tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14376637924862245892024-03-18T14:03:52.596+11:00Plantastic and Designeriffic NewsUrban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture and sustainability news from Australia and around the globe.DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.comBlogger430125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-10345004432626771692018-08-15T21:10:00.003+10:002018-08-15T21:10:49.836+10:00Brick is the New Black Written by: Michael Mattner<br />
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In the modern context, bricks are often used in modest low scale development; however, in the right setting brick can form part of an elegant composition responding to the prevailing architectural character of an area as well as potentially contributing to the future character.<br />
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Old Is New Again</h2>
Bricks have long been utilised as a building material, with fired bricks being used as early as 4000 BC and air-dried bricks being used much earlier than that. The Industrial Revolution saw the production and use of bricks rapidly escalate, and it is this time period which saw the humble brick leave an indelible mark on architecture and built form character.<br />
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(Source: Architecture Australia, Derek Swalwell)</span></div>
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<br />This Victoria terrace extension in North Melbourne highlights the elegance that brickwork can add to the modern form. The extensive use of glass at ground level allows the first-floor brick composition to float above in a simple yet sophisticated way.<br />
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The use of brick in this context responds to the existing immediate character given the two abutting properties utilise bricks for their extensions. The brickwork also responds to the character of the greater North Melbourne area where brick structures commonly piggyback Victorian terraces.<br />
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Man Made Meets Mother Nature</h2>
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An excellent example of the use of brickwork to animate a building facade is the Bellbowrie Swimming Pool. These brick walls also contribute to the swimming pool being flood-resistant which was of the utmost importance during the Brisbane floods in 2011. </div>
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(Source: Architecture Australia)</span></div>
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<br />This brickwork responds to the existing built form character of the area as the site is located in a residential pocket predominately comprised of brick clad dwellings. The brickwork also responds to the existing landscape character of the area as a pattern of the bricks is inspired by the flowering gums indigenous to the region. </div>
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Outside The Box </h2>
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The Dr Chau Chak Wing Building at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) exemplifies the use of undulating brickwork to create a fluid form. A staggering 320,000 bricks were laid by hand for this project, and it is this attention to detail which results in the building's incredible texture. </div>
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(Source: Architecture Australia, Peter Bennetts)</span></div>
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The use of bricks in this landmark building highlights that brickwork can not only be used to respond to existing character but that it can also be utilised to establish a preferred future built form character. This building stands out from its surrounds in no small part due to the use of bricks as the resultant form, materiality and detailed design all contribute to the development being an emphatic landmark within UTS. </div>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-23667906991360397412018-04-24T09:10:00.002+10:002018-04-24T09:10:46.416+10:00Light Rail – Back to the Future!By Brodie Blades.<br />
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Some readers of this article may be able to remember the advent of modernism in Australia, with the promise of its ‘modern comforts’ and the rise of affordable car ownership ushering in a new era in which a number of Australian cities happily tore up their existing tram systems. As an urban designer and a born-and-bred Queenslander, it physically brings a tear to my eye when I see just <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Brisbane#/media/File:BrisbaneTram1961.png">how extensive Brisbane's 1961 tram network actually was!</a> Historically, however, light rail has always played a legitimate role in metropolitan transit systems, and the Victorian State Government's recent budget commitment of $3 million for planning and design works on a new Caulfield-Rowville tram service cements that legitimacy. As Victoria has not made a significant investment in new light rail infrastructure for some time, other Australian cities have and the question therefore arises regarding ‘lessons to be learnt’ from the contemporary experience of modern light rail investment in Australia.<br />
