01 November 2001 Lincoln student ‘redirects flow’ for Glenorchy development

A hypothetical town development plan for Glenorchy features in a public exhibition in Christchurch by final year students of Lincoln University's Bachelor of Landscape Architecture class.

Student Daryl Scott chose Glenorchy for his final year Major Design project. Called "Redirecting the Flow", it is the result of four months of work in the four-year degree programme. The Major Design project brief asked students to 'think laterally and push the boundaries", thus allowing them to be as creative as they wished.

The main local issues dealt with by Daryl in his design are flooding, vehicle and public circulations, fragmentation of the township and pressure for urban development as the demand increases for the Glenorchy lifestyle.

Daryl looked to the surrounding landscape and the uniqueness of the area for his inspiration. His hypothetical proposal involves the reorientation of the township, the addition of some facilities to cater for local demand, a water front development and implementation of some creative flood mitigation measures. Overall his plan pursues the ideal of linking Glenorchy to its spectacular natural resources.

Daryl says he chose to undertake the Glenorchy Town Development as his project because he wanted to ensure the town was developed without compromising its unique qualities and to make sure it doesn't become another development casualty.

He believes his proposals would allow the site to function mora cohesively, attract a diverse range of people for many different reasons, and provide a "unique Glenorchy experience".

The exhibition, in Christchurch's Arts Centre, is called "Threshold'', reflecting the position of the graduating students as they face the prospect of their professional careers starting.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.