D6 futurechristchurch

woomin lee

contents
vegetation research ........................................................3 formal investigation research .........................................13 site & program ................................................................22

ecosystems
angelayoo

vegetation

woominlee hannahsteenson

futurechristchurch.camiayoung.jordonsaunders
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GARDEN CITY OF TODAY

When Sir Ebenezer Howard first envisioned the Garden city it was a reaction to the industrial revolution which began to change cities; combining both the economic potential brought by the industrial revolution along with the clean environment of the country. However, with cities continuing to change the notion of this industrial-country-city is becoming obsolete. Gardens have effectively become decorated walls of a city making the delineation between greenbelt and city greater. What constitutes the green-belt is also becoming increasingly ambiguous. Is it supposed to be only parks and agricultural areas? The notion of the Garden-city has become increasingly obsolete in contemporary times; questioning what the green-belt could be. This research intends to look into ecosystems, centred on vegetation, as a possible source of breaking the boundary between city and green as separate habitations and green-space which performs to make a new mode of urban.

ECO-SYSTEMS
The understanding of vegetation and nature stems from analysis of the flows and resources across ecosystems. We have attempted to identify the processes that drive and maintain ecosystems and recognise opportunities for regeneration. Streams of biotic interactions and mutualistic relationships between vegetation and the ecosystems it supports shows how every component of nature is co-dependent and related within a cycle. The loss of habitat and diversity of indigenous species can be largely attributed to the activity of humans that disrupt the cycle and do not conform as part of the ecosystem. Native species are usually adapted to support eachother and there is real opportunity in restoring native activity to its origins where it will strive.
CO2 of the atmosphere

RespirationR

espiration

RespirationR

espiration

Producers
green parts of the plants

Parasites

Herbivores Omnivores

Carnivores Carnivores II + III

Soil Respiration

Atmosphere

Waste

phloem stream

Consumers
(litter) Saprophages Roots Copro- and necrophages Parasites And Herbivore Carnivores

Pedosphere

Decomposers Short Cycle

Decomposers Long Cycle

slope definitions

Flat Gradient <1 This lack of slope creates a very open landscape highly exposed to all climatic elements, especially wind. The warm, dry northwesterly wind sweeps over canterbury, after leaving behind its water in the alps, and stirs up dust from river beds and ploughed paddocks. This has led to the prominance of tussocks and grasses throughout this region.

Flat to Gently undulating Gradient 1-3 The coastal ridges provide a small amount of shelter causing marsh like hollows behind the sand dunes. This provides suitable conditions for small native trees and shrubs.

Gently Undulating Gradient 3-7 Within the flat slope of the alluvial plain small swamps and lagoons have formed due to flooding and soil erosion. These wet land areas are condusive to extensive numbers of native plants and birds.

Easy Rolling Gradient 7-12 Found around the base of the porthills. Covered with small tussocks and shrubs, more sheltered than other areas of the plain.

Strongly rolling Gradient 12 - 15 Due to the changing coastline and eastery winds sloped sand dunes have formed on the eastern edge. Amoungst the sand this area is suited to grasses and tussocks.

Hilly Gradient 15 - 25 Well sheltered western slopes of the port hills. Due to the many crests and valleys a diverse range of native vegetation is suited to the area from tall trees to ground cover plants.

Steep Gradient >25 cliff edges formed due to erosion and ground slip.

christchurch ecosystems
coastal plains

dry plains

wet plains

port hills

DRY PLAINS
The dry plains are part of the alluvial floodplain built up by braided rivers of Canterbury. Prior to European settlement the plains were covered with silver tussock grassland with localized woodland areas of Kowhai, Cabbage trees and Kanuka. Very few of these areas remain within the citys boundaries, with only a few shrubs, patches of kowhai and areas of grassland surviving. The grassland areas are cable of supporting an extensive number of indigenous plant, bird and insect species.

WET PLAINS
The Wet plains have changed drastically since human occupation and the effects of human activity has seen a severe loss of original plant and animal species. The Wet Plains historically supported expansive podocarp (Kahikatea), wetland and swamp forest. Riccarton bush is the only significant podocarp wetland forest currently remaining. The honey eaters, tui and bellbird were important species for pollination and were all abundant in Canterbury in the past.

