Cultural, Community and Recreation Landscapes
Every landscape has stories to tell and new experiences to unfold. Our approach seeks to understand and express the layers that a landscape is composed from. These include natural layers, cultural values and narratives, the diversity of communities, and the recreational and wellbeing benefits landscapes can provide. We know that landscapes evolve over time and they need to be designed as living legacies which grow to last.
Cultural Landscapes
As landscape architects we value the opportunity to collaborate with mana whenua to creatively express cultural narratives and ensure their tikanga is upheld for the people, whenua and future. Botanic seek to foster genuine relationships with local rūnunga by listening, learning and celebrating te ao Māori in a respectful way. Looking after nature, enriching our culture and sharing knowledge are key aspects of the Botanic kaupapa.
Community Spaces
Creating and strengthening communities has never been more important. Making landscape spaces inclusive, safe and accessible, means everyone feels welcome and able to enjoy them. To shape this sense of belonging, we believe an inclusive design journey gives each person the chance to contribute and feel some ownership of the design outcomes.
Recreational Landscapes
We all need physical activity and connection with nature in our lives. To entice people outdoors, public parks and recreational landscapes need to be fun, safe, comfortable and uplifting spaces. We believe a combination of botanical inspiration, user functionality and having a variety of facilities for exercise, play, and relaxation can help us live healthier lives.
Our current, recent and ongoing work
Takarangi platform at Takapūneke Reserve, Akaroa - in collaboration with CCC and Ōnuku rūnanga (under construction)
The Youth Hub Stage 1 providing wrap-around youth services, supported housing and an activities courtyard - In collaboration with Matapopore and Wood Ltd (ongoing)
Tapoa Naval Point Stage 3 landscape - In collaboration with Ngāti Wheke and CCC (under construction)
Te Kopikopiko o te Waka, Fox Glacier - co-designed with Lucas Associates and Fayne Robinson
Ashburton Domain Development Plan and various projects including a wildlife garden, bike skills park, playground enhancement and signage walls (ongoing)
Oxford Terrace Baptist Church and housing community with shared facilities (ongoing)
Christchurch Petanque Club courts and amenity area, set in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Hororata Reserve Master Plan - in collaboration with Hamish Shaw Architects
Development Plans for enhancing cemetery’s through the Ashburton District (ongoing)
Some of the things we can help you with
Here are some ways we can assist you with when designing cultural, community or recreational landscapes:
Designing collaboratively with local rūnunga and the project teams to embed cultural narratives and tikanga into the landscape.
Working closely with council teams to deliver projects including public realm, streetscapes, urban interventions, parks, reserves, play spaces, native and ornamental plantings, cemeteries, and recreational grounds.
Design support for realising, fundraising and delivering community projects of all shapes and sizes in an inclusive way.
Developing Landscape Master Plans and Development Plans for reserves and parks.
Assisting with stakeholder engagement and community consultation processes.
