Opportunities for Uptown “We are still concerned about parking, but the main parking we want is just short term for people to come drop things and get things – to pick up repair from Gemmell’s, or an Uber Eats driver to collect from one of the restaurants. It’s better for the businesses that the parking is short-term, because they get the turnover of people.” - Brent Kenney (Uptown chief) “The other big concern is connecting the two sides of the street.” (Referring to the wide expanse of Symonds Street) “Crossing opportunities are important for both walking and cycling” - Christine Robertson (Albert Eden local board member)
History of Uptown Karangahape Road and Upper Symonds Street were part of a network routes that maori used to practice ahi ka, seasonally cultivating their land, or forging tribal alliances. The karaka and manuka trees were known to have grown in this part of the gully, called Te Uru Karaka, could have housed plump kereru for the hunter/gatherer to feast on East of Symonds Street Cemetery used to have a freshwater spring (creek) for travellers to drink from Up until 1862, Māori had continued to use these ridgelines to access Auckland’s town.
Interpretation sketches of present uptown: Old houses, construction sites, businesses.
A decorated/ornamented first level compared to a simplistic/modernised aesthetic for the ground level
Residential Row Houses adapting to the slope of the contour
Interest with a different elevation taken with Oxidizing Corten Steel Sheets held by Steel Framing
JVKR
Uptown Site analysis.
History.
Climate.
Demographic.
Walkability.
Walkability •
“The extent to which the built environment is friendly to the presence of people living, shopping, visiting, enjoying or spending time in an area”
•
It is based on the idea that urban spaces should be more than just transport corridors designed for maximum vehicle throughput. Instead, it should be relatively complete livable spaces that serve a variety of uses, users, and transportation modes and reduce the need for cars for travel.
Analysis •
Based on the information gathered, the new purposed City rail link will improve overall walkability in Uptown.
•
There are a total of 13 private / public carparks in Uptown, likely indicating a strong use of private vehicles (35%).
•
Walkability within Uptown is adequate, having most core amenities and workplaces centred around Symond Street and New North Road.
•
All places can be reached within 15 minutes.
•
With the site visit, we noticed that the quality of the footpaths aren’t consistant throughout uptown. A combination of smaller, steeper hills and constant construction lowers the overall walkability of Uptown and disencourages public use.
5
10
15
*Shaded circle indicating existing carparks.
Transporation.
STRE ET NDS SYM O
NEW TON ROA D
Basque Park KHY
BER
NE
W
TH R NO
PAS S
ROA D
AD RO
Maungawhau Mt Eden Station
N
Dedicated bike lane Existing track CRL underground track Residential Area
309 27W
22R/22N/24R/24B
Scale 1:5000 @A2
Proposed Urban Strategy.
Strøget Copenhagen, Denmark Urban Plan Study
Key
Predestrian Only Area Pedestrian Crossing Car Parking Bus Stop
Notes: Most streets (white) have roadside parking
Strøget Copenhagen, Denmark Urban Plan Study
Key
Predestrian Only Area Pedestrian Crossing Car Parking Bus Stop
Notes: Most streets (white) have roadside parking
Uptown Upper Symonds St Area 1:20000 Urban Plan Proposal
Key Building Footprint Proposed to demolish Park Main Market Area Transportation Hub Pedestrian Priority Area Main Vehicular Areas Public Transport Routes Car Parking Bus Stop
Notes: Aside from designated public parking lots, all roads in Uptown except Upper Symonds St will have roadside parking. It is recommended to provide more shade at pedestrian areas and clad ground in brick
Maungawhau
Uptown Upper Symonds St Area 1:20000 Urban Plan Proposal
Key Building Footprint Proposed to demolish Park Main Market Area Transportation Hub Pedestrian Priority Area Main Vehicular Areas Public Transport Routes Car Parking Bus Stop
Notes: Aside from designated public parking lots, all roads in Uptown except Upper Symonds St will have roadside parking.