COASTAL PLAINS
Coastal plains are divided into two broad ecosystems: the estuarine and the dunes. Estuaries contain complex ecological conditions due it being the point where freshwater meets the sea. Cycles of tides and freshwater inflow produce much variations of water levels and salinities which the vegetation must tolerate in order to survive. Dune vegetation similarly are exposed to varying salinities and water levels, but also to extended durations of drought of which Pingao has especially adapted to.

houhere ti kouka tussock kowhai

totara kahikatea te kakahi pukio

akeake pingao oioi

Tussock, Green Skink, Ti Kouka, Kowhai, Pipit, Mikimiki, Young Plains Ecosystems, Ti Kouka, Kotare, Kanuka, Houhere, Piwakawaka, Kohuhu, Mid Age Plains Ecosystems

Kahikatea, Kereru, Manatu, Lush, Totara, Bellbird, Matai, Older Plains Ecosystems, Pukio, Pukeko, Karamu, Peat Plains Ecosystem

Akeake, Riroriro, Ngaio,Old Dune Ecosystem, Pingao, Kuaka, Tauhinu, Young Dune Ecosystem, Oioi, Tuturiwhatu, Marsh Ribbonwood, Estuarine Ecosystem

tall trees small trees/shrub tussock/grass bird species other

wet plains ecosystem

KAHIKATEA
older plains ecosystem wet taitapu soils

TOTARA
older plains ecosystem moist and deep kaiapoi soils

TE KAKAHI
dry or stoney wet taitapu soils

PUKIO
peat plains ecosystem wet and peaty waimairi and aranui soils

Totara Podocarpus totara

Tall, slow growing trees which provide fruit for native birds

Matai Prumnopitys taxifolia Endemic NZ tree dispersed by Keruru

Kahikatea Dacrycarpus dacrydioides

Tall native tree which provides fruit for native birds

Kanuka Kunzea ericodes

A tree or shrub native to NZ and SE Australia

Manuka Leptospermum scoparium

A small tree or shrub native to NZ and SE Australia

Pukio Carex secta

Tussock edge useful for reestablishing or enhancing wetland areas

Karamu Coprosma robusta

Bushy shrub/ small tree, widespread native species

Keruru
New Zealand pigeon. Endemic to NZ, play important ecological role

Tui
Endemic passerine bird of NZ. Main pollinators of many native plants

Bellbird
Korimako Endemic passerine bird of NZ. Pollinators of many native plants

Kakariki
Native small forest birds. Orange-fronted parakeet critically endangered

Grey Warbler
Riroriro is a common insectivorous bird endemic to NZ

Kuruwhengi
New Zealand Shoveler which eats primarily the seeds of aquatic plants

Silvereye
Native but not endemic bird of NZ which eats fruit of Karamu and disperses seed

Endemic birds of NZ which disperse the seeds of Karamu

Keruru, Tui, Bellbird

Fantail
Small native insectivorous bird widely distributed in New Zealand.

Common plum tree

The Keruru prefers to eat the leaves of the introduced plum tree plant.

Related Native Plants

Cabbage trees, miro, flax, kowhai, NZ fuchsia

Insects
Caterpillars, aphids, leaf miners

Related Native Plants

Beech, Manuka, Kanuka, flax seed, grass seed

Insects
Spiders, insects and their larvae

Related Native Plants

fuchsia, kowhai, flax Insect: Aphids

tall trees small trees/shrub tussock/grass bird species other

coastal plains ecosystem

AKEAKE PINGAO
young dune ecosystem droughty and raw kairaki soils

OIOI
esturine ecosystem wet and salty motukarara soils

old dune ecosystem droughty waikuku soils

Bracken Fern Pteridium esculentum

Bracken, ground cover

Ngaio Myoporum laetum

Native tree to NZ. Fast growing evergreen tree

Akeake Dodonaea viscosa

Widespread distribution. Wood is tough and durable

Nationally endangered native shrub located near coastal areas

Tauhinu Pomaderris ericifolia

A type of sand binding grass native to NZ.

Pingao Desmoschoenus spiralis

Native coastal groundcover with bright green foliage.

Remuremu Selliera Radicans

Shrub which is tolerant to salty conditions.

Marsh Ribbonwood Plagianthus divaricatus

OiOi Apodasmia similis

A tall reed growing on NZ salt marshes.

Grey Warbler
Riroriro is a common insectivorous bird endemic to NZ

Sand fescue Austrofestuca littoralis

A tussock which grows with Pingao.

Fernbird
Insectivorous bird native to NZ, prefering ground dwelling than flying.

