Abstract

Intensification is occurring rapidly in New Zealand’s main urban centres, resulting in significant reduction of both private and public open space. This paper considers how to achieve medium density housing that maintains open space. One design strategy is to make communal space multivalent, i.e. to have multiple uses, meanings and values. In New Zealand, little consideration is given to the multivalence of communal space in medium density housing, yet it is a key to using land more efficiently, creating quality living environments for residents, and fostering connectedness and a sense of community. This paper proposes five principles for making communal space multivalent. These five principles provide a spatial framework for creating sustainable medium density neighbourhoods.