Better Cities = Better Living That is the question right? Which do you want more of; what is on the left or the right of the above picture. This is … Continue reading Reclaiming our cities: from a Sea of Parking to Oceans of Communities
Author: Ben Ross - Talking Auckland
Admin and author of Talking Auckland Blog ( http://voakl.net )
Medium Density in Cities are your Friend
We have nothing to be scared of with medium density developments When you are use to low density urban geographies, going to medium density can seem scary while high density … Continue reading Medium Density in Cities are your Friend
Finally some sensible planning: Mixed Use, and Transit Oriented Developments wanted in latest Planning Reforms
Proposals to make Mixed Use as of right, and defining walking catchments and transit corridors! Imagine, amenities within walking distance. Imagine, actual non car alternatives to work, school, places of … Continue reading Finally some sensible planning: Mixed Use, and Transit Oriented Developments wanted in latest Planning Reforms
The Very Definition of Planning Complexity
The consequences of those deliberate choices made earlier on In developing Manukau City Centre in Cities Skylines 2 through my 3.x series, I pondered about how much complexity goes on … Continue reading The Very Definition of Planning Complexity
From 28,000 to 68,000 population (in 51 minutes). The Planning and Preparation of the City!
How much goes on to get to the point of residents and businesses moving in, and for visitors to part with their coin? It takes around 12 hours in real … Continue reading From 28,000 to 68,000 population (in 51 minutes). The Planning and Preparation of the City!
A Look at Japanese Land-use Law and its Influence on Proposed Aotearoa Planning Law
Reflections on the Japanese Planning System Let’s kick off on what the Japanese regulators are around land-use (aka Planning). Note: the PDF version of the Wiki article will be at … Continue reading A Look at Japanese Land-use Law and its Influence on Proposed Aotearoa Planning Law
Placemaking: Public vs Private Realms and the Role of the Planner
Knowing ones place in Planning to deliver desirable outcomes The frank discussions with Hamish Rennie over the weekend on LinkedIn about the National Standardised Zones got me thinking two things: … Continue reading Placemaking: Public vs Private Realms and the Role of the Planner
National Standardised Zones to Stop Urban Design Nitpicking?
Who is to blame or do both need to adapt better? No sooner had the announcement about National Standardised Zones come out into the public sphere, do we see a … Continue reading National Standardised Zones to Stop Urban Design Nitpicking?
National Standardised Zones top off busy week in the Aotearoa Planning Sphere
Aotearoa is diving headfirst into the National Standardised Zones (NSZs), ripping apart over 1,000 zoning categories to embrace a mere 17-20, mirroring Japan’s and Victoria’s models. This radical overhaul promises uniformity across cities, but is it truly beneficial? While gamers cherish the consistency of zones like those in Cities Skylines, the real question looms: Will this homogenization in planning stifle diversity and creativity in urban design?
#OurManukau Update 2024
Auckland’s second City Centre, #OurManukau, is undergoing a major urban renewal program called Transform Manukau. Despite setbacks due to Covid and changes in government policy, the area is gearing up for renewed activity, particularly with the anticipated economic recovery in 2025. Of particular interest is the Airport to Botany Rapid Transit Stage 2 (A2B), which, once construction starts, is expected to be a game-changer for Manukau and Southern Auckland. Keep an eye out for more updates in November after a tour of Manukau City Centre!
Talking Southern Auckland 