Mingimingi Coprosma propinqua Grows alongside marsh ribbonwood.

Banded Dotterel
Native bird feeding on molluscs, crustaceans and insects

Inanga
Known more commonly as whitebait, it is a scale-less fish with a silvery belly.

Insects
The grey warbler will feed on spiders, insects and their larvae

A bird native to both NZ and Australia, it has a fondness for fruits.

Silver Eye bird

wet plains ecosystem - focus stream

totara ecosystem
moist and deep kaiapoi soils

Totara Podocarpus totara

Totara is a podocarp tree endemic to NZ and was once prominent in the Wet Plains of Christchurch. It is best suited to full sun or semishade conditions and is dry/wind/ wet tolerant. It will readily establish itself on pasture land and prefers rich moist non-alkaline soil. The totara is dispersed by native birds which eat the fruit and excrete the seed.
totara bark totara seed

Kereru ( New Zealand Pigeon) Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Large, enedmic bird of NZ that primarily eats fruits from native trees. This makes the Keruru a crucial link in ecosystem nutrient cycles as it supports many native trees that rely solely on native birds for distribution. Breeding depends on the availability of fruit. Keruru feed on podocarp species such as Totara and distribute the seeds. The population of Keruru have declined since human occupation but they can be found in city gardens and parks.

Tui and Bellbird

Endemic passerine birds of NZ that primarily feed on nectar, fruit and insects. They are examples of mutualistic coevolution and pollinate many native plants (such as mistletoe, fuchsia and kowhai).

maori carving

USES: Totara wood is very durable and can be used for outdoor landscaping timber and it is also famous for its carving properties making it the primary wood used for Maori carvings. Before Totara forests were depleted, it was also valued for bridge and wharf construction.

Related Native Plants

Cabbage trees, miro, flax, kowhai, NZ fuchsia, mistletoe, Kahikatea, kaka beak, matai, karamu

Native bird species sightings in Christchurch Indicates urban habitat and existing bush are suitable for survival

Bellbird Kereru Tui

appropriate ecosystem

Common plum tree

The Kereru love to eat the leaves from the common plum tree which is an introduced species of plant. When availability of fruit is scarce, Kereru rely on leaves as a large part of their diet. Plum trees grown well in fertile, well drained soil. Plums are versatile fruit that are enjoyed by many people. (Fruit, jam, jellies, dried plum, sauces, desserts) 9

coastal plains ecosystem - focus stream

akeake ecosystem
droughty waikuku soils

Akeake Dodonaea viscosa

Meaning forever and ever in Maori, referring to the strength and durability of the wood, it is a tree capable of growing up to 4m and rarely 9m. In the Christchurch context, Akeake is an important part of the dune ecosystem located in the Coastal plains region - as it establishes effective shelters to support life. Akeake is capable of growing quickly and with little maintenance; and is even capable of growing in poor soil conditions. The rapidly spreading canopy and roots are the basis of its sheltering abilities providing both shade to the dry dune climate as well as effectively stabilising the surrounding soil; thus, resisting dune erosions. On the dunes, it can grow in the central and peripherial areas. This is possible to its tolerance to salt spray unlike many other trees. Seeds are propagated by wind. USES: The Akeake tree is useful in many aspects beyond its beneficial impact on the ecosystem. Its hard and durable wood makes it suitable for parts in the boat industry and as timber for small construction. Leaves of the tree are also used in making medicines for bone-fracture and the treatment of rheumatism.

Grey Warbler Gerygone igata

A bird endemic to New Zealand feeding off insects, their larvae and spiders. The Grey warbler or Riroriro, has been able to adapt to civilizations and settlements; hence, being able to be independent of its natural habitat, the bush. This has been beneficial to farmers from an economic point of view due to it catching insects, rather than fruit. They are active hunters who are never idle as they perch from tree to tree. Their special pear-shaped nests hung from trees. These nests are protective and are usually enclosed except for one hole facing away from the prevailing wind. Interestingly, the Shining Cuckoo sneaks in an egg during the second batch of eggs. The Grey Warbler, therefore, raises the Shining Cuckoos young in its nests.

Shining Cuckoo, Pipiwharauroa Chrysococcyx lucidus

Parasitic in that it does not raise its young, the Shining Cuckoo lays its egg in the nest of a Grey Warbler as it returns to NZ. It migrates from New Zealand to the Tropics and returns to lay its eggs. The Shining Cuckoo is an important bird in curbing the numbers of the larva of the black and white magpie-moth (Nyctemera annulata) and the Kowhai moth (Uresiphita polygonalis maorialis) as most other birds avoid them.

