vegetation ecosystems

angelayoo

futurechristchurch.camiayoung.jordonsaunders

contents
INTRODUCTION
3 4 project description introduction

01 RESEARCH
8 11 christchurch ecosystems ecosystem focus stream

02 FORMAL INVESTIGATION
14 15 16 17 native tree attraction level native bird behaviour overall attraction level concentrations of bird species

03 SITE & PROGRAM

20 21 22 23 24 future christchurch sites surrounding program council proposed program immediate site analysis housing demographic

04 DESIGN PROPOSAL
26 27 28 31 34 35 39 40 43 swarm behaviours program hierarchy on site swarms on site massing structure isonometric views section elevations images

INTRODUCTION

project description

The traditional notion of the Garden City has become increasingly obsolete in contemporary times and post-earthquake Christchurch serves as a unique opportunity to question and further modern ideas related to the green belt. Research into Christchurch ecosystems reveal a strong dependency between native plant and native bird species which have participated in mutualistic co-evolution in the isolated condition of New Zealand. This attraction between species has given way to Swarm logic as a possible means of organization of architecture. In a similar fashion to native birds being attracted to native plants, behavioural agents may seek certain local conditions and interact with one another to organize the collective gesture from a bottom up approach. By defining laws of interrelations and coding behavior sensitive to site, an architecture derived from these complex dependencies can emerge, free of the influence of empty traditions. The project centred at the heart of Christchurch is aimed at providing housing for the influx of workers who come to the city as part of the rebuild. At a crucial time for Christchurch, unique ideas appropriate for the new city emerging from disaster should be considered.

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

garden city of today

ecosystems

CO2 of the atmosphere

RespirationR

espiration

RespirationR

espiration

Producers
green parts of the plants

Parasites

Herbivores Omnivores

Carnivores Carnivores II + III

Soil Respiration

Atmosphere

Waste

phloem stream

Consumers
(litter) Saprophages Roots Copro- and necrophages Parasites And Herbivore Carnivores

Pedosphere

Decomposers Short Cycle

Decomposers Long Cycle

When Sir Ebenezer Howard first envisioned the Garden city it was a reaction to the industrial revolution which began to change cities; combining both the economic potential brought by the industrial revolution along with the clean environment of the country. However, with cities continuing to change the notion of this industrial-country-city is becoming obsolete. Gardens have effectively become decorated walls of a city making the delineation between green-belt and city greater. What constitutes the green-belt is also becoming increasingly ambiguous. Is it supposed to be confined to parks and agricultural areas? The notion of the Garden-city has become increasingly obsolete in contemporary times; questioning what the green-belt could be. This research intends to look into ecosystems, centred on vegetation, as a possible source of breaking the boundary between city and green as separate habitations and green-space which performs to make a new mode of urban.

The understanding of vegetation and nature stems from analysis of the flows and resources across ecosystems. We have attempted to identify the processes that drive and maintain ecosystems and recognise opportunities for regeneration. Streams of biotic interactions and mutualistic relationships between vegetation and the ecosystems it supports shows how every component of nature is co-dependent and related within a cycle. The loss of habitat and diversity of indigenous species can be largely attributed to the activity of humans that disrupt the cycle and do not conform as part of the ecosystem. Native species are usually adapted to support eachother and there is real opportunity in restoring native activity to its origins where it will strive.

01 RESEARCH

RESEARCH tall trees small trees/shrub tussock/grass

RESEARCH

christchurch ecosystems
coastal plains

wet plains ecosystem

bird species other

dry plains

TOTARA
older plains ecosystem moist and deep kaiapoi soils

KAHIKATEA
older plains ecosystem wet taitapu soils

TE KAKAHI
dry or stoney wet taitapu soils

PUKIO
peat plains ecosystem wet and peaty waimairi and aranui soils

wet plains

port hills

Totara Podocarpus totara

Tall, slow growing trees which provide fruit for native birds

Matai Prumnopitys taxifolia Endemic NZ tree dispersed by Keruru

Kahikatea Dacrycarpus dacrydioides

Tall native tree which provides fruit for native birds

Kanuka Kunzea ericodes

A tree or shrub native to NZ and SE Australia

Manuka Leptospermum scoparium

A small tree or shrub native to NZ and SE Australia

Pukio Carex secta

Tussock edge useful for reestablishing or enhancing wetland areas

Karamu Coprosma robusta

Bushy shrub/ small tree, widespread native species

DRY PLAINS
The dry plains are part of the alluvial floodplain built up by braided rivers of Canterbury. Prior to European settlement the plains were covered with silver tussock grassland with localized woodland areas of Kowhai, Cabbage trees and Kanuka. Very few of these areas remain within the citys boundaries, with only a few shrubs, patches of kowhai and areas of grassland surviving. The grassland areas are cable of supporting an extensive number of indigenous plant, bird and insect species.

