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Research papers, Victoria University of Wellington

<b>Ōtautahi-Christchurch faces the future in an enviable position. Compared to other New Zealand cities Christchurch has lower housing costs, less congestion, and a brand-new central city emerging from the rubble of the 2011 earthquakes. ‘Room to Breathe: designing a framework for medium density housing (MDH) in Ōtautahi-Christchurch’ seeks to answer the timely question how can medium density housing assist Ōtautahi-Christchurch to respond to growth in a way that supports a well-functioning urban environment? Using research by design, the argument is made that MDH can be used to support a safe, accessible, and connected urban environment that fosters community, while retaining a level of privacy. This is achieved through designing a neighbourhood concept addressing 3 morphological scales- macro- the city; meso- the neighbourhood; and micro- the home and street. The scales are used to inform a design framework for MDH specific to Ōtautahi-Christchurch, presenting a typological concept that takes full advantage of the benefits higher density living has to offer.</b> Room to Breathe proposes repurposing underutilised areas surrounding existing mass transit infrastructure to provide a concentrated populous who do not solely rely on private vehicles for transport. By considering all morphological scales Room to Breathe provides one suggestion on how MDH could become accepted as part of a well-functioning urban environment.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

One end of the Arts Centre photographed shortly after the 22 February 2011 earthquake. The gable of the building has crumbled and fallen to the ground, collapsing an awning. A large crack can be seen in the corner tower. Blue ties can be seen at the top of the tower, used to brace the structure after the 4 September 2010. This has probably limited the damage caused by the 22 February 2011 earthquake.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of a tower of the Arts Centre taken from Rolleston Avenue near the Botanic Gardens. A wooden structure has been wrapped around the tower and secured with tie-downs in order to help reduce damage by further aftershocks.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of the Arts Centre taken from Rolleston Avenue near the Botanic Gardens. The building has been cordoned off by wire fencing and a wooden structure has been secured to the tower with tie-downs to help reduce damage from further aftershocks.

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

Laura Young and I tying down tarps over the hole in the roof. We did what we could to tie it down with tension and weigh it down with bricks tied to the tarps. Why? Because gale-force winds are predicted for tomorrow (Sunday) and rain on Tuesday.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of the Cranmer Courts on the corner of Kilmore and Montreal Streets. One of the gables has crumbled and ties have been placed around the rest to limit further damage from aftershocks. Pigeons are roosting on the edge.