Lincoln: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:46, 20 November 2008

Planning for expansion: the reinvention of a small town in New Zealand

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Rationale: Why is this case study interesting?

This is the story of what shaped and influenced the development of a structure plan for a small town in New Zealand. Lincoln township is intimately linked to the history of Lincoln University. Its historical evolution illustrates many generic aspects of small rural towns in New Zealand, but it has special interest because of the way it is associated with the development of New Zealand. The Resource Management Act 1991 in conjunction with restructuring of the state sector and local and regional government has brought about significant changes in the approach to environmental management in New Zealand. The future of Lincoln will be shaped by the goals and principles of the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy, which has identified Lincoln as a growth centre, based upon its potential for a ‘new knowledge economy’. This case study explores the elements, patterns and dynamics that are shaping the character of Lincoln as the community expands and moves from being a sleepy rural township to become a centre of growth and innovation. In particular I consider the role of Lincoln University in this transition both as a landowner and as an educator actively engaged in local issues and the development of the Landscape Architecture profession in New Zealand.

Author's perspective

As a Landscape Architecture Masters student at Lincoln I approach this case study both from an academic perspective and as a member of the community. My professional background is in regional land use planning and resource management both in northern Canada and China. This has equipped me with a McHargian perspective which we are encouraged to explore further through our design studios in landscape architecture. Experience working with communities has also given me an appreciation of the opportunities and limitations of grass roots initiatives. I believe the case study method provides a systematic and disciplined approach to landscape architecture and exploring Lincoln from this perspective provides a clearer insight into the patterns that have shaped the township. As part of the LE:NOTRE Urban Landscapes Seminar this provides a useful resource for learning, collaboration and development of a more culturally aware landscape architecture profession.

Landscape and/or urban context

Biogeography, cultural features, overall character, history and dynamics

Illustration: Map; sketches; short descriptive analyses

Cultural/social/political context

Brief explanation of culture, political economy, legal framework

Illustration: Bullet points, image, background notes

History

How did the area/project/plan at the focus of the case study evolve?

Illustration: Table or time line