The world is growing at a rapid speed. It is estimated that by the year 2050, 60 percent of the world’s population will be living in urban areas. As the number of people living in cities continues to grow, urban planners are facing new challenges when maintaining and improving liveability in the city. The quest for liveability has resulted in multiple versions of a liveable definition and a lack of academic merit.

This thesis seeks to explore urban liveability, liveability in the public realm, as a design strategy and tool in urban planning through a constructed model for liveability. The purpose of the model is, through case specific mapping analyses and user involvement through new tracking technologies, to implement liveability in the city through a urban design of a chosen space. Auckland in New Zealand is the case for the project - a city dominated by its 1950s car oriented planning.

The results of the theoretical studies and digital and manual analysis defines liveability in Auckland and forms liveable design strategies for Auckland Waterfront, which is exemplified and reviewed in a design of Queens Wharf at Auckland Waterfront.

Liveability is a desirable branding tool for cities, nonetheless, urban planners need to make sure that improving the quality of life for its citizens is at the top of the agenda and that the notion of liveability it not merely a political motivation. Most importantly, urban designers need to ensure liveable environments for all citizens of any culture and not just the fortunate minority.