A new council building will not cure the city's heart; to achieve that the council is better to focus on connecting people – that's the advice Tauranga City councillors received from the city's design community.

The collective submission on behalf of 37 architects, architectural graduates, architectural designers, architectural students and landscape architects is one of the reasons why councillors are taking more time out to think through submissions on the Civic Heart proposal, says Mayor Stuart Crosby.

New buildings need to be designed around people says city's design community. Photo: Supplied.

The design community supports the council drive to develop a civic heart in the CBD. But it doesn't entirely support civic buildings being located in one place or concentration, says spokesperson Paulo Shara.

'Activation of the city will not be driven by civic amenities. Activation of the city needs to focus on people. The design community do support development of a vision focused on Tauranga's people.”

The staged development as proposed where city council administration buildings are developed, existing buildings demolished and masonic park redeveloped, will not activate the CBD environment any more than currently.

'The philosophy of 'build it and the people will come' will not work in this instance, unless there is reason for them to come. Activation requires a more considered approach,” says Paulo.

'We support the development of public places for people to gather, talk, enjoy the sun, view and participate in activities, and eat and drink, etc.”

Such spaces need careful consideration in relation to the placement of buildings to ensure outside spaces are inviting and pleasant for people. This includes providing access to sun at all times of day. The current proposal inhibits sunlight in these public spaces because of building scales and locations.

Such spaces need to apportion hard and soft surfaces appropriately. For example, the grassed area on the corner of Wharf Street is not a usable space, says Paulo.

The comfort level of pedestrians needs consideration in design elements if public spaces are to be effective. For example - mitigating against wind tunnelling.

The design collective suggests a vision or "conceptual story" can establish Tauranga city centre as distinctive and/or iconic.

'For example, the current proposal does not talk to the link to the water. It is anticipated the water is a fundamental element in the vision for Tauranga's heart,” says Paulo.

Connectivity is more effective than civic amenities in attracting people. It's a means to encourage people into and throughout the city.

'A city with the right connections will over time develop the values that will foster vibrancy, permeating out from the centre.”

The Civic Heat proposal should include streets in the immediate decision, as a grid setup is a solid principle in urban design and should be enhanced. For example, including Wharf Street & Hamilton Streets in the detailed proposal along with the links beyond.

'The public spaces need strong edges,” says Paulo. 'We recommend a square with active edges on all four sides rather than the street principle currently proposed via Masonic Park.

'We recommend buildings adjacent public spaces are developed and assigned functions that interact with their adjacent public spaces. For example, buildings on Willow Street should open to and be very interactive with the street.”

They support the Art Gallery opening onto Masonic Park provided the council actively works to obtain consent over the private boundaries to Masonic Park, in order to activate all its edges and develop it as a public space.

They say connecting to and activating the water's edge is key.

'Landscaping can decrease the apparent mass of buildings and setbacks adjacent key public spaces could be used to reduce shadowing and enhance open space,” says Paulo.