Magpie Moth Nyctemera annulata

Magpie Moths are endemic to NZ which feed particularly on ragwort.

Kowhai Moth Uresiphita polygonalis maorialis

Kowhai Moth is a NZ native insect, whose caterpillars feed on Kowhai, brooms, lupin, gorse and clover.

appropriate ecosystem Kowhai Tree Sophora microphylla

Kowhai tree grow in mild temperate maritime climates and are native trees to NZ. They are part of the dry plains ecosystem, but are a food for grown Shining Cuckoo; especially, attractive to them for their Kowhai moths larvae and caterpillar. 10

1856 Map of Vegetation in Christchurch

SAND WITH FERN, FLAX & GRASS SWAMP & RAUPO GRASS ROCKS TREES FLAX

Map before European settlement showing Christchurch

FERN FERN & FLAX RIVERS OR STREAMS CHRISTCHURCH CBD CATHERDAL
Note: all plants are indigenous

Pre-Earthquake Map of Vegetation in Christchurch

Map showing what exists after settlement in by about year 2000
REGIONAL PARK GARDEN AND CITY HERITAGE SPORTS PARK LOCAL PARK CEMETERY ORCHIDS OR VINEYARDS & PASTURE HORTICULTURAL CROPS & PASTURE EXOTIC FOREST IMPROVED PASTURE UNIMPROVED PASTURE REGIONAL PARK WATER URBAN AREA CHRISTCHURCH CBD

FLAX & GRASS GRASS & FERN

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Conservation
Exotic Forests:
Forest planted where exotic species, in particular conifers and broadleaved trees dominate. These forests are mostly monocultures, with about 200400 trees per hectare. Growth is for timber.

Farming
Improved Pasture:
Well-maintained grassland community with medium to high stock density for producing mainly wool, fat lambs, beef, dairy products and deer farming.

Orchards/Vineyards and Pasture:

A variety of tree and vine crops usually produced closely with pastoral farming. The main fruits grown were apples (pip fruit), pears (pip fruit), plums (stone fruit) and nectarines (stone fruit).

(Pinus Radiata)

Pine

(Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas-fir

(Eucalyptus spp.)

Eucalyptus

(Lolium Perenne)

Ryegrass

(Dactylis Glomerata)

Cocksfoot

(Trifolium Repens)

White Clover

(Malus Domestica)

Apples

(Prunus cerasifera)

Plums

Parks with significant native plants:

Within Christchurch the parks Riccarton Bush, Travis Wetland, Horseshoe Lake, Cockayne Reserve have the most native plants. Of these, Riccarton bush has a dense forest of Kahikatea trees. Parks allow for walking, jogging, leisure sports and fishing for the puiblic.

(Trifolium Pratense)

Red Clover

Timothy-grass
(Phleum Pratense)

Yorkshire Fog
(Holcus Lanatus)

(Prunus persica)

Peach

(Pyrus communis)

Pears

Unimproved Pasture:

Low rainfall, poor soils and more relaxed pastoral management producing low stock densities, for wool, sheep meat and beef production. Some risk of reversion to shrub and forest.

Horticultural Crops and Pasture:

Crops are mainly in conjunction with pasture lands (hence, having similar vegetation as pastures) producing both diary and field crops. Crops are primarily peas, beans and sweet corn.

(Dacrycarpus dacrydioides)

Kahikatea Tree

Regional Parks:

(Agrostis Capillaris)

Browntop

(Rytidosperma spp.)

Danthonia

(Anthoxanthum odoratum)

Sweet Vernal

These parks contain a variety of indigenous and exotic vegetations of which some are of special cultural importance as it has ties with British history. Parks are mainly for walking, jogging, leisure sports and fishing for the public.
Chewing Fescue

(Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa)

Sweet Corn

(Pisum Sativum)

Peas

(Phaseolus vulgaris)

Beans

Map of Pre-Earthquake Christchurch

Willow Tree
(Salix Alba) (Quercus Robur)

(Festuca Nigricans)

Yorkshire Fog
(Holcus Lanatus)

Oak Tree

Public Use
Local Parks:
Parks with mixed indigenous and exotic species of vegetation. These are mainly for the public to engage in as civic centres for activities such as walks, jogging, playing (children), relaxing, cycling and leisure.