Opportunies & Constraints Answered All of which benefit the stakeholders - local businesses & people, who want a more vibrant environment and let their quirkiness
It is recommended to provide more shade at pedestrian areas and clad ground in brick
shine. Locals want Uptown to be a safe space for their children to grow up in.
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Narrow, eyelevel building facades are optimal for 5-10km/h
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Allowing the edges to become porous, and allowing better urban furniture
Maungawhau
-
Safer, quieter, more connected pedestrian area
-
This is enabled on the assumption of successful AT development to the point that the private traffic can be successfully rerouted as proposed.
Master Plan.
Precedents.
Precedents Markets and Green cities
Tainan Market / MVRDV Tainan, Taiwan | 2022
PAKT Development Antwerp, Belgium | 2018
Green Cloud Garden / 11architecture Shenzhen, China | 2021
•
•
•
• • •
• •
Utilisation of surrounding landscape of Uptown and Aotearoa using existing building’s rooftops. Rooftop can be further developed with the possibility of community involvement (Green gardens, similar to the PAKT Development) Utilisation of underground area space with a market in order to promote efficent use of space. The new market will allow for mixed use application (Commerical, cultural and entertainment), immediately drawing the attention from the local community, tourists and other parts of Auckland. Likely affordable, minimising the need for major renovations (Utilisation of structural components from exisiting architecture of Uptown) A possibility of residential on the rooftop
• •
•
A unique collaboration between creative entrepreneurs and urban farmers within the community. Low tech design, focusing on existing fabric and enhancing the existing architecture. Can create a simple, green space without the need of demolishing throughout Uptown, meeting the current needs for a safe community space. Multipurpose design with existing bars, restaurants, library etc.
• •
•
•
Built on top of a 6 story apartment in a highly densed village with limited space. Creating a canopy in order to make a mix use community space with residential at the bottom. These canopys can be re-arrange as “modules” to serve different activities from recreational use (Hanging bars) to community gathering spaces (dining tables). 450 sqm roof garden, including a partially shaded event plaza, and surrounding flower beds and a community farm, encourging the local community to bond. Playful colours used to encourge a more playful, safe environment, bring excitement to Uptown.
Precedents Hertiage conservation / Adaptive reuse
Greyfriars Charteris Center / Konishi Gaffney Architects Edinburgh, Scotland | 2017
Norwegian Press House / Atelier Oslo + KIMA Arkitektur Oslo, Norway | 2022
Quarry No. 9 / Design and Architecture China | 2021
• •
•
•
• •
Refurbishing the inside of the building Keeping the decorative significance of the surround building context, having a small dent of modernity within the historic complexes creates a larger modern atmosphere Blending within the context of the site Former church provides a flexible workspace, a community hub, events spaces, and a non-denominational sanctuary.
• • •
•
A multi-material adaptation towards a restoration of two heritage buildings They maintained its exterior decorated façade and transformed the inside to a simplistic yet appealing aesthetic that is a remnant of the old warehouse The idea of atriums can come into play as it emphasizes the spaces and enlightens within the building without having to damage or interrupt the decorated façade Its multi-level disorientation give it a sense of play in levels in which persuades the user to go and each level find interesting viewpoints throughout the atrium space
•
Similar notion and atmosphere to Uptown with buildings adapting to the contour or the narrow streets, pathways, and stairs. Offering three spaces of a library, performance/cultural venues, and gathering are “reconnecting the local community with its thousand-year history and heritage”. This can be reflected with Uptowns quirky aspects from its mixed buildings to narrow spaces it shows how the spaces are still being used by locals even if it is outdated (natural instincts)
Uptown Site analysis. JVKR
Uptown Upper Symonds St Area 1:20000 Urban Plan Proposal
Key Building Footprint (General) Proposed to demolish Informal Recreation Zone City Center Business Residential - Mixed Housing Pedestrian Priority Area Main Vehicular Areas Public Transport Routes Car Parking Bus Stop
Notes: Aside from designated public parking lots, all roads in Uptown except Upper Symonds St will have roadside parking.
