Multiculturalism in the urban landscape : create a better city with multicultural communities

Abstract

This study explores the interconnections between multiculturalism, social integration and public spaces. Insights into these relationships were gained through fieldwork observing the social activities of different cultural communities in the public spaces within the research site, Cook Street west, and investigating their perceptions and experiences based on the relationship between the Cook Street west residents and its public spaces. By understanding the localised forms of social well-being in this highly diverse urban neighbourhood, a conceptual design framework was developed to explore the renovation opportunities of designing a new type of public place, which would help to support the healthy growth of Cook Street west - a unique ethno-cultural neighbourhood in Auckland City.