You can either access design guides here or alternatively you can order a design guide in printed form and have it mailed out to you, with the exception of the Health promotion and sustainability through environmental design which is now only available in PDF.
General design guides are also available that provide information on buying a section, building a garage and sustainable building.
Health promotion and sustainability through environmental design
Good health is a basic human right for all people. Health is defined by the World Health organisation as a “state of complete physical, social and mental well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Wilkinson and Marmot, 2003).
The design of urban environments can influence, directly and indirectly, the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Contemporary planning theories suggest good urban and environmental design can promote healthy behaviours and an active lifestyle, leading to improved health outcomes for the population.
This becomes more relevant for New Zealand, as an estimated 20 per cent of all government public spending is on health, and a disproportionate amount of this is spent on treating people for conditions relating to obesity, physical inactivity and mental health issues associated with modern living. Planning strategies, policies, and developments can affect human health.
Sometimes the links between planning or policies and health can be immediately apparent; for instance, by providing resources and facilities that enable people to access health and social services. Other links are not as clear and may require more consideration.
This guide is designed to help provide a structure for the Christchurch City Council planners in assessing the likely health impacts of developments on the Christchurch community.
The intention is to ensure that health is properly considered when determining strategies, policies and plans, and to influence planning proposals to maximise health benefits for all Cantabrians.
Health Promotion and Sustainability Through Environmental Design: A Guide for Planning - HPSTED [PDF 6.3MB]
The report below provides information on how Health Promotion and Sustainability through Environmental Design (HPSTED) has been used by Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) and Council staff in their work. Staff at both organisations were interviewed by the Canterbury Health Impact Assessment Project Officer. Although staff consider the guide a helpful document in providing a framework to assess sustainability and health impacts of development, staff suggest that more guidance is needed on how to effectively use the document in different areas of work. The report provides some recommendations to increase the usability of Health Promotion and Sustainability through Environmental Design (HPSTED).
Health Promotion and Sustainability Through Environmental Design: A Guide for Planning A qualitative review of Applications and Future Possibilities December 2010
More information on Health Impact Assessments
Integrated Design Guide
As part of the recovery from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes in Canterbury, the HPSTED principles were adapted into a targeted Integrated Recovery Guide. This has questions that encourage holistic recovery thinking and planning that will promote the health and well-being of the community.
Integrated Design Guide [PDF 1.61MB]
Creating safer communities
Or individual sections
Safer Canterbury, Creating Safer Communities was prepared by the Canterbury Safer Committee; a partnership between local Canterbury Councils, Neighbourhood Support and the New Zealand Police.
This design guide is the first in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and occupiers and decision makers, about how to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our environment.
'CPTED' or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is a crime prevention philosophy based on proper design and effective use of the built environment. The use of CPTED is intended to reduce crime and fear of crime by reducing criminal opportunity and fostering positive social interaction among legitimate users of space.1
Central city design opportunities
Designing within the urban and architectural context of the Central City.
The aim of the design opportunities document is to discuss the design perspective behind the planning of central Christchurch.
It is anticipated that those interested in the Central City, including those who may be considering redevelopment of a site, will be able to gain a more complete understanding of the vision for the Central City, particularly of the linkages between public and private space.
New housing in living 4 zones
The new housing in living 4 zones guide is intended to provide landowners, designers and developers with a checklist to use when proposing a new housing development in a living 4 zone - a medium density residential environment in the City.
Part one of the guide looks at site selection and designing the layout of the housing development in relation to its context. Part two deals with the design of buildings while part three considers outdoor space surrounding the buildings.
New housing in living 3 zones
The new housing in living 3 zones guide is intended to provide landowners, designers and developers with a checklist to use when proposing a new housing development in a living 3 zone - a medium density residential environment in the City.
Part one of the guide looks at site selection and designing the layout of the housing development in relation to its context. Part two deals with the design of buildings while part three considers outdoor space surrounding the buildings.
Large buildings in lower density living zones
Large buildings in lower density living zones is intended to provide owners, designers and developers with a checklist of considerations when proposing a larger than average building in a lower density living zone.
Part one of the guide describes the essential physical design elements of suburban residential areas. Part two identifies matters to be considered when proposing a large building in such an area.
Outdoor advertising guide
A simple guide to achieving the most from your outdoor advertising and signage and making sure it complies with the Christchurch City Plan and relevant bylaws.
