What is Urban Design?

The Urban Design Protocol released by the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) in March 2005 defines urban design as “the design of the buildings, places, spaces and networks that make up our towns and cities, and the way people use them.”

Urban design is a multidisciplinary activity involving architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, economists and surveyors. Property developers, councils and community groups also play a significant role in achieving good quality built outcomes for our towns and cities.

The importance of Urban Design

The MfE released a report in 2005 entitled “The Value of Urban Design”. After examining and studying international research about the range of benefits and costs associated with urban design, the report concluded that:

• Good urban design can sometimes cost more upfront, but it also offers significant benefits to the community.
• Conversely, poor design, or ‘business as usual’ is likely to have significant adverse environmental, social and even economic effects.
• Urban design that delivers improved quality of life is valued by the community.

North Shore City and Urban Design

North Shore City Council is a signatory to the government’s Urban Design Protocol. Our Urban Design Protocol Action Plan sets out current and future urban design projects and initiatives. Current projects and initiatives include:

• Centre Plan preparation and implementation
• Statutory changes (changes to the District Plan) aimed at improving the quality of the built environment
• Non-statutory documents aimed at assisting developers and their architects such as North Shore City’s Good Solutions Guides
• An urban design Champion to champion urban design in the City

If you require or wish to speak to an urban design advisor about any of these initiatives please contact on Actionline on: