Grey lynn context final jlee634 james lee

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notion

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difference

identity

Traditionally speaking, is seen as derivative from . To the contrary, the philosopher, Gilles Deleuze claims that identities are effects of difference.

They are neither logically nor metaphysically prior to difference. Therefore, it can be said that a difference in something throughout time is what gives it a trait of individualism a personal identity.

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difference and identity

The relationship between is typified in the towns and cities that undergo significant environmental, economical and community transformations. At times, such transformation may manifest in conflicts or disputes between a resource developer and local communities; however, without constant change in urban areas, we will be consumed by the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation — supporting a larger population with fewer resouces. The Auckland Unitary Plan plans to facilitate the growing population in Auckland and meet future economic needs through urban intensification, specifically through the development of multi-storey mixed housing.

Locals are horrified by the prospect of six-storey apartments jeopardising Grey Lynn’s identity. Developers see this in a different light — an opportunity .

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urban fabric

resource scarcity

As the population grows and densities shift, has the potential to become a defining issue of the coming age, and our response to this predicament will affect the quality of our future towns and cities. This unprecedented urban growth requires an equally novel approach and a shift in our preconceptions about what the urban fabric can offer.

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a dense future

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9.1 billion

The UN reports that by 2050, the global propulation will swell to with 6.3 billion people projected to live in urba areas. Supporting this population surge will entail an increase of food production by as much as 70 per cent. The increased food demand will lead to an increase of at least 19 per cent in the water required for agriculture, which already accounts for 70 per cent of freshwater use. These figures could climb even higher if agricultural efficiency does not improve. New Zealand is too complacent about the implications for the future. The mere conversion of its forests and grasslands into agricultural zones is inefficient and unsustainable — any economic gain comes at too great an environmental cost. Conversely, allocating urban land to significant agicultural zones results in lower urban densities, diminishing the sustainability benefits of urban living — ultimately increasing commutes and energy consumption. Maintaining the status quo is not an option if we are to sustainably support future demands, yet at the same time, urban areas present many opportunities that are ripe for the picking through an integrated design approach.

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design precedent

A dealing with the approach of integrating urban food production is a proposal by Van Bergen Architects. The design proposes taking over Randstad’s polder landscape and transforming it into the farm of the future, which could serve the wider metropolitan region . Around 4,000 acres of the city’s agarian lanscape would be transformed into a super farm divided into 2.5 acre plots for small-scale farming and grocery shopping. Park Supermarket is not just a food growing area — with the incorporation of public walkways and seating, it is also recreational space which gives the opportunity for social encounters.

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Grey Lynn community

The has a growing interest in organic food production. The Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is 100% community owned and operated market which is held every Sunday at the Grey Lynn Community Centre. Local growers of organic fruit and vegetables, farmers and fisherpeople are among the locals who sell their surplus at the market. In addition, an active gardening group encourages local organic gardening to the Grey Lynn community. With regard to its historical link to farmland, the site of Grey Lynn is an opportunity for the development of urban food production that will not only boost the local economy, but enhance the existing identity.

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synergy

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early proposal

In the , intrinsic inefficiencies of current urban areas are challenged as an architectural response to local culture, urbanisation and intensification. It proposes a new mixed-use development in Grey Lynn, linking together local food production, entertainment, education and sustainable living. This project has the potential to be replicated in other urban areas, addressing implications of urbanisation through the embodiment of positive impact design — not just reducing the impact of what we do, but posivitely giving back to our local towns and cities. It rehabilitates and responds to the existing urban fabric in a strategic manner, which allows it to maintain the efficiencies of urban density.

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decentralisation

self-sustaining urban area

Grey Lynn is transformed into a where any inefficiencies stemming from resource transportation are eliminated through efficient food production and proximity. Immediate benefits of the new development enable locals to be in easy reach of freshly produced food; however, the project has the potential to become a decentralised network of food production that can process the redistribution and dispersion of food production beyond urban borders. Places of high demand for freshly produced food such as Ponsonby (north-east of Grey Lynn), will benefit from Grey Lynn’s efficient food production. This will subsequently improve inter-suburb relationships.

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greenbelt

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cultural

Reinforcing the facets of Grey Lynn is paramount to ensuring a contribution is made toward the needs of the local community. The project builds upon the existing garden community by introducing mixed-use development driven by agricultural production, while rehabilitating the fractured urban landscape through green connections (green belt). Additionally, future economic needs are meet as it has the potential to offer high economic return through fresh food sales and production.

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residential commercial retail public amenities cultural amenities open space agricultural farms

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Grey Lynn

The new development in is a manifestation of the merits of decentralised sustainable urban agriculture. It intends to create an environment for local communities and the broader public to discover the process and benefits of growing their own food, develop partnerships with nearby restaurants, businesses and farmers’ markets, reconnect the urban with the productive landscape and enhance the identity of Grey Lynn as a garden community. It can serve as a powerful platform for establishing efficient resource production in existing urban areas to make them resilient in preparation for the future.

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