Overhead Park
It is recommended to provide more shade at pedestrian areas and clad ground in brick Pedestrian priority areas are not pedestrian only.
Maungawhau
Uptown Upper Symonds St Area 1:20000 Urban Plan Proposal
Key Building Footprint (General) Proposed to demolish Informal Recreation Zone City Center Business Residential - Mixed Housing Pedestrian Priority Area Main Vehicular Areas Public Transport Routes Car Parking Bus Stop
Notes: Aside from designated public parking lots, all roads in Uptown except Upper Symonds St will have roadside parking.
Overhead Park
It is recommended to provide more shade at pedestrian areas and clad ground in brick Pedestrian priority areas are not pedestrian only.
Maungawhau
Uptown Upper Symonds St Area 1:20000 Urban Plan Proposal
Key Building Footprint (General) Proposed to demolish Informal Recreation Zone City Center Business Residential - Mixed Housing Pedestrian Priority Area Symonds St should prioritise pedestrians to reclaim its
Main Vehicular Areas
stature as a public space. This will make it accessible, lively,
Public Transport Routes
and highlight its character. The neighboring streets must
Car Parking
therefore allow cars to still allow people to get around with private vehicles and park - we are not trying to make hell for
Bus Stop
drivers to force them to switch to public transport. People may choose what is most suitable for them - perhaps with small compromises like taking a different route.
Notes: Aside from designated public parking lots, all roads in Uptown except Upper Symonds St will have roadside parking.
Changes taken
Other
Green overhead Park at
Didn’t make area East of
reservoir (but made it
Maungawhau station into
permanent)
Park, as it’s by a busy
Overhead Park
It is recommended to provide more shade at pedestrian areas and clad ground in brick
intersection and would prob
Pedestrian priority areas are not pedestrian only.
Pedestrian areas should be
better benefit as a carpark /
permeable paving (but
park n ride.
brick) Didn’t make Burleigh St Added greenspace at the
pedestrian only, as the
North of Upper Symonds
difficult intersection would
street (but doubt it will work be solved by prioritising
Maungawhau
as intended, as it is in the
pedestrians at Symonds St
middle of nothing, by the
anyway
highway) OMG cannot bridge to Extended OMG to the
Basque Park as it will shade
pathway leading to Basque. residential buildings.
Longitudinal Section A 1:500
0
12.5 N
25
50
100 m
Longitudinal Section B 1:500
Ngahura St
Nikau Street (10m width)
CRL Platform
Manugawhau Station
Uptown Site analysis. JVKR
Uptown Upper Symonds St Area
Proposed Uptown Gate
1:20000 Urban Plan Proposal
Key Building Footprint (General) Proposed to demolish Informal Recreation Zone Aotea Square Gate
City Center Business Residential - Mixed Housing Pedestrian Priority Area Car Parking Bus Stop
Pingyao Market Gate
Notes: All roads in Uptown except Upper Symonds St will have roadside parking. Overhead Park It is recommended to provide more shade at pedestrian areas and clad ground in brick Pedestrian priority areas are not pedestrian only.
Proposed Park & Ride Are (10000m2)
Maungawhau
Panmure Park & Ride Area (13270m2)
Uptown Upper Symonds St Area
Proposed Uptown Gate
1:20000 Urban Plan Proposal Key Building Footprint (General) Proposed to demolish Informal Recreation Zone City Center Business
Aotea Square Gate
Residential - Mixed Housing Pedestrian Priority Area Main Vehicular Areas Public Transport Routes Resident vehicles only Goods / Loading vehicles
Pingyao Market Gate
Car Parking Bus Stop
Notes: All roads in Uptown except Upper Symonds St will have roadside parking.
Overhead Park
It is recommended to provide more shade at pedestrian areas and clad ground in brick Pedestrian priority areas are not pedestrian only.
