Waitohi/Picton Foreshore Reserve Masterplan,  Marlborough. Nestled at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is arguably one of New Zealand’s most pretty seaside towns. An update of the Picton Reserve Management Plan has seen AitkenTaylor commissioned to provide a masterplan for the Picton/Waitohi foreshore reserve and interfacing streetscapes. Preliminary design is underway and focuses on strengthening the connection between ‘land and sea’ to celebrate Waitohi/Picton as an environment of national and international significance.

Waitohi/Picton Foreshore Reserve Masterplan,  Marlborough.

Nestled at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is arguably one of New Zealand’s most pretty seaside towns. An update of the Picton Reserve Management Plan has seen AitkenTaylor commissioned to provide a masterplan for the Picton/Waitohi foreshore reserve and interfacing streetscapes. Preliminary design is underway and focuses on strengthening the connection between ‘land and sea’ to celebrate Waitohi/Picton as an environment of national and international significance.

Great North Road Reference Design, Arch Hill, Auckland Led by the Arch Hill Residents Association ‘Re-imagining Great North Road’ was prepared to encourage design conversations and thinking regarding the future vision and role of Great North Road, between Ponsonby Road and Surrey Crescent. The report advocates a shift from Great North Road operating solely as a road for vehicles to a place for people.

Great North Road Reference Design, Arch Hill, Auckland

Led by the Arch Hill Residents Association ‘Re-imagining Great North Road’ was prepared to encourage design conversations and thinking regarding the future vision and role of Great North Road, between Ponsonby Road and Surrey Crescent. The report advocates a shift from Great North Road operating solely as a road for vehicles to a place for people.

Waitohi/Picton Waterfront Playspace Upgrade, Marlborough A world class destination for international and domestic visitors to Marlborough the first stage of the Waitohi/Picton Foreshore Reserve Playspace upgrade is to improve connectivity between the play area and the reserve, supporting an intent to improve wider physical and perceived connectivity between the built and natural environments of Waitohi/Picton.   

Waitohi/Picton Waterfront Playspace Upgrade, Marlborough

A world class destination for international and domestic visitors to Marlborough the first stage of the Waitohi/Picton Foreshore Reserve Playspace upgrade is to improve connectivity between the play area and the reserve, supporting an intent to improve wider physical and perceived connectivity between the built and natural environments of Waitohi/Picton.   

 
2016 Auckland City Centre Public Life Survey, Auckland. In 2010 Denmark-based Urban Quality Consultants Gehl Architects conducted a Public Spaces and Public Life Survey in Auckland’s city centre. In 2015/2016 AitkenTaylor was commissioned to undertake a follow-up survey, providing comparative data to help measure the changes to public life in Auckland’s city centre.

2016 Auckland City Centre Public Life Survey, Auckland.

In 2010 Denmark-based Urban Quality Consultants Gehl Architects conducted a Public Spaces and Public Life Survey in Auckland’s city centre. In 2015/2016 AitkenTaylor was commissioned to undertake a follow-up survey, providing comparative data to help measure the changes to public life in Auckland’s city centre.

Wellesley Street Design Study, Auckland CBD. Assisting the Auckland Design Office (Auckland Council), the design studies for Wellesley Street were developed in response to the proposed Central East West Transport Study, to test alternative approaches to the design of Wellesley St, and inform further discussions that recognise both the role of public transport in the city centre and its interconnectedness with the city’s public realm and pedestrian networks.

Wellesley Street Design Study, Auckland CBD.

Assisting the Auckland Design Office (Auckland Council), the design studies for Wellesley Street were developed in response to the proposed Central East West Transport Study, to test alternative approaches to the design of Wellesley St, and inform further discussions that recognise both the role of public transport in the city centre and its interconnectedness with the city’s public realm and pedestrian networks.

Renwick Public Realm Upgrade, Renwick, Marlborough With the benefit of significant consultation and community engagement, AitkenTaylor have developed a Public Realm Upgrade Plan for the Marlborough township of Renwick. The proposal looks to re-establish a town centre identity and presence by improving street continuity, establishing on-road cycle infrastructure, upgrading public spaces and establishing a site-specific suite of street furniture that reflects the towns viticulture heart. Early interventions have started utilising a phased implementation strategy which allows testing and refining of the design.

Renwick Public Realm Upgrade, Renwick, Marlborough

With the benefit of significant consultation and community engagement, AitkenTaylor have developed a Public Realm Upgrade Plan for the Marlborough township of Renwick.

The proposal looks to re-establish a town centre identity and presence by improving street continuity, establishing on-road cycle infrastructure, upgrading public spaces and establishing a site-specific suite of street furniture that reflects the towns viticulture heart.

Early interventions have started utilising a phased implementation strategy which allows testing and refining of the design.