Crops are rotated to eliminate pests and diseases associated with certain crops and to maximise profits.

Crop Rotation

Regional Parks (estuary):

City Gardens & Heritage:

Contains estuaries and rivers. For public use and conservation, activities such as fishing and leisure are allowed. Indigenous and exotic species of plants cohabit.

A diverse range of exotic and indigenous species maintained intensively for the purpose of viewing and less-physical activities such as walking.

wheat

Sports Parks:
Salt Grass Ngaio Tree

(Distichlis spicata)

(Myoporum laetum)

Parks which are mainly for lesiure activities of sports and camping. These sites maintain vegetation according to needs of the function, and therefore, contain mostly controlled exotic plants.

Cemetery:

Gardens artificially maintained for the sole purpose of honouring those who have left this world. These plants vary and are usually exotic.

Pasture

Vegetables 12

Investigation: roots | Exploration of vegetation in relation to soil/land and the inherent structure of the vegetation itself for a materials investigation By WooMin Lee

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root structures
Root structures are important parts of plants. Roots interact with the ground condition establishing another complex environment below in the soil. This is called the rhizosphere: the habitat of roots in soils, along with other microbes such as bacteria and fungi which interact intimately with the roots. The presence of a rhizosphere changes the soil conditions due to the physicochemical interactions within the soil. Roots grow based on two principles: its inherent genetics and the soil conditions. Genetics are inner organising principles, where as soil conditions are contextual factors such as the fissures and cracks, availability of minerals and water. Root structures have multiple purposes: not only are roots resource-seeking bottom parts of the plant (as opposed to the shoots), but they are required for anchoring and stabilising the entire plant. Roots are therefore efficient biological structures, utilising a geometry in a variety of ways.

Water + Nutrients

Microscopic view of branch and the surrounding microbes.

Rhizosphere

root functions
To absorb water and mineral salts from the soil To store food from the shoot system To form a passage way for water and dissolved substances from the root into the stem To structurally hold the plant in place from uprooting and overturning

Roots are vascular meaning that they contain two tubular pathways allowing for transporting to and fro heat, water, mineral and food for the plant to function. Roots have different functions from the shoots: shoots are the top part of the plant (above the ground) which photosynthesize and transpire and are the site of sexual reproduction. However, roots and shoots do have relationships as both are required for a plant to grow. That is, roots and shoots respond to each others effectiveness in obtaining resources from their respective environments.

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main root types:tap-roots vs fibrous-roots

Shoot Shoot borne root Cotyledon Soil Surface

Seminal roots

Basal root Lateral roots

Tap root

First seminal roots

Dicotyledonous Plant Root Tap rooted species

Monocotyledonous Plant Root Fibrous rooted species

Tap roots contain one large primary vertical root with many smaller horizontal lateral roots structures. The long primary root digs deep into the soil to provide stability and store nutrients. Fibrous roots on the other hand are those that contain a lot of seminal roots (lateral roots which are as significant as the first root) and spread widely. These are good for plant stabilisation as well as erosion resistant mechanisms.

root structures reacting to availability of resources

Phaseolus vulgaris (shown left) have different root shapes depending on the availability of resources in the soil. This shows that roots are not only genetically defined as tap-roots or fibrous-roots but are essentially shaped by seeking out resources - that is, they are contextually sensitive to the soil conditions.

15

christchurch tree roots existing study

Totara Tree

Kahikatea Tree

Ake ake Tree

Ake ake tree roots are fibrous with main strands spreading out radially with about equal thickness. This makes the root system connect to one central point and eventually spreads out to smaller/ thinner points. Additionally, the fibrous system has greater surface area and therefore able to draw more water in and also be able to compact the surrounding soils more.

Totara tree roots are essentially tap roots with many branches creating inter-connected networks. There are also lateral branches which are as thick as the main root tap root along with many secondary roots.

Kahikatea tree roots are extremely linear in that there is a very long tap root with lesser amounts of branching in the root system. This is probably to stabilise the tree from overturning and to explore water deeper in the soil system.

16

root systems component breakdown (ROOTMAP generated)

Single axis and first order laterals

Single axis and three order laterals

Multi-axis and first order lateral

No dominant axis with many branching 17

attempt at generating 3d branching system

Geometry: Distributive property of one primary axis breaking down into smaller branches (or alternatively, many starting points all joining up to one primary axis).

