Recreating Takapuna Beach: Life - Space - Buildings - Lukas Adam

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Design Intent

INSPIRATION: Jan Gehl's methodology of ' life - space - buildings' is central to the proposed recreation of Takapuna. Spaces and buildings are designed in such a way that encourages a vibrant public life. The geomorphologic themes of volcanism and uplift have have inspired forms and patterns in the proposal. The landform features of the surrounding area are unique, adding character and identity. The legend of the Tupua couple, children of the fire gods and Mahuika, the fire goddess also provided some insp iration for the proposal. Their quarreling led Mataoho, god of earthquakes and eruptions to destroy the couple's home on the mainland and thus create Lake Pupuke [immediately to the north of the town centre] and to lift Rangitoto Island from the sea as their exile. Developments in transportation have been the catalyst for growth in Takapuna
since its beginnings. The proposed development continues this pattern with the integration of a dedicated bus station.
CHARACTER:  Under the proposal Takapuna would become a boutique commercial and residential centre by the beach , a unique place with a strong and outstanding character. A relaxed yet vibrant place which boasts culture as well as an outstanding natural environment. A desirable place to live, work or visit where a lower impact way of life is implicit. A place of intimate spaces, compact sca le - a refined and elegant landscape.
PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT:  The proposal aims to improve the quality of public spaces in such a way that improves pedestrian experience. This is achieved by;
• emphasis on connection to the beach
• spaces and built form sensit ive to pedestrian scale
• priority given to the pedestrian above veh icles
• permeability of the landscape for pedestrians
VEHICULAR MOVEMENT:  Takapuna has been redesigned as a pedestrian destination - where people
are encouraged to access by public transport or by car and then move around the town centre on foot. Large underground carparks are proposed under the central civic square and the proposed built form along Gould Reserve. Access by public transport is especially encouraged with the proposal of a dedicated bus station building which greatly expands the centres capacity for movements of public tranpsport. The centre is also better connected to the location of a proposed ferry terminal to the north of the site.
STORM MOVEMENT:  It is proposed that stormwater is treated in a retention pond before being released into the sea. Water is co llected from the site and stored in the pond, where sedimen t and pollutants settle and are processed by wetland planting. The planting is industrial in form, highlighting the purpose of the pond as a functional addition. Raising awareness of stormwater issues is a central aim in the proposal of the treatment pond. Its capacity is to be able to treat a storm with a returning period of 2 years.