CHRISTIE WALK - Planning process & Sustainable Outcomes

CHRISTIE WALK ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

CITIZENS DEVELOPING PLANNED SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD Montserrat Delpino-Chamy

2 Through a selection of Australian case studies, this collection aims to present community-based planning processes and design techniques used by different groups of citizens in building new neighbourhoods, or improve existing ones, independent of governmental sponsorship.

• BOOK 1 - “Tools & Strategies”. The first book offers guidance to plan community-based processes, and methodological tools to assess design outcomes for sustainable neighbourhoods initiatives. Finally, it presents a review of the main strategies that led to achievement and failure in developing planned sustainable neighbourhoods, based on grassroots processes.

• BOOK 2 - “Christie Walk”. The second book summarized the analysis of an eco-city residential project located 1km from Adelaide CBD. • BOOK 3 - “Northey Street City Farm”. The third book covers the case of an urban farm located 12km from Brisbane CBD • BOOK 4 - “Currumbin Ecovillage”. The final book presents the result regarding a private development project located 7km from the Gold Coas.

This work is the result of a Research Project developed at the School of Geography, Planning & Environmental Management of the University of Queensland. The research was presented as final project to get the grade of Master in Urban and Regional Planning, in 2011, directed by the prof. Yusnani Mohd Yusof, with the support of the prof. Greg Brown.

ISBN: 978-956-401-817-1 May, 2020

INDEX CHRISTIE WALK

5

COMMUNITY-BASED PLANNING PROCESS

6

SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES

8

Food & Farming 9 Medicine & Health 10 Education 11 Economy 12 Transport 14 Energy 15 Water 16 Housing 17 Governance 18 Natural Environment 19 Built environment & Sense of community 20 Density 21 RELATING SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES TO PLANNING PROCESS

22

CHRISTIE WALK

1 km

Figure 6 - Location Christie Walk, Adelaide

Figure 7 - Christie Walk Aerial View

Christie Walk is a residential project located 1km from Adelaide CBD (see Figure 6 and Figure 7). It was created as a model of the ‘Eco-city’; designed to answer the ecological pressures that urban built environment generates over ecosystems. In particular it focused on the development of energy efficiency housing, with high-density use of land and environmentally friendly features.

Christie Walk has been built through active participation of residents throughout the whole planning process.

There are 27 dwellings in Christie Walk, including a combination of cottages, townhouses and apartments; characterising it as a medium density development (200 people per hectare). The project also includes the office of Urban Ecology Australia, a common room, laundry and a green roof. The design of dwellings was based on bioclimatic principles and had included alternative energy sources (see Figure 9), while its construction promoted the use of recycled and non-toxic materials.

Christie Walk has been defined as a co-housing development ; establishing 30% of its surfaces as common gardens and green areas. It has included only 11 parking spaces favouring pedestrian links and meeting spaces for neighbours (see Figure 8).

5

COMMUNITY-BASED PLANNING PROCESS Christie Walk project was the result of a long planning process, which started in 1991, when a group of friends formed a community non-profit educational association call Urban Ecology Australia (UEA). Motivated by eco-city principles , their first scope was to build capacity that generated critical thought between politicians and local stakeholders regarding their ideas (Downton, 2009). In 1993, the organisation implemented the Centre of Urban Ecology Australia, based on non-authoritarian structure and only on volunteer work.of This teamEcology developed the ‘Halifax’ In 1993, the organisationrelying implemented the Centre Urban Australia, based on non-authoritarian and relying onlyforon project; the first structure eco-city technical proposal Adelaide.

volunteer work. This team developed the ‘Halifax’ project; the first eco-city technical proposal for Adelaide.

UEA began to build trust between public and private sectors presenting the ‘Halifax’ project as a technical tool to establish partnerships with local authorities and build capacity involving citizens in the proposal. In addition, it created legal bodies and collective enterprises, such as a non-profit development cooperative called Wirranendi Inc., and the EcoCity Developments Pty Ltd that was supposed to take the role of a traditional developer in the construction process. However, when external developers were selected by the City Council to build the project, UEA and their core sustainable ideas were excluded, losing the possibility to achieve Halifax’s Eco-city objectives (Downton, 2009).

The idea of developing Christie Walk arose as a reaction to Halifax failure, recycling the capacity building and community trust generated.