Proposed Park & Ride Are (10000m2)
Maungawhau
Panmure Park & Ride Area (13270m2)
Opportunities Uptown
Maungawhau station will bring more people to the area, and allow for better connection to the rest of the city which would be an opportunity to boost pedestrianism / biking.
Narrow building facades create a rapid rhythm of vertical striations that makes walking distances less daunting.
Lots of hidden gems to discoverใ
The life of uptown - storefronts, signs, mostly happen at eye level, and not above.
Threats Uptown
Maungawhau station will bring more people to the area, and allow for better connection to the rest of the city which would be an opportunity to boost pedestrianism / biking.
Intensely sloped topology makes it difficult for accessibility.
Private automobile dominant planning - the roads are like “rivers”, dividing each street into 2 barely connected halves. The traffic results in the environment noise level to generally be over 60decibels, which makes conversation relatively difficult.
Arguably non-porous by how closed off the shops are, making it difficult for non locals to explore.
Increasing number of people choosing to use cars due to the poor status of Auckland public transport
Not many places to play & explore for children around the area - only the park. Difficult for children to “grow up” here.
Master plan 1:500
View to Sky Tower
Improvements to be made for uptown
G-LAB by TC Plus Leuven, Belgium
• More offices around the train/CRL station would encourage office workers to explore the area. • To be a self-sufficient community, The district must fulfil one’s needs. • Affordable housing model: co-living in Uptown • A solution to courier problems: adapting the use of parcel delivery lockers
Cityside Bapist Church
Possible utilities
Perimeter: 333.1 Meters Area: 6064.8 Sq Meters
• Offices • Health and wellbeing • Restaurants • Cafes • Boutiques • Small public buildings (libray etc.) • Parcel delivery lockers • Veterinary • End of trip facilities • Nightlife (bar etc.)
Cohousing De Sijs Leuven, Belgium
Chongqing Train passing through buildings
Perimeter: 168.1 Meters Area: 1622.0 Sq Meters
View towards the Sky Tower
Shadow Study: 10:25am August Benefits of chosen site Accessibility Access to New North Road. The proposed bridge made the crossing more accessible for pedestrians. Private Space North laneway was created to separate proposed building from the CRL station. Residents can access their apartments from the north laneway. Height Opportunities The proposed site is not on top of the rail line. View Shaft Communal Garden Adapting to the proposed “green” pedestrian road
Bear Park Early Childcare Centre
0
12.5 N
25
50
100 m
Maungawhau Mount Eden
ne
O
Queen Street
y
wa
r
d oa
/
p
e ed
n
ia
r st
d
re
a sh
Site A: 6000 m2 Site B: 1600 m2
e
n zo
04 03
5m
Right side - Suitable for morning operational businesses - Cafes - Bakeries - Florists - Clinics
06
02
10
12m x 60m 01
8m 09
End of Trip
08
05
07
Shadow studies 12 pm N
0
6.25
12.5
25
50 m
Left side - Suitable for afternoon operational businesses - Restaurants - Bars
Opportunities - Multiple entrances - Setback building to maximise sunlight in every lots and reduce shadows within pedestrian walkways. - Zig-zag pedestrian walkway to make it more compact/community like. (safer for residents). - Communal space in the middle.
Tier 1 6m height Tier 2 12m height Tier 3 18m height
Axonometric Section / A 1 : 500 0
6.25
12.5
25
50
Tier 1 6m height Tier 2 12m height Tier 3 18m height
Axonometric Section / B 1 : 500 0
6.25
12.5
25
50
Conceptual Render Entering the site
Conceptual Render Within the communal area
Uptown Site analysis. JVKR
Strength It is generally quite human-scale, with the visual interests lying at eye level
Opportunity Could be very Engaging, Safe, Interesting, and therefore: walkable
Could be a perfect 5km/h area
Strengths Especially with so many hidden gems
Weakness But what’s the point when passerbys don’t even notice them?
