The challenge is to design, build and sell a medium-density, urban residential complex that shows how communities can be created for the next generation; a new urban village that provides a variety of housing options and lifestyle choices based on the key principles of sustainability, affordability, innovation and a strong sense of community.

Christchurch’s new urban village will explore new options for living in the Central City, looking to attract residents, investment and development to help regenerate Christchurch.

Competition entrants have three months to form a multi-disciplinary team and create a design using the latest thinking in urban design, living and development that meets Christchurch’s commitment to having 24,000 people living in the Central City by 2041.

Innovation in design will be critical, as well as understanding the New Zealand lifestyle to develop a new sense of place – this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the way a city will evolve; how its residents will live and how the second largest city in New Zealand will prosper after the earthquakes.

Three teams will have their concept design chosen from the first stage of the competition and will be given NZ$20,000 to complete developed designs. The winner of the second stage will be expected to develop the design on the designated site.

This competition is more than about inspirational ideas and bold initiatives; it is also about being visionary through understanding the sense of place that is Christchurch, the New Zealand psyche and how to reignite a city that has sustained a considerable loss of physical identity.

This is about a new way of life, a new way of living in the Central City; this is about a new start.