 
St Andrews Residential Development, Blenheim From a handful of vineyards in the 70’s to the globally recognised market of today, the wine industry in Marlborough has transformed the physical, social, cultural and economic landscape of the region. Infrastructural challenges coupled with this growth has been well documented, however a far greater ethical responsibility lies ahead; ensuring that an equitable standard of living is available to the seasonal employment force that make this industry possible. The St Andrews RSE Resident Managed Accommodation sets the new standard for liveability and well-being of seasonal workers in Marlborough

St Andrews Residential Development, Blenheim

From a handful of vineyards in the 70’s to the globally recognised market of today, the wine industry in Marlborough has transformed the physical, social, cultural and economic landscape of the region. Infrastructural challenges coupled with this growth has been well documented, however a far greater ethical responsibility lies ahead; ensuring that an equitable standard of living is available to the seasonal employment force that make this industry possible. The St Andrews RSE Resident Managed Accommodation sets the new standard for liveability and well-being of seasonal workers in Marlborough

Manukau City Centre Walkability Study, Manukau, South Auckland. A city’s walkability measure says a lot about the quality of an urban area. Communities that support a high quality walking experience are more liveable and lead to happier and healthier lives for the people who live in them. AitkenTaylor were commissioned by Panuku Auckland Development to undertake a walkability and public life study for Manukau City Centre as part of the ‘Transform Manukau’ urban regeneration project. The findings of which provided evidence of a long standing vehicle centric approach to urban planning and quantitative data to help improve connectivity and accessibility between the city centre and its surrounding residential population.  

Manukau City Centre Walkability Study, Manukau, South Auckland.

A city’s walkability measure says a lot about the quality of an urban area. Communities that support a high quality walking experience are more liveable and lead to happier and healthier lives for the people who live in them. AitkenTaylor were commissioned by Panuku Auckland Development to undertake a walkability and public life study for Manukau City Centre as part of the ‘Transform Manukau’ urban regeneration project. The findings of which provided evidence of a long standing vehicle centric approach to urban planning and quantitative data to help improve connectivity and accessibility between the city centre and its surrounding residential population.  

Waiharekeke Gateway Project, Blenheim, Marlborough Commissioned by Marlborough District Council the Waiharekeke Gateways concept is driven by the Maori concept of Tūrangawaewae. Often translated as ‘a place to stand’, Tūrangawaewae are places where we feel especially empowered and connected; our unique place in the world, our home. As such, our concept proposal attempts to pay homage and acknowledgment to the wider natural environment - the topography, waterways and native vegetation - that is responsible for the regions social, cultural, ecological and economic wealth.

Waiharekeke Gateway Project, Blenheim, Marlborough

Commissioned by Marlborough District Council the Waiharekeke Gateways concept is driven by the Maori concept of Tūrangawaewae. Often translated as ‘a place to stand’, Tūrangawaewae are places where we feel especially empowered and connected; our unique place in the world, our home. As such, our concept proposal attempts to pay homage and acknowledgment to the wider natural environment - the topography, waterways and native vegetation - that is responsible for the regions social, cultural, ecological and economic wealth.

 
Omaka Landing Residential Development For a development to reach its full potential – from bricks and mortar to a place that is valued by its community - a clear strategy and vision is needed  The strategy for Omaka Landing is driven by the desire to establish a strong place-based identity- connecting to the wider natural, social and environmental context of the wider community - a development that is intrinsically linked to its natural environment - physically and psychologically.

Omaka Landing Residential Development

For a development to reach its full potential – from bricks and mortar to a place that is valued by its community - a clear strategy and vision is needed 

The strategy for Omaka Landing is driven by the desire to establish a strong place-based identity- connecting to the wider natural, social and environmental context of the wider community - a development that is intrinsically linked to its natural environment - physically and psychologically.

Social Spine, St Andrews Residential Development AitkenTaylor’s primary task is the provision of high quality, active spaces that improve the well-being and quality of life for its users. For the St Andrews project this means designing a landscape around the public life and public activities expected from its residents. Fundamental to the proposal is the establishment of two key social ‘spines’ - a ‘park’ and a ‘street’ - each with the primary objective to invite and support sociability and well-being.

Social Spine, St Andrews Residential Development

AitkenTaylor’s primary task is the provision of high quality, active spaces that improve the well-being and quality of life for its users. For the St Andrews project this means designing a landscape around the public life and public activities expected from its residents. Fundamental to the proposal is the establishment of two key social ‘spines’ - a ‘park’ and a ‘street’ - each with the primary objective to invite and support sociability and well-being.

Queens Wharf Design Competition, Auckland Waterfront. Short listed for the ‘Opening the Red Gates Design Competition’ - the above project advocated for a design vernacular that not only celebrated the city’s working waterfront heritage but also posited people as the priority for the space - a significant shift from its history as a privatised space, long separating Aucklanders from their waterfront.

Queens Wharf Design Competition, Auckland Waterfront.

