Map of the site. Click to see the map enlarged (PDF).

The Breathe Urban Village Project is taking shape in Christchurch, with the announcement of four finalists and three highly commended concepts, chosen from fifty-eight entries from New Zealand and around the world.

The brief was to develop a concept for a new urban village that provides a variety of medium-density housing and lifestyle choices. Sustainability, innovation and a strong sense of community are key ingredients.

Three New Zealand entrants made the final cut, with the fourth coming from Italy. Judges are Kevin McCloud from TV’s UK Grand Designs, architect Stuart Gardyne, Development Specialist Martin Udale, Kevin Simcock (Engineer), Di Lucas (Landscape Architect), Huia Reriti (Ngāi Tahu Architect). Youth are represented on the judging panel by Zea Harman.

Now the finalists have three months to fine-tune their designs, before judges select the winning concept, which will take shape near Christchurch’s Latimer Square in the heart of the CBD.

The goal of the urban village project as it sits with the overarching Christchurch Central Recovery Plan is to offer an inner city village feel with exceptional quality of life, multi-use parks, entertainment facilities, and shopping, all right next to the central business area. The winning projects had to reflect innovation, international best practice and aspirations of all those that may live and around the development.

Take a look at the range of designs, they’re inspiring.

Click on the image to see details of the Breathe Project and all the entries.

Source for this article: http://www.futurechristchurch.co.nz/breathe