General Public, Architecture, and Panning: The Curious Case of Auckland Civic Centre Scheme in Auckland, New Zealand (1924)

Abstract

Executed skillfully, architecture and planning projects shape public spaces for generations to enjoy – executed poorly, for generations, to annoy. Architecture and urban planning are essentially bound to the public domain – urban spaces are designed, and urban heritage is protected, for the sake of the public. And yet, the role of the public is often overlooked in discussions of architectural, planning and protection issues. The Auckland Civic Centre Scheme example illustrates the impact the public can have on shaping the urban environment. The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is considered the country’s capital of commerce. During the interwar period, Auckland Council decided to grace their city with a center worthy of its progress. However, the taxpayers objected and voted against the expensive scheme – eventually, the Council had to abandon the project. The consequences of this act were far-reaching – to this day, Auckland lacks a recognizable urban space that would operate as a symbol of civic sentiments and activities. Drawing from the Auckland Civic Centre Scheme, this paper explores the strategies New Zealand interwar architects and planners proposed for preparing the members of the public to take their rightful place in the decision-making process.