Does higher density housing enhance liveability? Case studies of housing intensification in Auckland
Errol Haarhoff; Lee Beattie; Ann Dupuis
Abstract – Tuhinga Whakarāpopoto
This paper examines how liveability is enhanced in intensified suburban contexts. Three case study areas in Auckland were used: Albany, New Lynn, and Onehunga. Key reasons for moving into higher-density housing were opportunities to form social networks, affordability, and proximity to schools, shopping, public transport, and employment. The research also examined walkability and car dependency where there was variation between the three case studies. A significant number of respondents reported using their car less since their move. Despite these positives, future housing aspirations tended to remain oriented to detached housing and lower densities. This raises policy issues for the promotion and management of urban consolidation and higher densities.
Other reports associated with this research
Boarin, P., Allen, N. & Haarhoff, E. (2019). Assessing environmental sustainability outcomes at neighbourhood scale: A Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Hobsonville Point, Auckland. Working Paper 19-05 for Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities Urban Wellbeing: Shaping Places: Future Neighbourhoods, 104pgs. Auckland: BBHTC.
Haarhoff, E., Allen, N., Austin, P., Beattie, L. & Boarin, P. (2019). Living at density in Hobsonville Point, Auckland: Resident perceptions. Working Paper 19-01 for Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities Urban Wellbeing: Shaping Places: Future Neighbourhoods, 75pgs. Auckland: BBHTC.
Haarhoff, E. & Beattie, L. (2017). Can higher density enhance liveability? Build 160, June/July 2017, pp 70-71. Wellington: BRANZ.
Articles associated with this research – Karere Tūhono
Case study: Can higher density enhance liveability?
July 2017: Higher-density housing requires quality urban development to deliver liveable, walkable communities. A National Science Challenge-funded survey in Auckland showed this is what people want from where they live. Associating enhanced liveability with higher density at first glance seems illogical. In the early part of the 20th century, the idea was promoted that better urban conditions required lower densities. So how did we get to arguing that higher density enhances liveability? >> Read More
Media: Hobsonville Point high density development study findings
30 May 2018: North Harbour News/Stuff article
Shaping Places: Future Neighbourhoods Principal Investigator Errol Haarhoff is interviewed about the impact of high density living on well-being and housing satisfaction at Hobsonville Point. The suburb is unique in that it’s the first of its kind: a greenfield built from scratch and founded on the principle of high-density living, says Errol. And it seems to be working well. >> Read More
Keywords – Kupu Hāngai
Post-Occupancy Evaluation, urban development, urban design, neighbourhoods, 15 minute neighbourhood, neighbourhood walkability, high-density living, medium-density living, liveability, urban consolidation, intensification, medium-density housing, urban growth management, car dependency
Fields of Research – Āpure Rangahau
Urban Development; Urban Planning
Date – Te Wā Whakarewa
2016-10
Type – Te Auaha
Journal Paper
Citation – Kupu Hautoa
Haarhoff, E., Beattie, L., & Dupuis, A. (2016). Does higher density housing enhance liveability? Case studies of housing intensification in Auckland. Cogent Social Sciences, 2(1), 1243289.