Short listed for the ‘Opening the Red Gates Design Competition’ - the above project advocated for a design vernacular that not only celebrated the city’s working waterfront heritage but also posited people as the priority for the space - a significant shift from its history as a privatised space, long separating Aucklanders from their waterfront.

 
Wairau Valley Community Plan, Marlborough Great community places thrive only when they are developed for the community, by the community. Consultation is pivotal to this objective - asking the people what they want from their communities. Wairau Valley Township, though a small rural community in southern Marlborough, experience many of the same issues typically associated with larger urban areas - poor pedestrian access and circulation, vehicular dominated streets and limited connectivity between its built and natural landscape. Commissioned by the Marlborough District Council our response to the challenges started with the people of Wairau Valley. Together interventions have been developed to enhance the identity of this small township and invite increased pedestrian activity and sociability for its residents.

Wairau Valley Community Plan, Marlborough

Great community places thrive only when they are developed for the community, by the community. Consultation is pivotal to this objective - asking the people what they want from their communities. Wairau Valley Township, though a small rural community in southern Marlborough, experience many of the same issues typically associated with larger urban areas - poor pedestrian access and circulation, vehicular dominated streets and limited connectivity between its built and natural landscape. Commissioned by the Marlborough District Council our response to the challenges started with the people of Wairau Valley. Together interventions have been developed to enhance the identity of this small township and invite increased pedestrian activity and sociability for its residents.

Telecom Derby Day Activities within spaces have a social gathering effect. They spawn random encounters and ultimately bring life to a site.  In 2009 Telecom sought to create an experience that captured the awareness of their brand in an engaging and inspirational way for all those in attendance at the Telecom New Zealand Derby Day. Assisting New Zealand Sponsorship Agency (now SPUR) a temporary activity programme was developed for the Ellerslie Racecourse - using ringmasters, jockeys, flags and hay bales - to create a highly social atmosphere for ‘a day at the races’.

Telecom Derby Day

Activities within spaces have a social gathering effect. They spawn random encounters and ultimately bring life to a site.  In 2009 Telecom sought to create an experience that captured the awareness of their brand in an engaging and inspirational way for all those in attendance at the Telecom New Zealand Derby Day. Assisting New Zealand Sponsorship Agency (now SPUR) a temporary activity programme was developed for the Ellerslie Racecourse - using ringmasters, jockeys, flags and hay bales - to create a highly social atmosphere for ‘a day at the races’.

Telecom Christmas Tree, Auckland/Wellington Managed by New Zealand Sponsorship Agency (now SPUR) the brief for the Telecom Christmas Tree was centred on the delivery of a new Christmas experience, aimed at challenging and encouraging people to think differently about Telecom. The result was a 30 metre high Christmas tree, constructed almost entirely from programmable lights, that captured the imagination of its users and displayed the value of creating an environment where random encounters unfold and public life could be celebrated.

Telecom Christmas Tree, Auckland/Wellington

Managed by New Zealand Sponsorship Agency (now SPUR) the brief for the Telecom Christmas Tree was centred on the delivery of a new Christmas experience, aimed at challenging and encouraging people to think differently about Telecom. The result was a 30 metre high Christmas tree, constructed almost entirely from programmable lights, that captured the imagination of its users and displayed the value of creating an environment where random encounters unfold and public life could be celebrated.

 
 
Gateway Park, Omaka, Blenheim One of two public parks within the Omaka Landing 150 lot residential development, Gateway Park draws on a unique aviation heritage to establish a community play space and passive recreation park. Topographical ‘sculptures’ establish a rhythm in the park, setting an aviation theme (arrivals and departures) and supporting a range of activities for all ages.

Gateway Park, Omaka, Blenheim

One of two public parks within the Omaka Landing 150 lot residential development, Gateway Park draws on a unique aviation heritage to establish a community play space and passive recreation park. Topographical ‘sculptures’ establish a rhythm in the park, setting an aviation theme (arrivals and departures) and supporting a range of activities for all ages.

Marlborough Mile, Blenheim Town Centre, Marlborough. Driven by the Blenheim Business Association, the Marlborough Mile proposal advocates for temporary ‘tactical urbanism’ styled interventions to strengthen physical connectivity between the towns pocket parks, improve way finding and legibility, encourage street/building activation and to celebrate and reflect Marlborough’s wider social, ecological, economic and cultural context within the heart of Blenheim’s CBD area.

Marlborough Mile, Blenheim Town Centre, Marlborough.

Driven by the Blenheim Business Association, the Marlborough Mile proposal advocates for temporary ‘tactical urbanism’ styled interventions to strengthen physical connectivity between the towns pocket parks, improve way finding and legibility, encourage street/building activation and to celebrate and reflect Marlborough’s wider social, ecological, economic and cultural context within the heart of Blenheim’s CBD area.