The effect of design guides on Wellington architecture

Abstract

This report investigates the way in which the design guides in the Wellington District Plan will affect Wellington architecture. In doing so, it also examines some of the issues surrounding design guidance in general. It comprises a brief summary of the background to design guidance, a review of the Wellington design guides, an examination of the relevant submissions on the District Plan and discussion by some prominent Wellington architects. The conclusion is that there is generally a positive attitude to the introduction of design guides in terms of their effect on the city's architecture, however there are reservations in terms of extra costs for property owners, investors and developers. Wellington architecture will improve as a result of the introduction of design guides. There will be more consideration of the context of a development and maintenance of the character of areas, and development standards will increase, especially at the bottom end. Creativity and innovation will still be possible on the condition that the administrators of the design guides have design training and do not use the design guides as prescriptive rules.