6

For the construction the economic resources came directly from the people involved in the cooperative, complemented by ethical borrowers . Governmental support was available only for the acquisition of photovoltaic panels. All interviewers affirmed that the absence of financial advice and economic assessment during the planning process generated All interviewers economical imbalance affirmed in that the the coopeabsence of financial advice and(resident’s economicinterviews). assessment during the planning process generated rative until present day

economical imbalance in the cooperative until present day (resident’s interviews).

The Architect was a fundamental actor in the project. Performing as an advocate planner, he guided the process and linked the community with local authorities. The design and implementation stages were developed following open, inclusive and transparent bases. This strategy consolidated trust and participation from community’s members. The cooperative structure of Wirranendi and the social capital developed by UEA promotes the involvement of many volunteers, whose role was fundamental to keep prices down.

Christie Walk eco-city project was implemented in 3 stages, which helped to create technical knowledge and local jobs during the process. The political support built through the first stages of UEA found the project with fewer parking spaces than what was defined in the planning scheme (11 parking spaces for 27 dwellings). This important detail allows the development of more community spaces to promote neighbour’s encounters and human relations.

7

SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES As a result of the interviews conducted in Christie Walk with Paul Downton (Architect and advocacy planner of the project), members of UEA and residents of the eco-city model; and following field procedures, the following analysis presents findings regarding actions and design techniques used by this development to achieve Sustainable Neighbourhood outcomes, as defined in the “Tool to assess sustainable neighborhood projects” presented in Book 1 of this collection, called “Citizens developing planned sustainable neighbourhoods - Tools & Strategies”.

Figure 8 - Christie Walk project /Source: Urban Ecology

8

Figure 9 - Christie Walk development

Food and Farming Home and community gardens play an important role in the project, being a unifying element between buildings while acting as a common activity for residents. However, their agricultural production is not enough to provide food for the whole community. The central location of the project guarantees resident access to local shops and cafes, covering their need for provisions. No urban market activities are included in Christie Walk.

Table 4 - Christie Walk - Food and Farming Design Techniques

PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Food and farming

Promote local food production and consumption

• home gardens and smallscale agriculture

1 2 3 4 5

L M H They do have the community

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H markets is not considered

Promote healthy eating

garden and eatable plants.

However the production is symbolic and it is not use as food or economic resource.

• • Food shops and cafes being in close proximity to where people live.

• Urban Market Gardens

OBSERVATIONS

The celebration of urban

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

9

Medicine and Health The main recreational activity of the community is related with common gardening. This practice produces a small amount of organic food for resident consumption. Other activities, such as cultural and artistic opportunities have been generated as a way to improve built environment. Mosaics along the development and the artistic mural situated at the entrance of Christie Walk are some examples of these.

Table 5 - Christie Walk - Medice and Health Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Medicine and health

Contribute and promote the concept of ‘healthy lifestyles’

•

Encourage participation in sport and recreation, art, culture and heritage opportunities •

Access to healthy food

10

LEVEL IMPLEM.

1 2 3 4 5

PLANNING IMPORT.

L M H

OBSERVATIONS Exceptional cultural activities are linked to the improvement of the built environment, e.g. construction of historic mural.

Healthy food is accessible due to the location of the project.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Education Gardening activities have increase biodiversity features in Christie Walk. This and other principles of the project are used as examples to promote sustainable education between the wider community. UEA lead this process offering tours and education materials. The building process of Christie Walk had also allowed volunteers to increase their knowledge by learning specific techniques for building sustainable housing. Currently, communal maintenance activities are an opportunity for residents to keep on learning. Nevertheless, no official programs supporting formal acquisition of sustainable knowledge for local and external citizens have been developed.

Table 6 - Christie Walk - Education Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Education

Natural Environment Awareness

• Promote participation in biodiversity conservation activities

Reinforce lifelong learning alternatives

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Gardening activities are the core of the community

• Increase awareness and promote, education for sustainable development

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Presence of schools

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Because of the dimensions

• Promote and support opportunities to participate in lifelong learning for everyone

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Throughout the building

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Teaching sustainable skills

Between residents this happens just by living in a sustainable project. Their experience is open for visitors and tours of the project, this don’t apply

process a lot of volunteers were qualified. Currently residents through maintenance activities

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

11

Economy All the jobs related with this development were created for the planning and construction process. Currently there are no paid jobs associated with Christie Walk. The only business included in the project is the UEA office, which manages the tours and sells educational material, and is run on a volunteer bases. With regards to opportunities in the environmental sector, the community had been able to generate income through selling extra energy produced by their photovoltaic panels.