Weakness This problem is caused by the confiscation of the urban edges and walkability
R.I.P Local businesses
Weakness And R.I.P. to anyone else there, basically
Threat It’s worsening due to the lack of faith in AT
Opportunity Can Maungawhau and its sisters turn the tables?
“It sounds good in theory, but it won’t work”
“Yea but we’re just too married to cars, man”
“Ok then I just won’t go there.”
“You will kill the businesses!”
Bustling any time of day Safe Interesting
Prioritising Pedestrians
MASTERPLAN STRATEGY
Lack in Open Green Space and Vegetation
Flood Prone Area Requiring Mitigation
1. Linking of open space network 2. Movement strategy 3. Activation around the station 4. Bridging the gap 5. Stormwater catchment 6. Placemaking: Education Centre/ park/ school 7. Layering of Built form 8. Finer Grain
CHOSEN SITE
Site Model 1:2000
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d a Ro
e Ed Mt
on t w e N
oa
nR d
t e tre
S u
r we
Flo
ka i N
t
ee Str
et tre
iS
rar
Ko
Ru ru t
ee
Str Lot 1 DP 53063 655 m²
ura
ah
Ng Boston Street
Lot 1 DP 57203 652 m²
e Str et
Allot 205 SEC 10 Suburbs Auckland 2567 1289 m²
Lot 1 DP 43875 784 784 m²
Allot 206 SEC 10 Suburbs Auckland 2568 1269 m²
Wa
SEC 1 SO 488903 3750 3747 m²
By Room Name Legend Allot 205 SEC 10 Suburbs Auckland 2567 Allot 206 SEC 10 Suburbs Auckland 2568 Lot 1 DP 43875 784 Lot 1 DP 53063 Lot 1 DP 57203 Lot 1 DP 88287 1660 Lot 2 DP 146737 Lot 24 DP 1252 827 Lot 25 DP1252 Lot 26 DP 1252 799 SEC 1 SO 488903 3750
t e e r t S n o t n Fe
Lot 1 DP 88287 1660 1660 m²
Lot 25 DP1252 816 m²
Lot 24 DP 1252 827 831 m²
Lot 26 DP 1252 799 806 m²
Lot 2 DP 146737 2741 m²
ter S
tree
t
-
d a Ro
e Ed Mt
on t w e N
oa
nR d
t e tre
S u
r we
Flo
ka i N
t
ee Str
et tre
iS
rar
Ko
Ru ru t
ee
Str 11
12
602 m²
ura
ah
Ng
570 m²
10
Boston Street
505 m²
e Str et 9
578 m²
8
548 m²
7
516 m²
t e e r t S n o t n Fe
Wa
1
922 m²
2
778 m²
3
788 m²
6
757 m²
4
818 m²
By Room Name Legend 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
5
806 m²
13
631 m²
ter S
tree
t
-
et tre
iS
rar
Ko
Ru ru t
ee
Str
Ng
13
12
691 m²
297 m²
ura
ah 10
352 m²
e Str
11
337 m²
et 9
578 m²
8
548 m²
7
516 m²
t e e r t S n o t n Fe
By Room Name Legend 1
1
2
922 m²
2
778 m²
3 3
788 m²
6
757 m²
4
818 m²
5
806 m²
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Landscape Swell
Wetland Reserve
Event Centre
Mixed use
Temporary Markey
Grocery / food services
Education
Residential
Art Gallery
Head house
Vincent reflections: Site research: - Combining my learnings from the Urbanism elective and the Place Standard Tool, I analysed the site based on character, porosity, dwellability of edges, ability of public spaces to induce comfortable interactions, what determines the enjoyability of a space. This was what informed my SWOT analyses. - A key concern other groups had was gentrification, where developers come in and spam the area with high-end residential apartments, threatening the Uptwon character. The other groups posit that stores like SuperTrash are are definitions of the Uptown character. - Other groups also explained the historic trends in uptown such as the suburban sprawl and why the lots were allotted so haphazardly resulting in different functions being adjacent to each other - it was due to a gambling the lots off. Urban plan proposal - I studied Copenhagen as a model to apply with Uptown - a model that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists while also allowing private vehicles to co-exist. This model would ensure the enjoyability of the main streets and allow businesses to be discovered and flourish, and unveil the hidden gems. - Other groups had other ideas that opposed mine, such as making the main streets for driving and creating new gems on smaller streets, and making those walkable instead. - We exchanged ideas, criticisms, and eventually the other groups cut back on the new spaces they proposed, and I accepted the idea to turn other small streets into pedesstrian priority zones as well, understanding that the goal of the tutorgroup as a whole is to discourage private vehicles and encourage public transport. For the same reason, the extra car parking spaces and park n ride spaces I proposed were removed as people could just take public transport to get to Maungawhau station to then take the train. - Other groups also looked at the flood plains and considered ways to direct the water elsewhere