Geometry: Strong linear focus with fewer branches channeling all to one direct path along with some sub-paths which exit out of the system.

Geometry: Multi-directional focus in particular radially spreads out. One centre point which all things either converge to or diverge from; along with sub-centres in which all come together.

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asking questions for further investigation What if the root system was considered as an integral part of architecture? So that shape of architecture, like roots, were the function? Such as, what if the root system geometry lent itself to organise circulation, which too had its own inherent organisational logic but was contextually sensitive (and therefore reacted to different situations). Could the spaces of the floors be lofted together as in the image before to build a form? This research will be continued...

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formal investigations to do

20

formal investigations to do

21

Site Analysis & Program

Ouruhia

WooMin Lee
Redwood

Saint Albans Burnside

Burwood

New Brighton

Christchurch CBD

Woolston Sydenham

Site Location: Christchurch, South Island of New Zealand Located within the CBD area. Urban Area (Chch): 452 km2 Population: 380,900 Population Density: 840/km2 Main economic sector: Agriculture Proposal Typology: Plant and food research centre with a public exhibition and learning centre - to develop and promote New Zealands agriculture sector.
Cashmere

Heathcote

Lyttleton

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potential sites

Site no.1

Hannah

Angela Site no.3

Site no.2

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potential sites: site1 vs site2

Botanic Gardens

Site no.1

Park Space Schools Residental Arts and Culture Sporting Accomodation

Chch Art Gallery
Montreal St

Chester St

Hagley Park

Crammer Square

Crammer Sq Armagh St

Christs College Christs College Residence

Gloucester St

Crammer Sq

Canterbury Museum

Arts Centre

Site no.1 has connection to the very large green space: Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. However, these green spaces will be hard to develop to their already established presence. Hagley Park also has golf courses. Additionally, the site is heavily occupied by secondary schools; which are programs that are harder to replace.

Green Space proposal (the Frame)

Site no.1

Bus interchange proposal

Innovation Precinct proposal

Hannah Angela

Retail

Hi gh

Site no.3

St
Car park Religious Education

Site no.2

Site no.2

Site no.2

CPIT

Three sites were selected due to their proximity to either green spaces, educational zones, innovative sectors and proximity to both Angelas and Hannahs architectural proposal sites. Then, the sites were observed more closely to see if there were any other benefits of the site locations - such as accomodation, retail and other attractive social-cultural and environmental benefits.

Site no.2 has many potentials: connection to a proposed bus interchange, innovation precinct and part of the frame. However, Site no.2 as an existing site is the car-retail zone on the fringe of the city. Although if the CBD plans are considered there are attractive locations, during its construction phases the new will have to compete hard to re-vitalise the site. Also the site is very far from Hannah and Angelas proposed sites making it harder to relate and therefore utilise their ideas. 24

site no.3
Accomodation & Housing Manchester St Gloucester St Latimer Sq Green Space & Public Space Parking Spaces Retail, Business and O ces Cultural and Social Spaces Institutional Spaces Latimer Sq Religious Spaces Worcester St Educational Spaces Angelas Proposed Site Chosen Site Madras St

Cathedral Sq

Hereford St

Site no.3 has the most potential: - Relates to Angelas project - allow for nearby accomodation for research centre workers; - Extremely central and close to CBD; - Proposal can change the mainly residential-retail based economies to incorporate more intellectual and beneficial workbase; - A chance to re-vitalise Latimer Square, the silent street of Worcester St;

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site no.3: existing vs proposed

Accomodation & Housing
Manchester St

Green Space & Public Space Parking Spaces Retail, Business and O ces Cultural and Social Spaces Institutional Spaces
Latimer Sq

Existing Programs:

Madras St

Gloucester St

The site being in close proximity to Latimer Square is a bonus as well as there being plentiful accomodation. This could potentially mean that there can be reductions in transportation as people are allowed to commute via walking as well as being able to house international scientists. There are many retail and institutional sites along with an nearby central square where the CBD converges to. Proposing a research and development may break down the retail dominance and provide a more mixed economy to CBD. If successful, the proposal can activate Latimer Square as a new public space.

Latimer Sq

Religious Spaces Worcester St Educational Spaces Angelas Proposed Site Chosen Site

Cathedral Sq

Hereford St

Accomodation & Housing Manchester St Gloucester St Latimer Sq Green Space & Public Space Parking Spaces ParkingSpace & Public Space Green Spaces Retail, Business and O ces Performance & Arts Precinct Angelas Proposed Site Chosen Site Latimer Sq Madras St Worcester St

Proposed Programs:

Along with the advantages of being close to everything in the CBD, there are especially many more opportunites such as: being embedded into the green Frame; the promixity to the central library; better public exposure and therefore capable of appealing to public interest.