12

Table 7 - Christie Walk - Economy Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Economy

Promote a diverse and local economy

• Provide satisfying and fairly paid work, with opportunities for the local workforce, including training

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Volunteer work is one of the

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Low impact was part of the principles of the development. Residents make decisions considering this.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

The only business on the project is the educational one run by Urban Ecology

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

They sell energy generated by the photovoltaic panels.

Gardens are not being used for economic purposes.

• Provide or support business opportunities in the environment sector

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Incorporate good environmental management practices

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Food shops and cafes being in close proximity to where people live.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Telephone and high speed 1 2 3 4 5 internet

L M H

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

• Offer opportunities for voluntary and unpaid work • • Use local goods and services wherever possible

• Businesses own by local people

OBSERVATIONS

basis for the building and maintenance of the community; socially and physically

1km from Adelaide CBD

Every dwelling is in charge of hire their own services

13

Transport Christie Walk is a medium density development fully connected to the public transportation network of the city. To take advantage of this situation the project was designed to encourage Active Transport behaviour by reducing the total amount of parking spaces provided and offering roofed bicycle parking. Residents organise between themselves to share car trips (or car pool), and some even share the ownership of cars. The community is also associated the Go-Get car share system .

Table 8 - Christie Walk - Transport Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Transport

Promote and encourage active transportation to access daily needs

• Improve facilities and conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users

Diversity of land use. Locating jobs, services, schools and shops close to where people live;

14

• including more efficient use of the car eg car-sharing, private vehicles powered by renewable fuels

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS

• Promoting density around hubs;

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Energy Every building in Christie Walk is equipped with an alternative source for energy generation; such as solar and photovoltaic panels. Also due to the thermal design elements incorporated in the houses, the use of air conditioning is unnecessary.

Table 9 - Christie Walk - Energy Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Energy

energy efficient

• Promotion of renewable energy sources

1 2 3 4 5

L M H solar & photovoltaic panels

1 2 3 4 5

L M H effectiveness of the thermal

• Reduction in energy consumption

OBSERVATIONS

There is unanimity in the

design techniques. Air conditioning is not necessary.

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

15

Water The dwellings of Christie Walk have all been provided with water-saving systems to reduce household water consumption. The design also incorporated a green roof and a 20,000 litres rainwater collector tank built under the parking area. In relation to landscape features, the architectonic design has conceived gardens to increase ground permeability, and a few native plants have been included. Originally the project indented to include a black-water treatment system, but it failed. It had achieved the recycling of grey-waters.

Table 10 - Christie Walk - Water Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Water

Water consumption is not faster than the ratio it can be naturally replenished

• Recycled grey water

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

The project to recycle black water failed

• Reduce household water consumption (restriction on watering of gardens, promote dual-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads)

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Design of arterials and collectors streetscapes and parkways

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Collect rainwater

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

More efficient use of water

• Reduce water landscape consumption with native plants

16

Water-saving system included in every dwelling

Design promotes ground permeability

Rainwater is collected in a tank build under the parking area

Housing The housings bioclimatic design considered orientation of the buildings to maximise light, as well as good ventilation and isolation to control internal temperatures. In addition, cottages were designed with 500mm strawbale walls, improving their insulation performance. Construction process was based on non-toxic standards, favouring the use of recycled materials. Cooperative housing allowed reducing the size of dwellings in favour of common spaces. A green roof was included in the 2nd Stage of the development performing as a place of social gathering.

Table 11 - Christie Walk - Housing Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Housing

Safe, affordable and resource efficient houses

• Wide range of houses types and prices

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Affordable housing were excluded from the development

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Promote sustainability in building and construction

• Bioclimatic design (solar access; indoor air quality and ventilation to minimise the need for air conditioning) • reuse of building materials;

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Compact housing

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Green roofs

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS

Recycle building materials e.g. Oregon, Flyash

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

17

Governance Based on an inclusive and transparent process, the project has involved residents since the beginning. The Architect considered individual demands in the design of their dwellings. Currently, residents are organised following a Community Corporation structure; holding periodical meetings to deliberate over common issues as defined in Christie Walk By-laws. Information between residents flows through emails, informative murals and informal meetings in common spaces. ‘Working bees’ days are celebrated once a month being essential to finish the details of the construction process.

