Abstract:
Auckland has experienced significant population growth over the last decade, prompting
substantial reforms in the region’s planning framework to address urban development pressure.
The resulting Auckland Unitary Plan states ‘quality compact urban form’ as the most efficient
strategy to enable growth and provide for Aucklanders’ social, economic and environmental
well-being. The Auckland Unitary Plan aims to promotes high-density residential development
that produces quality on-site living environments to meet the day to day needs of residents.
This thesis explores the efficacy of the Auckland Unitary Plan to implement quality on-site living
environments and good design intentions. This study uses a design-based exercise to explore
alternate design responses to the Auckland Unitary Plan within the context of five cases studies.
Findings from the research highlight conflicting interpretations of the desired plan approach and
regulations in promoting good design between the private and public sectors, and indicate that
the Auckland Unitary Plan does not adequately include provisions that enable its intentions. Thus,
it lacks the means necessary to achieve its intended outcomes.
