a melting pot for the city’s heterogeneous population. It did not take long for this

objective to be achieved. Writing in 1870, Olmsted explained that Central Park had become a place where “vast numbers of persons [were] brought closely together, poor and rich, young and old...each individual adding by his mere presence to the pleasure of all others.”

in the wards surrounding Central Park had increased nine times, during a period when the citywide values had only doubled. The real estate taxes from this increase in value was enough “to pay the entire principal and interest of the cost of the park in less time than was required for its construction.”

The park’s most significant role, however, was as a strategic public investment initiating real estate development in the blocks surrounding the park, altering land use patterns, and reshaping the very character of city life. When the site was acquired most city residents lived more than three miles to the south. In many places public streets mapped for the largely undeveloped territory that surrounded it, remained to be installed. Within a decade and a half the value of property

Boston’s Back Bay Fens—a landmark act of civil engineering, sewage management, and health protection—were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in the late 1800’s to preserve the Fens marshland, which had become polluted, and to create valuable real estate and recreation areas within the city’s Emerald Necklace park system. Back Bay is a network of interconnected greenways linking neighbourhoods, parks, and natural areas.

Case StudY/ Shanghai Satellite City/ Dongtan, China

Shanghai Satellite City Dongtan, China Dongtan Eco-City is an ambitious and innovative new development with the potential to showcase advanced sustainable technology and new modes of urban development and living to the world. Dongtan aims to be the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first sustainable city with zero greenhouse gas emissions. China decided to embark on this revolutionary project when faced with a rise in city population and an increase in environmental pressures. In August 2005 the Shanghai Industrial Investment Corporation contracted Arup International, a British-based engineering consultancy, to design the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first eco-city. The vision of Dongtan is to create a city with an ecologically sensitive design that provides modern living conditions for up to 500,000 people. Dongtan has been designed to function so that the elements of organic waste, biomass, water and energy technology work with building design and urban layout to create an ecologically progressive development.

Case StudY/Songdo City/South Korea South Korea is another country distinguishing itself by creating new cities. Songdo IBD is being developed on 1,500 acres of reclaimed land in South Korea along Incheon’s waterfront, 40 miles from Seoul and just 7 miles from Incheon International Airport. Developed by Gale International and Korea’s POSCO E&C, this master-planned metropolis is a model of sustainable, city-scale development and innovation. The first phase of the new international city opened in August 2009. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, an international architectural practice recognized for design excellence and innovation in their buildings throughout the world, the 100 million square foot master plan includes commercial office space, residences, retail shops, hotels as well as civic and cultural facilities. Songdo IBD is also distinguished by setting a new standard in sustainability including building design, systems engineering, urban infrastructure and community planning. Songdo IBD’s leadership in sustainable development will be key quality-of-life attributes for both corporations and residents. The city will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified district in Korea and the largest project outside North America to be included in the LEED ND (Neighbourhood Development) Pilot Program. With more than US $10 billion invested and approximately 100 buildings completed or currently under construction, it is expected that Songdo IBD will quickly become the central business hub in Northeast Asia.

Case StudY/ Public Administration Town (PAT)/South Korea Public Administration Town (PAT) South Korea A new Public Administration Town (PAT) is being built in South Korea, halfway between the capital Seoul and the city of Busan on the south coast. Part of a larger ring plan for a Multi-Functional Administrative City, PAT will feature 9.7 million square feet of building sheltered by a nearly continuous green roof, nestled into the existing topography to create a continuous flat expanse dottled with plants and photovoltaic cells. The city is being built to transplant several government offices from the capital.

Sector 61, the City of Gurgaon India Sector 61 in the City of Gurgaon is transforming a former agricultureal village into a dense corridor of high tech office campuses and apartments. The multi-use,, privately developed parcel will accommodate 73,000 people. The master plan stresses sustainable strategies including solar orientation and pedestrian movement and the development of green technologies.

Strategy PART 1 / Closing the Loop

PROPOSED LAND TRANSIT CORRIDOR

Strategy PART 2 / e rosion protection and ecological connectivity

through riparian buffering, forest protection and steep-slope land retired.

Arboorescence: Development of a system of parametric arboreal structures on the basis of fractal geometry, which can be grouped in forest like structures. The arboreal structure is the natural form that can cover the greatest area from a single point of origin. An arboreal structure can also be inverted to create a structure of great stability, with multiple points of support underpinning a single vertical element. (Guallart, V. (2009). Geo Logics: Geography, Infomation and Architecture. ACTAR.)

PROPOSED EROSION PROTECTION AND ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY

Strategy PART 3 / r etain productive exotic forest

as integrated regional centre and manage harvest sustainable to provide long-term economic resource and employment.

productive exotic forests retained

Strategy PART 4 / r etain productive AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL LAND

Designate or retain LUC Class 1-4 Land for farmland (agricultural or horticultural use to be determined at finer-grained investigation) in order to meet food requirements of population growth while minimising increase of transporting goods.

