Construction of a new library designed by Warren and Mahoney in the heart of the township of Lincoln created an opportunity for r+m to collaborate with the Selwyn District Council on the design of a new town green and square.


The successful concept was inspired by the rich context and heritage of Lincoln. r+m also considered Lincoln's status as an 'Enviro town' as part of their brief, to ensure that stormwater, garden, and lawn areas were developed and sustainably managed. A feature of this is the spine of the rain garden running along the paving edge of the library. This enables stormwater to run off into these gardens naturally, where it can then return to the water table and also sustain plant life.

An emphasis was made on the interconnectivity of spaces and elements, including usable lawn areas, a paved market square, seats, interpretation panels, and the historic millstone. These spaces create a safe, user-friendly, subtle and inviting public space.