Townscape notation: a study of Oriental Bay

Abstract

"Wherever we are in a built environment some kind of townscape confronts us : an urban scenery we make, not necessarily by conscious choice, but by inevitable collusion with the culture into which we are born." (Wheeler, 1976, p.3) The objective of this research project was to develop a notation system suitable for use in a survey recording the existing townscape character of Oriental Bay. The results of this survey were then to be used to determine if proposed developments in the area would alter that townscape character in any way. This report begins with a brief description and history of Oriental Bay, followed by an evaluation of existing townscape notation methods and a synopsis of the process that led to the development of a townscape mapping technique for the area. A summary of the results of the townscape survey undertaken are included. The final section, a case study of a proposed apartment block on Oriental Parade, applies the information acquired in the survey to an estimation of changes in townscape quality as the result of the development. The conclusion evaluates the potential of the notation system as a useful tool for designers and planners.