WET PLAINS
The Wet plains have changed drastically since human occupation and the effects of human activity has seen a severe loss of original plant and animal species. The Wet Plains historically supported expansive podocarp (Kahikatea), wetland and swamp forest. Riccarton bush is the only significant podocarp wetland forest currently remaining. The honey eaters, tui and bellbird were important species for pollination and were all abundant in Canterbury in the past.

COASTAL PLAINS
Coastal plains are divided into two broad ecosystems: the estuarine and the dunes. Estuaries contain complex ecological conditions due it being the point where freshwater meets the sea. Cycles of tides and freshwater inflow produce much variations of water levels and salinities which the vegetation must tolerate in order to survive. Dune vegetation similarly are exposed to varying salinities and water levels, but also to extended durations of drought of which Pingao has especially adapted to.

Keruru
New Zealand pigeon. Endemic to NZ, play important ecological role

Tui
Endemic passerine bird of NZ. Main pollinators of many native plants

Bellbird
Korimako Endemic passerine bird of NZ. Pollinators of many native plants

Kakariki
Native small forest birds. Orange-fronted parakeet critically endangered

Grey Warbler
Riroriro is a common insectivorous bird endemic to NZ

Kuruwhengi
New Zealand Shoveler which eats primarily the seeds of aquatic plants

Silvereye
Native but not endemic bird of NZ which eats fruit of Karamu and disperses seed

houhere ti kouka tussock kowhai

totara kahikatea te kakahi pukio

akeake pingao oioi

Endemic birds of NZ which disperse the seeds of Karamu

Keruru, Tui, Bellbird

Fantail
Small native insectivorous bird widely distributed in New Zealand.

Common plum tree

The Keruru prefers to eat the leaves of the introduced plum tree plant.

Related Native Plants

Cabbage trees, miro, flax, kowhai, NZ fuchsia

Insects
Caterpillars, aphids, leaf miners

Related Native Plants

Beech, Manuka, Kanuka, flax seed, grass seed

Insects
Spiders, insects and their larvae

Related Native Plants

fuchsia, kowhai, flax Insect: Aphids

DRY PLAINS ECOSYSTEM MAP The four main ecosystems in the dry plains are houhere, ti kouka, tussock and kowhai

WET PLAINS ECOSYSTEM MAP The four main ecosystems in the wet plains are totara, kahikatea, te kakahi and pukio

COASTAL PLAINS ECOSYSTEM MAP The four main ecosystems in the coastal plains are akeake, pingao, oioi

RESEARCH tall trees small trees/shrub tussock/grass bird species other

RESEARCH

dry plains ecosystem

coastal plains ecosystem

HOUHERE
mid age plains ecosystem moist and deep waimakariri soils

TI KOUKA
mid age plains ecosystem droughty and shallow waimakariri soils

TUSSOCK
young plains ecosystem droughty and shallow selwyn soils

KOWHAI
young plains ecosystem moist and deep selwyn soils

AKEAKE
old dune ecosystem droughty waikuku soils

PINGAO
young dune ecosystem droughty and raw kairaki soils

OIOI
esturine ecosystem wet and salty motukarara soils

Hoheria augustifolia Tall trees or large shrubs endemic to NZ.