Cathedral Sq

Hereford St

26

site no.3: next to latimer sq.

There are many advantages of placing the site next to Latimer Square: the close proximity to the CBD, good public exposure, embedded into the proposed Frame and finally it is strategically placed for the research centre to enhance and develop the citys gardens and ecologies.

Site is close to the Central library (exchange ideas/resources) Site is close to residential zones (reduce traffic/international scientist residences)

Site relates to Angela and Hannahs Projects (housing & offices)

Site is an integral part of the Frame and Latimer Square (can be the research lab for developing the green spaces)

Site is close to retail (accessible shopping areas for workers)

Site has good public exposure (educational for all)

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pre-quake vs post-quake
pre-quake site plan
Manchester St Gloucester St Latimer Sq Madras St Latimer Sq

Cathedral Sq

Worchester St

post-quake site plan

Manchester St Madras St

Demolished/ Destroyed buildings Surviving buildings/ Will remain

Gloucester St

Latimer Sq

Latimer Sq

Cathedral Sq

Worchester St

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pre-quake vs post-quake

Latimer Square

Demolished buildings Many of the buildings are gone due to the earthquake. Latimer Square especially has very little buildings on it.

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building max area & volume

Manchester St Gloucester St Latimer Sq Madras St Latimer Sq

Cathedral Sq

Worchester St

Area= 15,954m2 The maximum area is calculated by subtracting the remaining buildings. It is assumed that the entire demolished area is capable for use for the new research centre. (However, may need car park spaces).

Volume = 335,034m3

The Christchurch CBD blueprint restricts the heights of the buildings in order to increase density. This is because the existing CBD contain tall buildings with an inconsistent floor area space leaving large gaps in between.

Based on Christchurchs development blueprint, the maximum height of a building on the site can only be 21m. Along with the available area from all the demolished buildings, an area of 15,954m2, gives a total volume for the building to be 335,034m3. This amounts to a building of max 6 standard storeys.

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program analysis
Native Plants Research & Conservation

Seed Research and Improvement

Engineering seeds favorable for production.

Seed Distributor

Farms
Farmers use to grow better produce

Mass production of seeds

Plant Research
Other uses for plants, such as native species and their uses.

What is the built proposition? Plant, food and agriculture research centre for the storage of native plant seeds, the genetic
research and alteration of plants, plants for the general landscape (of NZ).

Who is it servicing? Trying to attract the intellectual sector, especially scientists who can use the CBD as a meeting point/
research & business hub to market products to the international and domestic market. It is also for the public to learn about growing plants and the research outcomes in general (as there are public demand).

Major Programs: Labs, growing and testing space, research facilities (libraries, lecture theatres, meeting rooms), public exhibition & public programs (cafes), administration spaces (offices, security), services (staff area, loading zones), special storage facilities.

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functions analysis

Public Exhibition Space

21%

Research Space (library/lecture theatre) O ces Labs Storage

11.5% 5% 12% 2% ~4,800m2 Area= 15,954m2

Plant Growing Facility

25%

Security Services

2% 11.5%

If the requirements of the built area is about 4800m2, then that is about 30% of the maximum buildable area on the site. This means that more ideas can be used.

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root-based program arrangement

Public access areas Services (Rest area)

Researcher-sta areas Services (Rest area)

Public access areas

Retail (cafes)

Storage Facility Public Exhibition Spaces (information stands/ semi-exterior plant showcase) Specialist Plant Growing Facility Research Space (library, lecture theatre) + Meeting/conference

Storage Facility

Retail (cafes)

Public Exterior Gardens

Specialist Plant Growing Facility

Public Exhibition Spaces (information stands/ semi-exterior plant showcase)

Public Exterior Gardens

Security

Labs

Labs Administration Specialist Plant Growing Facility Specialist Plant Growing Facility

Security

Based upon the rooting system, the functional diagram intention is to create a centralised space which brings together all the elements from the research field. Around the central areas are more growing facilities along with services for resting and to have the workers have a place to relax when not working. Labs are connected to the practical parts, and office spaces are given to scientists for an enclosure to work on other documents/presentations.

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