Urban design & masterplanning

Inspiring communities through design

At Context, masterplanning is a form of storytelling which is why we weave the stories of place with landscape, people, and culture to curate special places and build better communities.

Our urban design team integrates masterplanning, landscape, and architectural solutions to create successful, sustainable places that provide long-term value.

Starting with research, we work through a unique site-specific urban design process, from feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement to planning and landscape solutions.

Key aspects of masterplanning

Community engagement

The best outcomes are achieved when there is active engagement with the community to understand their needs, aspirations, and concerns. This ensures that design is responsive to the needs of the community and enjoys their buy-in and support.

Contextual design

Good masterplanning and urban design considers the context of the site, including the physical, social, cultural and economic factors that shape the area. This helps to create a design that is sensitive to the unique characteristics of the site and its surroundings.

Innovation and creativity

We incorporate innovative and creative approaches to problem-solving, such as the use of new materials, technologies, and design strategies, creating a design that is unique, inspiring, and effective.

Accessibility and inclusion

Design needs to be inclusive and accessible to all, including people with disabilities, children, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges.

Flexibility and adaptability

Our designs anticipate changing needs and allow for flexibility and adaptability over time. This enables the design to respond to changing demographics, economic conditions, and environmental factors.

Aesthetics and identity

Our masterplanning and urban design incorporate elements that enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment and create a strong sense of identity and place. This includes the use of appropriate materials, colours, textures, and forms that reflect the cultural and historical context of the area.

Sustainable development

We base our designs on the principles of sustainability, incorporating strategies that promote energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and reduced carbon footprint. This helps to create an environment that is healthy, resilient, and environmentally friendly.

Design integration

Our masterplanning approach ensures integration of landscape, architecture and place, allowing us to combine knowledge, theories, methodologies, and perspectives to deliver truly inspirational results.

Our work

One Central

Oneoneroa

Rose Gardens

Talk to one of our urban planning experts

Get in touch

Kerepeti Uku

Kerewhenua

McLennan Park

Talk to one of our urban planning experts

Get in touch

Taupō EUL

Murphy’s Rd

Bryndwr

"A reset and refresh of how we build our cities is well overdue and it is encouraging that this has been taken up at the highest level. Solutions need to be based on technically robust innovations learning locally and from overseas experience applied in fresh ways."

Anthony Vile, Urban Design Lead

"A reset and refresh of how we build our cities is well overdue and it is encouraging that this has been taken up at the highest level. Solutions need to be based on technically robust innovations learning locally and from overseas experience applied in fresh ways."

Anthony Vile, Urban Design Lead, Context

Got an idea for your next design project and need some help? Speak to one of our team of experts who’ll be happy to offer advice and support.

Get in touch

Urban design & masterplanning

Inspiring communities through design

At Context, masterplanning is a form of storytelling which is why we weave the stories of place with landscape, people, and culture to curate special places and build better communities.

Key aspects of masterplanning

Community engagement

Contextual design

Innovation and creativity

Accessibility and inclusion

Flexibility and adaptability

Aesthetics and identity

Sustainable development

Design integration

Our work

One Central

Oneoneroa

Rose Gardens

Talk to one of our urban planning experts

Kerepeti Uku

Kerewhenua

McLennan Park

Talk to one of our urban planning experts

Taupō EUL

Murphy’s Rd

Bryndwr

"A reset and refresh of how we build our cities is well overdue and it is encouraging that this has been taken up at the highest level. Solutions need to be based on technically robust innovations learning locally and from overseas experience applied in fresh ways."

Anthony Vile, Urban Design Lead

Auckland

Christchurch

Tauranga