BulletinDowntown Community Ministry  

Housing Design suggestions offered to Council
22 April 2009

With Wellington City Council holding a design competition on modernising its housing units Downtown Community Ministry thought it’d ask some clients for their input.

“Overwhelmingly we were told that people wanted flats that were light and dry. Things like insulation to keep them warmer throughout winter were at the top of the list,” says Community Outreach Worker Kate Bell.

“It seems the main concerns of tenants, we spoke to, were around health related issues. Those with breathing related illnesses said the damp conditions of their flats aggravated their condition during winter.”

Others said they wanted more space like an extra room and larger kitchen and bathrooms. For example, in some complexes, kitchens provided no flexibility on having larger sized fridges. The design only permitted small fridges.

Most DCM service users, living in Council housing, are in bed-sits.

Tenants were glad to see changes being thought about with many agreeing it was about time.

Entries, for the competition, must be submitted by a registered architect or under the direction of one. More information can be found on the Council’s Disability Services – Overview webpage.

 
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