Table 12 - Christie Walk - Governance Design Techniques

18

PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Governance

Community co-operation, collaboration and consensus

• Citizens become informed and involved in deci1 2 3 4 5 sion-making

High levels of participation at all levels of governance: neighbourhood, city and region

• Equality of access to information by communicating in different ways • Take into account the needs of special groups

LEVEL IMPLEM.

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Inclusive and transparent process. Currently residents L M H are organized following a Community Corporation structure, sharing periodical meetings to decide over L M H common issues. Information flows through emails and informative murals L M H

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Natural Environment The project is characterised by a continuous network of gardens; connecting one building to another and creating green community spaces. This vegetal network also includes a green roof on the top of one of the buildings that is use as a gathering place, taking advantage of the amazing views over the city.

Table 13 - Christie Walk - Natural Environment Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Natural Environment

People acknowledge the interconnectedness of all life, put the needs of the ecosystems and the human spirit above special interests

• Include a network of open spaces consisting of both natural land and constructed public realm (“the lungs of the community”).

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Community gardens are consider the core of the community

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Because of the size of the project; this do not apply

Conserve, enhance and encourage people to enjoy the characteristic landscape and features

• Increase land conservation

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

19

Built environment and Sense of community The shape of the lot forced planning for a linear project; without a central ’heart‘, but conformed by a lot of small meeting places complemented by common gardens, and promoting recreation and social interactions. Even though the project is quite small in area, it includes the UEA office, a common room and laundry facilities. By being located on a previously developed land (PDL) and close to Adelaide CBD, other services can be easily accessed by pedestrian mobility.

Table 14 - Christie Walk - Built Environment/Sense of Community Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Built Environment – Sense of Community

People honour and uphold the well-being of the whole community

• Shops, services and other destinations can encourage physical activity, social interaction and conviviality.

Ensure a ‘sense of community’ and neighbourhood

Facilitate social interactions Ensure safety community spaces. Minimise crime and promote community safety

20

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Homes and services easily accessible by active transportation modes

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• High density around transportation corridors

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Community Spaces (both outdoor and indoor) for recreation and social interaction

OBSERVATIONS

Beside community landscape, common room and laundry are design to promote social gathering.

PLANNING DOMAIN

Built Environment – Sense of Community

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

Protect local heritage and promote local diversity and distinctiveness

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

• Mix land use programs

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Make use of previously developed land (‘PDL’) or vacant buildings rather than green field sites

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Density With 200 people/ha Christie Walk is presented as a successful compact urban development.

Table 15 - Christie Walk - Density Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Density

Stable population, within the carrying capacity of the land

• Compact developments

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

200 people/ha

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

21

RELATING SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES TO PLANNING PROCESS

Having described the community-based planning process of Christie Walk according to the “Community-based Planning Process Model” presented in Book 1 of this collection, called “Citizens developing planned sustainable neighbourhoods - Tools & Strategies”. And having identified the sustainable outcomes achieved for each one of the planning domains defined in the “Tool to assess sustainable neighborhood projects” of Book 1; the following section analytically relates both results, in order to identify the main strategies used in the construction of Christie Walk eco-city. This analysis is based on recognizing which elements of the planning process have affected the levels of implementation of the actions and design techniques evaluated in Table 4 to Table 15. By this association the study identifies the main planning strategies used for the development of Christie Walk eco-city.

Regarding the Food and Farming (Table 4) planning domain, the planning process showed that the idea of developing an eco-city

22

project in a location within the consolidated urban area has been a good strategic feature of this case study, favouring food shops and cafes in close proximity to where people live. In contrast, the limited production of food generated by Christie Walk’s gardens and the absence of urban market activities has limited the sustainable outcomes in this field.

The Medicine and Health (Table 5) planning domain analysis showed that the community organisation defined in the community By-laws encourages the development of artistic and recreational activities for the improvement of the communal built environment.

