Chch’s planning feared inadequate

Press, 27 June 1989, Page 8

Chch’s planning feared inadequate

By

JANE DUNBAR

Doubt has been cast over whether Christchurch’s architects, planners and engineers are creating a city people will be proud of in 50 years.

The Christchurch City Council’s architect, Mr Albert Louman, told the Civic Trust’s annual meeting that he doubted that Christchurch’s professionals, including himself, were adequately equipped to ensure an attractive city in 50 years. Education was the only answer, he said. Urban design forums and University post-graduate courses were essential. In Europe urban design was one of the most important issues being discussed in cities. Urban growth was out and consolidation and environmental improvement were in. Political parties were realising the quality of

urban environments should take priority and more emphasis was being

placed on the greening of cities, reduction of traffic, better public transport and enhanced open spaces. In West Germany, urban design programmes represented the biggest investment and biggest employment opportunities in the construction industry. Expectations of urban design had also risen in New Zealand, but for successful urban design programmes professionals needed a combination of design and managerial skills. Such people would be in short supply in New Zealand until education in the urban design field was given serious attention.

Mr Louman was a guest speaker at the meeting. A report concerning central city design guidelines was discussed. The council’s assistant planner, Mr Ken Lawn, said about 24 submissions had been received on the report. Some people believed too much emphasis had been placed on buildings and not enough on open spaces and the social environment, said Mr Lawn. Others were concerned detailed guidelines could inhibit imaginative design and would lead to stereotyped and mediocre work. There was also a feeling there needed to be controls over buildings fronting the Avon.