Houhere

Pittosporum tenuifolium Small evergreen tree with coloured foliage

Kohuhu

Leptospermum scoparium

Manuka

Kanuka
Kunzea ericodes

Small shrub found mainly in the drier areas of NZ

A tree or shrub native to NZ and SE Australia

Cordyline australis The Cabbage tree is endemic to NZ and attracts many insects and birds

Ti Kouka

Saphora microphylla Tree native to NZ growing throughout the country. Distinctive yellow

Kowhai

Thick leaved mikimiki

Coprosma Crassifolia

Coprosma propinqua Small leaved shrub of tree common in scrub

Mikimiki

Bracken Fern Pteridium esculentum

Bracken, ground cover

Ngaio Myoporum laetum

Native tree to NZ. Fast growing evergreen tree

Akeake Dodonaea viscosa

Widespread distribution. Wood is tough and durable

Stiff bushy shrub

Nationally endangered native shrub located near coastal areas

Tauhinu Pomaderris ericifolia

A type of sand binding grass native to NZ.

Pingao Desmoschoenus spiralis

Native coastal groundcover with bright green foliage.

Remuremu Selliera Radicans

Shrub which is tolerant to salty conditions.

Marsh Ribbonwood Plagianthus divaricatus

OiOi Apodasmia similis

A tall reed growing on NZ salt marshes.

Fantail
Small native insectivorous bird widely distributed in New Zealand.

Insects

Kakariki
Native small forest birds. Orange-fronted parakeet critically endangered

Silvereye
Native but not endemic bird of NZ which eats fruit of Karamu and disperses seed

Lizard
Native geckos and skinks endemic to NZ.

Insects
Caterpillars, aphids, leaf miners

Tui
Native but not endemic bird of NZ

Bellbird
Korimako Endemic passerine bird of NZ. Pollinators of many native plants

Keruru
Native but not endemic bird of NZ

Banded dotterel
Endemic bird protected in NZ. Breed in a variety of habitats

Lizard
Native geckos and skinks endemic to NZ.

Silvereye
Native but not endemic bird of NZ which eats fruit of Karamu and disperses seed

Grey Warbler
Riroriro is a common insectivorous bird endemic to NZ

Sand fescue Austrofestuca littoralis

A tussock which grows with Pingao.

Fernbird
Insectivorous bird native to NZ, prefering ground dwelling than flying.

Mingimingi Coprosma propinqua Grows alongside marsh ribbonwood.

Banded Dotterel
Native bird feeding on molluscs, crustaceans and insects

Inanga
Known more commonly as whitebait, it is a scale-less fish with a silvery belly.

Native Fuchsia
Native tree found commonly throughout NZ with sweet berry

Insects
Caterpillars, aphids, leaf miners

Related Native Plants

Cabbage trees, miro, flax, kowhai, NZ fuchsia

Insects
Flies, moths

Related Native Plants

fuchsia, kowhai, flax Insect: Aphids

Insects
The grey warbler will feed on spiders, insects and their larvae

A bird native to both NZ and Australia, it has a fondness for fruits.

Silver Eye bird

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RESEARCH

wet plains ecosystem focus stream

totara ecosystem
moist and deep kaiapoi soils

Totara Podocarpus totara Totara is a podocarp tree endemic to NZ and was once prominent in the Wet Plains of Christchurch. It is best suited to full sun or semishade conditions and is dry/wind/ wet tolerant. It will readily establish itself on pasture land and prefers rich moist non-alkaline soil. The totara is dispersed by native birds which eat the fruit and excrete the seed.

Kereru ( New Zealand Pigeon) Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae Large, enedmic bird of NZ that primarily eats fruits from native trees. This makes the Keruru a crucial link in ecosystem nutrient cycles as it supports many native trees that rely solely on native birds for distribution. Breeding depends on the availability of fruit. Keruru feed on podocarp species such as Totara and distribute the seeds.

Tui and Bellbird Endemic passerine birds of NZ that primarily feed on nectar, fruit and insects. They are examples of mutualistic coevolution and pollinate many native plants (such as mistletoe, fuchsia and kowhai).

Native bird species sightings in Christchurch Indicates urban habitat and

Bellbird Kereru Tui

02 FORMAL INVESTIGATION

appropriate ecosystem
maori carving totara seed

totara bark

USES: Totara wood is very durable and can be used for outdoor landscaping timber and it is also famous for its carving properties making it the primary wood used for Maori carvings. Before Totara forests were depleted, it was also valued for bridge and wharf construction.plum, sauces, desserts)

Common plum tree The Kereru love to eat the leaves from the common plum tree which is an introduced species of plant. When availability of fruit is scarce, Kereru rely on leaves as a large part of their diet. Plum trees grown well in fertile, well drained soil. Plums are versatile fruit that are enjoyed by many people. (Fruit, jam, jellies, dried plum, sauces, desserts)

Related Native Plants Cabbage trees, miro, flax, kowhai, NZ fuchsia, mistletoe, Kahikatea, kaka beak, matai, karamu

Conclusions There is a strong relationship between native bird species and native tree species. They have co-adapted to eachother over thousands of years and are intrinsic in the survival of the other.