The location of the project also promotes resident access to healthy food.

The Education sustainable planning domain outcomes (Table 6) appeared to be successful during the construction of the project.

The involvement of volunteers in the building process helped teach sustainable skills while offering life-long learning opportunities.

Nowadays, knowledge activities are related to tours and educational material available for external visitors; generating good educational outcomes to the community outside the boundaries of Christie Walk. However, residents do not count these as learning opportunities for themselves; leaving the maintenance of the project the only occasion to acquire sustainable knowledge.

The analysis of the Economy planning domain (Table 7) proved that the absence of an economic assessment project limited the possibility of incorporating business opportunities in the development. Nevertheless residents have managed to commercialise the extra energy generated by photovoltaic panels by the project.

Regarding volunteer opportunities, the incorporation of gardens into the built environment had been successful for the promotion of unpaid work.

Food & Farming

Medicine & Health

Education

Economy

23

Transportation

In relation to Transportation (Table 8), it is possible to recognise two physical factors influencing the positive achievements of the project; being its location and architectonic design. The planning process analysis showned that the idea of developing an eco-city project in a location within the consolidated urban area was part of the main objectives of the community-based organisation (UEA) from the beginning. The partnerships established with local authorities for the ‘Halifax’ initiative helped to support the approval of Christie Walk with less parking spaces that those required by local regulations. Taking advantage of this resource the architectonic project has successfully managed to release communal land. Design strategies promoting meeting places and increases in density allowed for the development of a pedestrian-friendly environment (see Figure 10).

Figure 10 - Volunteers work, image from Christie Walk’s

Figure 11 - Pedestrian- friendly environment encouraging

educational mural

meeting points

24

In the Energy domain (Table 9), bioclimatic design (see Figure 12) including strawbale walls, high insulation standards, and the incorporation of renewable energy sources, generated energy efficient construction. Dwellings in Christie Walk do not require air-conditioning, and demand low maintenance costs.

Sustainable outcomes regarding Water (Table 10) were carefully planned. Building under a non-profit cooperative structure involving the work of volunteers (see Figure 13) allowed the incorporation of more expensive design techniques in the project.

Water-saving systems, green roof and a rainwater collector tank under the parking area support efficient use of this resource.

Housing (Table 11), promoting the use of recycled and not-toxic materials, generate minimum environmental impacts. As mentioned above, the strategy of developing under a non-profit cooperative structure involving the work of volunteers allowed reducing house prices in order to incorporate sustainable techniques.

This strategy and the promotion of communal spaces over private ownership supported the construction of compact and affordable housing.

Governance (Table 12) also proved to be successfully implemented in Christie Walk. The strategies of establishing a non-profit educational association (UEA) and a Development Cooperative (Wirranendi Inc), and the promotion of an inclusionary process that involved residents as volunteers since the beginning, have generated high levels of community participation that remains today. Periodical meetings as defined in the community By-laws encourage residents to participate in the decision-making process to define improvements for the development.

Energy

Water

Housing

Governance

25

Natural Environment sustainable outcomes (Table 13) achieved Natural Environment high levels of implementation in Christie Walk. The incorporation of gardens and a network of meeting spaces along the project promote social and natural relations to occur.

Building Environment and Sense of Community (Table 14) also presented outstanding sustainable achievements. The central loBuilt Environment & cation, a pedestrian-friendly environment, the architectonic design Sense of Community offering a network of meeting spaces, the promotion of common areas over private ownership, and the incorporation of diverse activities into the project, facilitate social interactions and the building of a sense of community (see Figure 11).

Density

Finally it is important to highlight that the Density and compacted dwellings of Christie Walk grant the development high sustainable outcomes in the last planning domain analyse (Table 15).

Figure 12 - Bioclimatic Design as shown in Christie

Figure 13 – Green Roof. Gathering Place

Walk’s educational mural

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/liamjon-d/collections

26

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To my teacher Yusnani Mohd Yusof, for her support, trust and guidance. To the prof. Greg Brown, for its methodological rigor, and encouraging me to explore both the campus and the country.

To the architect Paul Downtown, for his amazing clarity regarding how to built a sustainable future; also for his patience and time.

And to all the residents of Christie Walk, for opening their house and community, and share their laughs and stories with me.

ITSIRHC KLAW 2