The Potential of Infrastructure to Enhance Public Space

Developing a typological framework for understanding public space located within energyscapes, with case studies of Aratiatia and Benmore.

Inspired by the legacy of the Ministry of Works, Diane Brand wanted to undertake research to understand the relationship between public space and major infrastructure projects in rural New Zealand. This required archival research and building the historical narrative about the delivery of Aratiatia power station and Benmore Dam, and to develop a understanding of these energy projects and the hydro energy landscapes they created through development.

This research developed a typological framework for understanding public space located within energyscapes, through the integration and application of existing frameworks from urban design, landscape and energy systems disciplines to the energyscape environment. We applied it to the evaluation of local public space provision in two case study hydro-energyscapes: Aratiatia and Benmore. Both developments represent historically important sites of national power infrastructure, with distinct contextual differences and scenic value which offer implications for public space. The final research paper presented recommendations for a best practice approach to the provision of local public space benefits in hydro-energyscapes. 

This research considered new questions about the role of major energy infrastructure projects in the development of public space in Aotearoa, New Zealand. As the demand for renewable energy generation continues to increase, the typological framework for hydro-energyscapes presented in this research can be used to evaluate and influence future energy infrastructure planning, decision making and design, and act as an evidence base for investment in the public realm components of hydro development projects.