KNOWLEDGE
Publications, talks and perspectives.
Publications and guidance that inform planning, design and environmental practice. Explore contributions from our team and coverage of their work on nature, water and resilient urbanism.
Published work
Living roof opportunities and recommendations for Tāmaki Makaurau
Auckland Council TR2026/9 · September 2026
Local evidence, barriers to uptake and practical recommendations for living roofs. Zoë Avery and Jonathon Avery led the report. The Urbanist ran expert consultation, managed document delivery and created much of the design work and imagery, with contributions from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, council, research and industry authors.
Read the report →
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Structural soil tree pits
Auckland Council GD19 · November 2025
Practical guidance for integrating stormwater management and healthy urban trees. Co-authored by The Urbanist and Tektus. The Urbanist ran expert consultation, managed document delivery and created much of the design work and imagery.
Read GD19 (PDF, 15 MB) →
Explore the project →
Whangārei Living Roof Guide
A guide co-authored by Zoë Avery and Renee Davies, bringing together design and technical considerations for living roofs in the local context.
The beauty and benefits of living with nature
Zoë Avery · BUILD 205 · March 2025
How integrating nature into urban design can support better places to live.
World Green Infrastructure Congress 2024: Global Position Statement
Congress 2024 · Collective statement
Shared priorities for integrating green infrastructure into urban policy, planning and delivery.
Talks and media
Building for soil health
26 November 2024 · Christchurch Conversations
A public discussion featuring Zoë on urban design practices that support healthy soil and living systems.
Fresh ideas for Auckland’s CBD
Spring 2024 · Ingenio · University of Auckland
A feature including Zoë’s perspective on green spaces, living roofs and accessible city centres.
Urban designer Zoë Avery’s vision for cities
May 2024 · UniNews · University of Auckland
A profile exploring Zoë’s approach to nature and urban design.