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FORMAL INVESTIGATION

FORMAL INVESTIGATION

native tree attraction level

Ecological Heritage Sites Christchurch
grassland 2027 ha native shrubland 185 ha wetlands 560 ha coastal dunes 354 ha

native bird behaviour - attraction

Kereru (NZ Native Pigeon) strong attraction +++ + Native plant species at significant sites kahikatea matai kowhai cabbage tree makomako miro totara titoki karaka poroporo hinau kowhai kahikatea karaka

Tui NZ flax fuschia cabbage tree fuschia mistle toe

Bellbird kowhai karamu coprosma cabbage tree

pigeonwood

coprosma

Plant hierarchy +++++ +++ +

dry plains McLeans Island Coprosma, Kowhai Riccarton Bush Kahikatea Matai, Totara Kowhai, Miro, Poroporo Coprosma, Ti Kouka Titoki, Hinau

wet plains Styx Mill Reserve Kanuka, Flax Raupo Ti Kouka Ti Kouka Totara, Matai NZ Flax, Karamu Kowhai, Karamu Kahikatea Mahoe Titoki

port hills Travis Wetland, Horseshoe Reserve Jollies Bush, Dry Bush, Hoon Hay scenic reserve, Taitapu forest

coastal Brooklands Spit NZ Flax

Tree species in the main conservation sites in Christchurch were determined. Attraction sizes were given to the tree species in each area according to its dominance in the area. Riccarton Bush has the most significant Kahikatea forest in Christchurch hence a high Kahikatea attraction. The Port Hills had the highest concentration of Totara and Matai, hence the biggest Totara and Matai attraction.

The favourite native plants of the native birds were determined. Kereru, Tui and Bellbird had different preferences. Attraction sizes to each plant species were given according to the different preferences for Kereru, Tui and Bellbird. 15

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FORMAL INVESTIGATION

FORMAL INVESTIGATION

overall attraction level

concentrations of bird by species

+
Christchurch Attractor Field for Kereru Christchurch Attractor Field for Tui

+
Christchurch Attractor Field for Bellbird

+
Kereru Density according to simple attraction Tui Density according to simple attraction Bellbird Density according to simple attraction

Larger circle area = Larger attraction

Smaller circle area = Smaller attraction

+
Conservation sites around Christchurch were given overall attraction sizes determined by the dominant plant species in each area (native tree attraction), and the favourite plants of the native birds (native bird to tree attraction). The area of the ecological site and a coefficient considering the diversity of native plants in the area were also considered. The attraction sizes of areas in Christchurch for each type of bird (Kereru, Tui and Bellbird) differed according to the birds preferences. 16 According to existing native vegetation figures, attractors were calculated and bird agents were released over a map of Christchurch. The combination of bird densities shows where native bird species are most active over the city. These densities can be used to possibly predict where we would expect new stages of native growth to occur, as birds are a crucial link in continuing the ecosystem. 17

03 SITE & PROGRAM

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SITE & PROGRAM

SITE & PROGRAM

future christchurch sites

surrounding program

Site of Interest Opposite Cathedral Square/Worcester Street Central City

Pre-earthquake program Commercial/Retail Hotel/Accommodation Restaurant/Bar Recreation

key demolition plan proposed green 20 hannah steenson angela yoo woomin lee commercial/retail restaurant/bar recreation hotel

The centre of the CBD is predominantly commercial. In the site of interest however, there are many hotels/accommodation/hospitality.

