Called New Housing in Living 4 Zones:A Design Guide, the book aims to provide designers and developers with a checklist of considerations when proposing new housing in the Living 4 Zones.

Christchurch City Council urban designer Brendan Smyth says the intention is not to restrict or stifle adventurous or imaginative design but to promote quality and innovation in urban design and architecture.

“Well designed, quality residential developments that fit in with their surroundings are not only more acceptable to neighbours, they are easier to sell,” he says.

The guide is in three parts: Part One gives advice about what to consider when selecting a site in the central city, such as car parking and vehicle access, and the layout of the house on the site, so that it fits in with the context of the area; Part Two looks at design aspects of individual buildings, to ensure they respond to the nature and scale of their surroundings; and Part Three considers the way in which outside areas, such as access ways, car parks, planted areas and boundary fences, can influence the appeal of a development.

The design guide is not just for developers and designers but is available free to anyone considering undertaking a building project in the centre of the city. It follows on from the Living 3 Design Guide produced in 1999, which looked at new housing in medium density residential areas (Living 3 Zones).

To obtain a copy of the guide, contact Brendan Smyth at the Christchurch City Council on 941 8934.A copy can also be ordered on-line and downloaded from the Council’s web-site at www.ccc.govt.nz/publications/designguides/