Urban Village: A Critique of Personal Space in Medium Density Housing

Abstract

Low density detached houses do not provide a sustainable solution to address future housing needs and exacerbate suburban sprawl. Report shows that New Zealand major cities exhibit a strong central city living trend. Medium density housing is becoming increasingly important as an alternative housing type. However there are some common issues with this type of housing. The lack of personal space is identified as one of the key issues and is the focus of the thesis. Based on a critical literature review, the research led design investigates whether high quality personal spaces can be created by adopting the close-grain perimeter block with shared courtyard typology on a selected site in Wellington city. The research also aims to find out how to make this typology responsive to local needs. The thesis contributes in defining a people-oriented housing scheme, which represents a new medium density housing typology. The design provides quality personal space and encourages high density living. The findings and conclusion assist in the creation of places that people may feel connected to and spaces that people remember with pride, by providing an exemplar ‘urban village’.