CITYHOOD
VUW: Trimester 3 [Special Topic: Christchurch Studio]
Lecturer: Mark Southcombe Tutors: Victoria Willocks & Valentina Soana
Studio group: with Stacey Mountfort, Claire Ford
Stream Typologies: Medium density housing, Civic Public Space and Central Library
Lecturer: Mark Southcombe Tutors: Victoria Willocks & Valentina Soana
Studio group: with Stacey Mountfort, Claire Ford
Stream Typologies: Medium density housing, Civic Public Space and Central Library
Ideas central to this scheme are intended to capture the innovation of the ongoing rebuild programme and shift it through into the developed city. The central axis of the city will be opened up to pedestrian access and transform the length of Worcester Street with areas of play concentrating at Cathedral Square and the Central library.
The library will operate at a traditional practice but also as a connecting space both literally through from the square to the performing arts but also as an extension of the social spaces of the square. Not only will this bring people together but also encourage a strong civic connection to both spaces. In reaction to this a modular as needed residential programme has been developed to cater to the demands of central city living in a way which simulates the natural evolution of an urban community.
CATHEDRAL SQUARE
Worcester Street will transition into pedestrian ‘playground’ for ‘pop-up’ activities for all demographics, actively changing and moving as sites are built on. Similar to the current Gap Filler projects but within a framework designed to preserve the unique energy of the transitional initiative. These work to link the square activity with the Avon River, and introducing amusement to activate disused spaces.
EAST FRAME RESIDENTIAL
Christchurch is flat, with very low density. There are few topographical or spatial constraints to force houses to have a compact footprint. This residential dwelling project begins with multiple groups of personalised prefabricated apartments arranged on empty CBD sites. These units in due course find their permanent placement as an urban residential community once the undulating hill like infrastructure is complete in the east frame. Mixed below with commercial, retail and parking storage, the neighbourhood is a small village in itself; fostering a transitional construction process with a denser and diverse neighbourhood. Reference to the Pixie houses of the modernist Christchurch school and influence by the background context of the Port Hills.
CENTRAL LIBRARY
The central library is intended to connect the square with the performing arts precinct behind it through the atrium. Each level is designed to have its own character and function with a mix of formal and informal spaces. The public engages at street level with a transparent facade encouraging the informal activity within the cafe, exhibition gallery and children’s area and then spirals up through the building to more formal collection and study spaces. The building creates a formal conversation with the past and developing Christchurch architectural typology.
Christchurch is flat, with very low density. There are few topographical or spatial constraints to force houses to have a compact footprint. This residential dwelling project begins with multiple groups of personalised prefabricated apartments arranged on empty CBD sites. These units in due course find their permanent placement as an urban residential community once the undulating hill like infrastructure is complete in the east frame. Mixed below with commercial, retail and parking storage, the neighbourhood is a small village in itself; fostering a transitional construction process with a denser and diverse neighbourhood. Reference to the Pixie houses of the modernist Christchurch school and influence by the background context of the Port Hills.
CENTRAL LIBRARY
The central library is intended to connect the square with the performing arts precinct behind it through the atrium. Each level is designed to have its own character and function with a mix of formal and informal spaces. The public engages at street level with a transparent facade encouraging the informal activity within the cafe, exhibition gallery and children’s area and then spirals up through the building to more formal collection and study spaces. The building creates a formal conversation with the past and developing Christchurch architectural typology.