They help create our identity and define a sense of place by reflecting local communities and local history.
They also help to green the city, play a part in carbon reduction, and contribute to eco-system health and biodiversity.
As Auckland's population increases and becomes more urbanised, our public places and spaces will become even more important to our wellbeing, particularly in areas of high growth, increased density and socio-economic need.
This has implications for the number, size and location of our public places. It is also an important reason why we need to think differently about what we consider to be a public place and how we conceive its use. We also need to think differently about how we design and deliver them.
They have to:
- support multiple uses
- be able to adapt and change in the future
- reflect who we are as communities, Aucklanders and New Zealanders.
Cities and cultures constantly evolve. As Auckland grows and intensifies, space will be at an even higher premium.
Acquiring new public space is expensive. Auckland must therefore complement any new public places by getting more out of what we already have. Innovative and thoughtful design will be key ways of meeting this challenge.