PROPOSED PRODUCTIVE AREAS

Strategy PART 5 / D EVELOP CLASS 5-7

LUC Classes 5-7 are less suitable for productive purposes and therefore will be developed. Density of development will be dependant on proximity to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Green Heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and will be sensitive to waterways and erosion prone slopes. Stormwater collection will be through soft engineering such as rain gardens and stormwater ponds, while erosion prone slopes will be planted with native vegetation to create and intensify ecological connectivity.

Netting: Creation of networks of cities that participate of the creation of discontinuous urbanites. The capacity to detect the processes that redirect flows towards certain nodes and the potentials linked to the management centralities associated with logistics or with physical or informational mobility and to the development of emerging territories is vital to a discontinuous global habitability.

Proposed Development Areas

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AREAS

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Legend Proposed Areas for Development

Strategy PART 5 / D EVELOP CLASS 5-7

Self-sufficiency: Development of systems that enable units of habitation to establish a balance between the resources they put into and take out of a system. The new limit- of the apartment, the building, the neighbourhood or the city- is self-sufficiency, just as it is for a tree in a field, which has to be capable of capturing and processing the energy it consumes, of drawing resources from its environment and releasing others that its environment can use: capable of bearing fruit and nurturing life.(Guallart, V. (2009). Geo Logics: Geography, Infomation and Architecture. ACTAR.)

proposed plan broad

Strategy PART 6 / E nhance Kahikatea Flat Road and Pine Valley Roads

into arterial that connect east and west highways. Provide public transport connections to park-and-ride bus stop at Silverdale and train station at Kaukapakapa.

Ringing: Occupation and ordering of a territory on the basis of a system of mobility based on circuits rather than grids. ON the basis of a process of reading the territory in which the values of the landscape or of certain natural features are regarded as especially important, the reduction of the area devoted to mobility as well as the equidistance to certain points of the territory means that structures based on circuits or ring-road systems are potentially a good strategy for implementation. (Guallart, V. (2009). Geo Logics: Geography, Infomation and Architecture. ACTAR.)

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WITH EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

Strategy PART 7 / m ixed development types and densities

Differences between solid areas of dense existing urban form with permeable patterns of proposed development that facilitate growth while respecting landform and natural processes.

Re-programming: Establishment of functional nodes in the territory, on order to generate an urban rhythm. A sequence of functional nodes will produce the temporary activation of a place in such a way that from that moment on the tension created among a series of sequentially related activities of the city in space and time. The best cities are those that have the greatest diversity of activities so that their activity is almost continuous. (Guallart, V. (2009). Geo Logics: Geography, Infomation and Architecture. ACTAR.)

Sharing Out: Appropriation of a territory by a number of functional units, creating groups based on the discontinuous protection and use of the territory. The creation of extended networks of settlement on the territory, instead of a few dense concentrations surrounded by large tracts of unoccupied land, is a valid strategy for acting on large areas of non-urbanized agricultural terrain, in which the intention is that the territory should be inhabited and that the impact of the built fabric on it should be limited. (Guallart, V. (2009). Geo Logics: Geography, Infomation and Architecture. ACTAR.)

Relationship of Proposed Development with Existing Nodes/ Infrastructure

relationship f proposed development with existing nodes/infrastructure

Legend Motorway/ State Highway Existing Development Node Built Environment Proposed Areas for Development Proposed transit corridor

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Strategy PART 8 / I NTEGRATED CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT on a regional scale by using waterways as connectors and buffers, minimising erosion, retaining productive forest at the core of the urbanised

area and reconnecting east - west development. Development/ redevelop areas of growth around periphery of existing infrastructure.

LOGIC THEORY Enmeshing: Creation of an informational matrix out of the recognition of the elements that exist in a territory. The re-action to in-habited territories that have generated material history in time (cities, buildings, places, spaces) makes it possible to define structuring meshes on the basis of the recognition of the elements of a place. A regular recognition pattern that is configured in the space on the basis of precise instruction of re-action is capable of generation a map on the basis of the re-reading of a series of built entities. In this way the history of a place can be transferred to a geometric pattern capable of setting a project in motion, as a process of spatial re-coding. (Guallart, V. (2009). Geo Logics: Geography, Infomation and Architecture. ACTAR.)

proposed NETWORK

HELENSVILLE DEVELOPMENT DENSITY

Further Refinement: Density of growth node areas dependent on proximity to central forest in order to buffer development edge to forest.

Example: Helensville High density near transport infrastructure for local workers and commuters, Medium density with 5km radius of forest to allow for ecological stepping stones in gardens and parks Low density within 2km radius of forest, in order to minimise encroachment on forest and cater for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lifestyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; property owners Differences between solid areas of dense existing urban form with permeable patterns of proposed development that facilitate growth while respecting landform and natural processes.

Final Plan