via a manmade stream. Master plan proposal - As a tutor group, we had 2 main areas - North & South of Maungawhau station, and bridged the space between to activate all the spaces in between, and utilising the rooftops to not waste the precious space that has the potential to be a bustling communa area. - As a tutorgroup we discussed how to prevent unpleasant, dark, dead, unsafe spaces and activate them instead - We also discussed the pedestrianisation around the site, how service vehicles will access the shops, the rerouting of busses for accessibility issues - but ultimately decided that people could just walk <5mins to the nearest bus stops. - We also talked about making statements about objects in space such as the vent shaft, and as a result - activating the space around it and creating a communal landmark.
Joaquin de Guzman: Analysis of People and Place
Through site visits and research, an observation that can be stated is the gentrification Uptown is slowly indulging. Comparisons between the past and now can see the once authentic historical building to a commercialised economic investment (e.g Kings Arms Hotel into a gentrified commercial hotel). This issue does not only lead Uptown to an economical commercial investment but also loses its historical architectural attractions that define Uptown’s identity.
SWOT Our SWOT analysis outlines the opportunity the CRL Maungawhau Station offers, attracting users from different areas to Uptown and appreciate the surrounding historical and unique environment, specifically in Symonds Street. Although, the weakness of the location of the train station is the distance and steep hills users must take to get to the main locations Uptown has to offer. This leads onto another current weakness of the community’s doubtful perspective of Auckland Transport, resulting the inconvenient alternative for people to bring in their cars and find parking; only to increase traffic congestion within the dense area. Therefore, our proposed site locates itself near the CRL train station with the objective of tackling these factors opposed as a threat and provide opportunities and activating areas of Uptown. Integrating a user-centric approach has led to decisions of enhancing Uptown to become pedestrian prioritised through shutting down main roads (e.g Symonds Street). An objective when developing Uptown is to allow the surround environment to benefit from these changes. This consists the area to feel safe, engaging, and interesting for users to be in, these factors will hope to make Uptown a welcoming and walkable environment and draw in more people. This not only proposes a user focused area but also a mixed reaction to the lack of roads to the dense area to reduce the number of individual cars brought in and resolve to public transport instead.
Place Standard Tools From observations of site visits and an underlying concern from our group’s Place Standard Tools is the lack of Natural Space which provides the opportunity for Play and Recreational purposes. Therefore, our proposed site will consist of a vegetated courtyards through the pathways around the building lots. This emphasises the general area from the surrounding gentrified buildings and allowing a space for temporary leisure. Another approach is the emphasis of the isolated Basque Park and OMG Urban Farm by revamping roads and buildings to create a clear path to the park. This discussion involves the idea of creating spaces on top of roofs, following the notion of the precedents of “The High Line” in New York City, Tainan Market, and Rotterdam Rooftop Walk by MVRDV. The idea is further developed to propose a market on existing building rooftops. The market will allow mixed use applications of commercial, cultural, and entertainment which allows Uptown’s identity and community to grow. The intention aims to draw attention to Uptown (especially users arriving to the Maungawhau Station) creating a welcoming community-like atmosphere whilst utilizing the surround landscape of Uptown and existing rooftops
Site Analysis Summary (Group) Week 4 – Karmkate Insawad
Smaller Group (Karmkate, Runlin, Joaquin and Vincent) •
Our group focused on the urban planning of Uptown, creating a more pedestrianised focus with the use of green lanes, diversion of traffic away from the main pedestrian roads turning Uptown into a livelier neighbourhood.
