A healthy urban environment
An exemplar of a more regenerative approach to design, the public realm design strategy has been developed in partnership with mana whenua and Auckland Council through a ‘Community of Practice’ to support an increase in multi-modal approaches to transportation including green infrastructure. The success of this relationship led to the name Te Hā Noa being gifted to the project by mana whenua, which evokes a sense of freedom in experiencing one’s surroundings; to breathe and acknowledge the sights and sounds whilst journeying within the city centre and the link between Waikōkota and Rangipuke.
Incorporating ecological and biodiversity principles to enhance environmental sustainability, urban landscaping is crucial to meeting project objectives which include improving the quality of life and health of residents, enabling significantly increased foot traffic in support of growth, providing a gradation of recreational spaces, and uplifting the visitor experience. Large-stature native trees, sunny open spaces, native planting beds, seating elements and paving design will all be key in generating the park-like character reflecting Auckland’s natural landscape.
