Finding Relational Space: Public-Private Interface in medium-density housing in Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

This study is a comparative review of medium density housing as currently established in Auckland. The Auckland Plan calls for a quality ‘compact urban form’ for its projected vision as ‘the world’s most liveable city’. The study addresses the viability and appropriateness of the ‘compact city model’ for Auckland and examines densification as an appropriate response to environmental sustainability in the broad context of climate change. It then considers private/public interface between the street and the interior realm of dwellings analyzing the micro spatial morphology of the interface in the context of the needs of urban dwellers into the future. Assemblage theory is used as a framework to explore the complexities of what is termed relational space and the manner in which territorialization of the assemblage makes possible connections between boundary, identity and a sense of place or belonging. As assemblages recur at differing scales connections are evident in assemblages at street, neighbourhood , local and ascending scales. Six case study areas are selected as representing a broad range of spatial and interface typologies. These are examined and compared using Spacemate(Pont and Haupt, 2004), a tool that was developed by researchers at the Delft University of Technology for understanding the relationship between density and built form. It is an instrument to compare the perception of developed areas with their actual density. It involves a three-­‐dimensional analysis of spatial characteristics that relate open space to building mass and assesses the pressure on unbuilt space. The study areas are then examined using figure and ground diagrams to explore the distribution of open space and the relative areas of private open, public open and road infrastructure. Observations of activity, assessments of interface types and patterns of connectivity relating to territorialization are analysed. The study explores the relationship between macro spatial configurations and the micro spatial level of relational space and whether socio-­‐spatial flows generated by greater connectivity at the interface can stimulate life and activity at street level and beyond.