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SITE & PROGRAM

SITE & PROGRAM

council proposed program on site

1 convention centre precinct 2 performing arts precinct Drawing people to the city and providing facilities for music and the performing arts. 3 central library Easy access for learning and providing spaces to relax both indoors and outdoors. The Central library has been placed to integrate with the Convention Centre and the Square. site of interest site of interest area : 25,300 sqm area of public library : 3000 sqm

immediate site analysis

existing buildings on site buildings on this site are allowed to be up to 21m tall central library is proposed on site

2 1 3

A world class precinct which will attract exciting events to the city. Reactivation of surrounding streets and public spaces, supporting retail and hospitality within the core.

area of existing buildings : 5000sqm area of available space : 17,300sqm

site of interest Proximity to the Cathedral square means it will be a site of new civic interest. Low buildings to allow sun into Cathedral square. Sharing site with the new Central Library.

green frame Green City (Garden City) framing the new central city area

the site area had a great percentage of hotels and accommodation many restaurant/bars on the site have been demolished. worcester st is usually very quiet. this side of the street will be considered very carefully for development

surrounding context

site in plan

the square Civic heart of central Christchurch for public activities. A Green square with shading of the square better managed. Lower buildings on the north side will allow more sunlight to penetrate. Vibrant square (performance, cafes, restaurants).

site view

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SITE & PROGRAM

program - housing demographic

worker

single

couple

conclusions

Due to the building work needed for the rebuild of Christchurch, worker numbers in the inner city are expected to increase rapidly. 36,000 workers are expected to move into the city by the end of 2013.

One person households are projected to increase to 602,000 in 2031 There is a rising demand for single unit housing in Christchurch.

Couple households will increase by 48% by 2031. That is the biggest increase in changing household compositions. In the central city, this demographic takes up almost 70% of the proportion of households. Couples without children, increase in empty nesters.

Single unit housing will be in great demand especially in the central city area. The proposed building will be a medium-high density housing complex which will include some mixed use facilities such as a cafe/native garden to complement the civic activities planned near the site (Cathedral Square, Central Library, Performing arts district)

04 DESIGN PROPOSAL

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DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

swarm behaviours

program hierarchy on site

Separation Alignment Cohesion

1 Cohesion Separation Alignment 2

RULES OF BEHAVIOUR

Public Agents ++++ ++ + Cathedral Square Performing Arts Restaurants Green Frame Central Library Shops

Private Agents Quiet (noise controlled) Green Frame Open Space +++
1
Performing Arts district

Views

Sun accessibility Privacy

2
Central Library Cathedral Square

3
Cathedral Square Shops

4
Restaurants Hotels

5
Hotel

6
Green Frame

7, 8, 9
Plant science park

public agents create flyover pathways across the site and over the public garden the public agents are attracted to amenities, surrounding public program (performing arts precinct, cathedral square, public library)

private agents nest in areas that will be designated for housing private agents are repelled from buildings on site and are attracted to green space, open views, good noise levels the private agents are repelled from eachother so that each can be the centre of an apartment sized between 30 and 50sqm each private agent and its location in the swarm becomes the centre of a single apartment unit

+ Large building

Hotel Large building

Large building Small building Small building

The site is analysed in terms of fields of information. Surrounding program, buildings, amenities and open spaces have been considered. This information is used to generate an attractor field which has specific relationships with the swarm agents.

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DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

swarms on site

swarms freeze

On Site

Freeze

Private

private agents

Public agents Private agents 28

public agents

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DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

swarms freeze on site

massing excercise 1

central library

green frame

cathedral square

public garden

housing cluster

housing cluster

points from the housing swarm were used as the centre points for each apartment unit the agents were connected by weave like pattern to unify the apartments

platform paths 30 31

DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

final massing- generation of form

form

Frozen swarm units with directional value

Apartments extruded along swarm directional value

View direction for apartments according to site

Studio apartments and bigger apartments distinguished by view direction

Balcony lines extruded to create edge condition

Line connections forming levels

The public agent swarm was frozen so that each agent became the centre of a housing unit

Final building

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DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

structure

exploded isometric drawings

Level Two

Level Five

Level One

Level One Level Four

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Level One Structure

The steel floor is over engineered and made very rigid. This floor is supported by two main cores and additional

Ground Floor

Level Three 35

DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

plans 1:200

plans 1:200

Ground Floor

Level One

Level Two

Level Three

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DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

plans 1:200

section 1:200

Level Four

Level Five

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DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

elevations 1:200

elevations 1:200

North Elevation

South Elevation

East Elevation

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DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

elevations 1:200

interior

West Elevation

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DESIGN PROPOSAL

approach

Angela Yoo 1541079

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