•
Our team also proposed the location of the site, focusing on densification, adaptability, and affordability for Uptown.
•
Furthermore, the site allowed accessibility towards New North Road and a new proposed bridge, making crossings between Uptown more accessible for pedestrians. Private spaces and Height opportunities were also key to the success of the chosen site. Other key movements were lower noises from the Maungawhau station, privacy for residential and shared green spaces for all residences.
•
Our group also conducted the Place Standard tool in order to investigate the different aspects physical and social elements of the city. Uptown showed strong aspects in its identity and a sense of belonging while it lacked on recreation use and natural spaces for the community to use. Lack of meaningful transportation, narrow streets, and spaces lowered the overall placing for Uptown.
Final proposal with the whole tutor group •
The final proposal from our tutor group was broken down into three different elements – Gentrification, SWOT, and privately owned public spaces.
•
Our group identified factors of gentrification throughout Uptown. Most of the green spaces are essentially on a “Paywall” where most of the green spaces (Such as Basque Park) were only “accessible” if you can afford the housings around the area. Issues in accessibility due to topography and routes meant most pedestrians outside of Uptown were unable to visit.
•
Our team contributed towards the overall masterplan site and the SWOT analysis of Uptown. We also worked on the creating an urban site model to allow our group to understand the threedimensionality of our proposed ideas and its relation to context and height.
•
In our SWOT analysis, we identified multiple strengths such as visual interest, quirkiness and the overall vibrancy of Uptown’s main streets. However, there are several threats identified such as lack of trust in Auckland’s public transportation system, lack of shading, confiscation of urban edges and walkability.
•
Another main move we worked on was the utilisation of roof spaces through a communal green bridge that connects both the north and southern parts of the site together, creating a coherent visual connection.
•
This bridge acts as a tourist attraction, pulling the community and people together through a communal market.
Analysis and Reflection Runlin Cai Uptown is currently undergoing a significant transformation due to the construction of the City Rail Link (CRL) train station, which will connect Uptown to other parts of Auckland. This new infrastructure presents an opportunity to develop a new urban plan that makes public transport and amenities more accessible to the residents of the area. An issue our group has raised is the gentrification in Uptown. The disconnection of shops further away from central Uptown is doing less well than those featured in Uptown Magazines. Our group believes there is a need for a solution to create a cohesive and attractive urban environment that encourages people to visit and live in the area. Therefore, our proposed plan for Uptown took advantage of the opportunity presented by the CRL train station, developing a more connected and accessible neighbourhood through a new master plan. We plan to add more green spaces and activate the area by adding more pedestrian walkways, encouraging people to explore the Uptown area. We are creating a linkage between the OMG garden, Basque Park and across Symonds Street, activating Uptown by creating a community that is welcoming, creative and diverse. We believe our goal is to preserve and enhance Uptown, rather than demolishing old buildings into new. Our group also plans to bridge a connection perpendicular to the train rail, promoting social interaction between the community buildings and its residential areas. Another activation we are considering is the reservoir rooftop, adding more vegetation to make Uptown more sustainably attractive. Furthermore, our group is considering building a marker for the Uptown, where it would attract tourists and supporting and encouraging existing and future businesses. Through this group activity, I’ve learned the importance of integrating SWOT analysis and Place Standard Tools into the design process and the significance of identifying the site constraints before designing to turn them into opportunities for a well-considered design.