An assignment I completed at university in 2009 involved creating a Growth Concept Strategy for Rodney District, Auckland, looking ahead until 2050. This was assigned to us because Aucklands population is increasing steadily and Rodney District is a key area in which this growth can be accommodated.
A specific area of Rodney (Kumeu) was further examined. I proposed that 30,000 residents lived there by 2050 (a fair increase from what it is now). This gave a moderately high gross density of 41 people per ha.
The ‘pedestrian pocket’ theory is used in my proposed town design. The town will be developed along a linear pattern in line with a new light rail. ‘Pockets’ of development will exist along the light rail line. Each pocket will be of mixed use, however some will have more of a focus than others (eg.shopping centre, cultural centre etc).
This type of design allows for housing to be nearer services and employment. Many will be in 400m walkable distance, while feeder buses will be provided to others. In essence it is like a linear version of Ebenezer Howards 'Garden City' idea, very much focused on concentrated urban design as opposed to sprawl. In general I think the pedestrian pocket theory explained in The Pedestrian Pocket Book (1989) is an excellent idea, focusing on walkable, public transport orientated cities in a fairly compact form.
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