Awakeri Wetlands.

38-351945.jpg

AWAKERI WETLANDS

LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand

YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION: 2016 - ongoing, under construction

AREA OF THE SITE: Framework Area: 190 Ha

Project site: 2,8km of new open watercourse, 18 Ha of new public open space

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Public recreational green and urban open spaces, open stormwater channel

IMG_20181024_100423.jpg

Awakeri is the name of an Auckland Council project that involves the transformation of flat farmland into over two kilometres of waterway and open green space. LandSpekt is involved in the development of the landscape design components including structures, footpaths and planting of the channel and the development of an urban design framework for the surrounding large scale housing developments and a network of public open spaces. The design elements derive from the kaupapa of Awakeri, which is based on the core idea of tiwhiri - discovery. Thematically tiwhiri provides a myriad of ways in which design attributes can be portrayed, relating to conceptual, cultural, or material principles, and referring to rediscovery, reconnection and reinscribing the past. The landscape plan aims to create a synergy between the design of Awakeri and the wider design opportunities in the area to embed meaning, imagery and storytelling, to promote shared experiences and create a layered expression of culture that speaks to the history of the area.

NOV19-13+1.jpg

Transforming Farmland.

The flat farmland east of Takanini in Auckland, New Zealand has been designated for residential development, the underlying peat soils here however are subject to frequent flooding and this hinders the land’s capacity for housing. In order to minimise the flooding risk, an open stormwater channel has been designed. This channel proposed by Auckland Council is effectively some 2800 linear metres of new watercourse, which is designed to provide a range of different habitat types and public open spaces, forming a green spine in the intensely developed area. With more than 2000 new homes being constructed in the area, the waterway will provide a central channel for a new community to grow around, encourage revitalisation of natural ecologies, and engage with the new pedestrian-focused urban environment.

Framework and Connections Plan developed for Awakeri

Framework and Connections Plan developed for Awakeri

IMG_20171106_144536.jpg

The environmental and ecological layers form the foundation of the project by recreating the wetlands which were once present in the Papakura flatlands. The name Awakeri reflects the man-made nature of the channel, although the earthworks and contouring reflect the characteristics of a natural watercourse. The channel is designed to create a mosaic of freshwater habitats, with a chain of open water bodies and wetland areas. The stormwater assets, weirs, culverts and underground infrastructure have been designed to enable the establishment of a naturalised wetland. The lowlands and stream banks are enhanced by eco-sourced native planting, more than 500 specimen trees and shrub areas with a diverse understory of ferns and other native species. The planting will provide shelter for the self-introduction of flora and fauna in the future, restoring the mauri of the area.

IMG_20191031_093738.jpg

The rich history of the wider project site provides an array of elements to be referenced in the built environment, forming the cultural layer of Awakeri. The pathways follow the waterway providing a journey along the wetlands and the adjacent open spaces. The journey references the important trading routes and pathways connecting the villages and fort sites to the resource-rich swamplands of the past. To help pass on knowledge to generations to come, an outdoor classroom is proposed, in coordination with Kauri Flats School. Cultural and medicinal plants will be planted in specific areas and information boards will tell the stories what the channel reveals.

p65.jpg

A social layer will be added, building on the cultural layer and history of the site. New inhabitants will come to live in the area, forming new connections and telling new stories. Awakeri will provide open spaces where people can meet, an outdoor exercise area for recreation and outdoor classrooms for education. The channel will form a connection between past and future inhabitants of the land.

Next
Next

Beszterce