Mobility Oriented Development: Integrating New Zealand Suburban Transit Stations Into Town Centres

Abstract

Vehicle dominated town centres can lack quality for pedestrians. However, many solutions compromise transportation efficiency. The concept of Mobility Oriented Design (MOD) is put forward as a solution to this problem. The principles of MOD were created based on key research and tested through a design case study, which informed further refinement. The MOD principles were formulated around the model of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) which focuses town centre design on high quality pedestrian environments and public transportation. MOD extends the TOD model by incorporating elements of People Scale Design (PSD) and Transit Station Design (TSD) to create a set of principles which address elements integral to the design a quality town centre.

It was hypothesised that the MOD principles would inform the design of quality suburban centres in New Zealand. The Paraparaumu town centre and train station was chosen as the case study site as it exemplifies common qualities in New Zealand suburban centres. This case study demonstrated that the MOD principles were an effective tool in informing the design of a quality suburban centre. The clear aims of the principles, and the concepts which informed them, ensured that the design successfully integrated the transit hub with the town centre, maintained efficient transportation by reinforcing the use of public transit, and created quality spaces for pedestrians.