Wide international interest in Breathe- new urban village design competition

Nearly sixty entries have been received for the international competition to design and build a new place for living in Christchurch’s Central City.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is impressed by the response to the competition from both New Zealand and overseas entrants. “The number of entries has exceeded our expectations. We have had 36 entries from New Zealand as well as entries Europe, the Middle East and the United States,” he says.

“The new development will inspire and excite a new generation of residents to live within Christchurch’s Central City, where we are rebuilding what will be one of the most modern and liveable cities in the world.” he says.

The competition was open to any group that included a designer and a developer as the ultimate winners’ concept will be constructed on a site set aside built on the corner of Madras and Gloucester streets.

The new medium-density urban residential complex is to provide a variety of housing options and lifestyle choices based on the key principles of sustainability, affordability, innovation and a strong sense of community.

“Our new urban village will be an exciting place to live, right in the heart of the city; close to the Avon River/Otakaro precinct, across the road from the park-like communal green setting of the Frame and within easy walking distance of the new performing arts precinct, entertainment and retail areas and new employment opportunities.”

The new urban village is a joint Christchurch City Council, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and CERA/CCDU development.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Architect, Duncan Joiner said the level of entries demonstrates that the challenge of providing excellent medium density inner city housing is one that is currently capturing the world’s imagination.

“While only three concepts will be selected to progress to phase two, with the ultimate winner of that phase being built in Christchurch, other New Zealand cities, in particular Auckland, could also benefit from the design ideas and concepts entered in the competition.” he says.

The Judging Panel, which includes Kevin McCloud from British television programme Grand Designs, will review and adjudicate the entries with the three short-listed entries being announced on 28 February, 2013. Following the announcement the shortlisted entries and selected entries will be put on public display.

For further information on the competition and future updates: www.newurbanvillage.org.nz