<br />The most obvious example of contemporary light rail investment in Australia is none other than the ‘G:link’ tram system in the city of the Gold Coast, constructed primarily in anticipation of the recently-concluded 2018 Commonwealth Games. The G:link was delivered by a PPP consortium that included the City of Gold Coast, the Commonwealth of Australia and the Queensland Government, who combined to invest over $1.5 billion (yes, billion) in constructing Stage 1 of the G:link -13km of light rail that connected the Gold Coast University Hospital (in the north) to Broadbeach (in the south). Since opening in 2014, Stage 1 carried over 21,000 passengers daily and contributed to a 23% growth in public transportation patronage in the Gold Coast between 2013-2016. Vehicular traffic was also reduced by 21 percent during the same period, and there is analysis to suggest that property prices increased by as much as 30% where within 800m of a G:link station. However, despite further investment in the expansion of the G:link system to Helensvale, there is also research to suggest that patronage has been declining in recent times as increases in the cost of a ticket simultaneously increased the attractiveness of existing bus and rail networks - and the private vehicle - as alternative transport options. <br /><br />Similarly, the City of Sydney is also currently in the process of investing significantly in light rail as a transport alternative in the Central City, through the construction of 12km of light rail that runs from Circular Quay (in the CBD) to Randwick and Kingsford (in the City's south east). Dubbed the ‘CBD and South East Light Rail’ system, the intention is to connect the light rail with existing tram networks (such as the existing 12.7km ‘Inner West Light Rail’) to increase light rail capabilities in aspects of the inner city. The cost of investment is again significant, with some estimates placing the initial capital cost as high as $2.1 billion (for infrastructure only) that combines with an ongoing operational cost estimate of $938m over 15 years (a 'blow out' of over 70% on initial estimates). As the system is still under construction, it is premature to determine if the the return on the investment has been ‘worthwhile’ - but the fact that that the light rail will not have priority over private vehicles at signalised intersections will no doubt affect patronage. <br /><br />Whilst both are useful contemporary case studies for the recent Victorian Government announcement, the blaring difference between Melbourne and the light rail experience of both the Gold Coast and Sydney is that Melbourne is already blessed the world’s largest existing light rail system (over 250km of track). Within this context, there is no doubt a stark difference in requisite capital investment (adding to existing infrastructure is cheaper than creating whole new networks) as well as the existing psyche of patrons (Melbourne passengers already largely embrace light rail as a transit option, with 203 million tram trips in 2015-2016 alone). What is clear, however, is that at face value a direct public transit link between Chadstone, Monash University and Rowville is a long overdue piece of the transit puzzle, and the announcement of preliminary investigations is pertinent timing in a climate where city-shaping transit investments are already underway (such as the Melbourne Metro, the Westgate Tunnel, level crossing removals, Regional Rail Link and – more recently – the Federal Government’s recent funding announcement for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link). <br /><br />Interstate light rail examples highlight that the requisite capital for construction and operation is going to be high. Hopefully the investment is worthwhile in an age of impending transit disruptors (such as driverless car technology). <br /><br />Do you have any experiences on contemporary light rail investment, or any thoughts on light rail investment in Australia? Share them in the comments below! <br /><br />Further Reading: <br /><br />Brisbane Tram Map (1961) - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Brisbane#/media/File:BrisbaneTram1961.png">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Brisbane#/media/File:BrisbaneTram1961.png</a> <br /><br />Melbourne tram route announcement - <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-10/new-tram-route-for-melbourne-chadstone-clayton/9635720">http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-10/new-tram-route-for-melbourne-chadstone-clayton/9635720</a> <br /><br />G:link statistics - <a href="http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/rapid-transit-6004.html">http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/rapid-transit-6004.html</a> <br /><br />G:link opinion - <a href="http://theconversation.com/why-gold-coast-light-rail-was-worth-it-its-about-more-than-patronage-78190">http://theconversation.com/why-gold-coast-light-rail-was-worth-it-its-about-more-than-patronage-78190</a> <br /><br />Sydney Light Rail opinion - <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cost-of-running-sydneys-new-lightrail-line-blows-out-by-70-to-938-million-20161209-gt7gjl.html">https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cost-of-running-sydneys-new-lightrail-line-blows-out-by-70-to-938-million-20161209-gt7gjl.html</a> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Sydney Light Rail map - <a href="http://sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/map">http://sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/map</a>
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<br />DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-17498932912576319462018-04-24T09:08:00.000+10:002018-04-24T09:08:01.442+10:00Garden Area, One Year On…Innovation or Playing Catch-up?By Vincent Pham.<br />
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It has been just over one year now since the “garden area” requirement was introduced through Planning Scheme Amendment VC110. It was introduced as a new mandatory regulation, in which that land zoned within a General Residential Zone or Neighbourhood Residential Zone needed to be set-aside for garden area dependant on land size. <br /><br />In its introduction within the VC110 gazettal explanatory report<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/WQEFE4Y7/GA%20article.docx#_ftn1">[1]</a>, there is very limited explanation as to why it is introduced. Other than explaining formalities, it states <br /><br /><i>“The introduction of a ‘minimum garden area’ requirement will encourage the retention of established vegetation in existing urban areas and help maintain permeable surfaces where residential development occurs to reduce excess stormwater runoff” (p. 4) and <br /><br />“…introduces a ‘minimum garden area’ requirement to ensure development outcomes that do not compromise neighbourhood character including predominant landscape values.” (p. 5)</i><br /><br />After a year of dealing with this regulation, I wonder whether this regulation truly ‘talks the talk.’ I wonder whether this regulation is playing ‘catch-up’ or implementing an innovation? <br /><br />The explanatory report appears to signal that it is attempting to minimise the presence of excessive hard surfaces (hence reducing the excess stormwater runoff), and to minimise the size of buildings itself (in favour of landscaping values and neighbourhood character). At the time of writing this article, no practice note has been released nor further explanatory notes has been released to be discuss how or why ‘garden area’ came to be. It worries me that, based on the words of the explanatory report, its intent to minimise building coverage and maximise permeable surfaces. Doesn’t this sound familiar? <br /><br />Under our current building design regulations (commonly called ‘ResCode’) in Victoria, there are already two established standards for controlling these aspects for building design: Site Coverage (Standard A5 and/or Standard B8) and Permeability (Standard A6 and/or Standard B9). <br /><br />In relation to site coverage, ResCode sets a state-wide ‘standard’ allows development to cover up to a maximum 60% of a land. In relation to permeability, it requires development provide a minimum of 20% permeable surfaces. <br /><br />Additionally, Council’s are allowed to ‘vary’ these two state-wide standards (that is, they have the flexibility to specify a municipal-specific maximum site coverage and minimum permeability). Across Metropolitan Melbourne, there are multiple Councils that have municipal-specific site coverage (generally lower than the state-wide provision), and permeability (generally higher than the state-wide provision).<br /><br />So if it the intent of garden area is to minimise building coverage and maximum permeable surfaces (which is already controlled) – why not simply change just lower the Standard A5/B8 and increase Standard A6/B9? Why add a new layer of complexity into the equation? At least this would have avoided the introduction of a whole new term that has been subject to a diverse interpretation and scrutiny. <br /><br />To better explore this, I decided to do a bit of simple testing (two dwellings only on 650m2 blocks of land with a 18.28m wide frontage using a side-by-side development and tandem style) in terms of whether the garden area requirement really does what its intended to do. <br /><br />I tested the before and after ‘garden area’ on: <br /><br /><ul>
<li>the state-wide ResCode requirements;</li>
<li>the regulations under the Schedule 3 of the Neighbourhood Residential Zone in the Glen Eira Planning Scheme (in place since 2013 and is the only NRZ schedule); and </li>
<li>Schedule 1 of the Neighbourhood Residential Zone in the Bayside Planning Scheme (in place since 2014 and is the only NRZ schedule).</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 1. Victorian State Wide Provision Testing.</td></tr>
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In respect of a side-by-side layout, the test against the State Wide provisions showed that only a marginal decrease to a building footprint permitted was necessary to achieve compliance with the garden area requirements. </div>
<br />In respect of a tandem layout, no changes were actually needed to the footprint, between the before and after introduction of garden area.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 2. Glen Eira Provisions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATWtufPwwi0diVSFyo3YKcb7_qMtL4v6pwXQrqpChAf9b_U15WvcC5QmJW69QRqko_SBI56DDdNUh5vljmgnavGuNcnlfYf7TBnHw6yKlnTg_ulQT1OYiewKqzFauSq80XoWSsDRm7w2z/s1600/vp+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATWtufPwwi0diVSFyo3YKcb7_qMtL4v6pwXQrqpChAf9b_U15WvcC5QmJW69QRqko_SBI56DDdNUh5vljmgnavGuNcnlfYf7TBnHw6yKlnTg_ulQT1OYiewKqzFauSq80XoWSsDRm7w2z/s640/vp+3.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 3. Bayside Provisions</td></tr>
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In respect of both types of layouts for these two Council’s no actual changes to the footprint were necessary to achieve compliance with garden area requirements, based on current schedule provisions within each respective Council. <br />
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Although, this testing does not cater to local planning policy preferences and does not account for other provisions of building design (such as perceived visual bulk, tree overlays, internal layouts and upper level setbacks etc…), it does show a ‘base line’ envelope would have achieved the garden area requirements (whether one was introduced or not). It could even be suggested that these envelopes ‘go too far,’ but even if this were the case, any scaling back to lead to an envelope that is more compliant with garden area. <br /><br />It seems that the introduction of the garden area regulation would have minimal affect for a typical infill style 2 dwelling development, and actually appears to do does very little to maximise permeability especially where municipal-specific schedules already appear to support footprints that support this intent, anyway. <br /><br />Perhaps, the ramifications of garden area requirements may become much more obvious for developments that exceed more than 2 dwellings, however, that may be a test for another day. <br /><br />But in the mean time, it does appear that an introduction for a ‘garden area’ appears to just be ‘reinventing the wheel’ when its intent (as currently understood through the explanatory report) could be achieved through various other means that are already available. Is the garden area truly providing an innovative means to support more permeable surfaces, or is it simply playing catch up with other municipalities?<div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/WQEFE4Y7/GA%20article.docx#_ftnref1">[1]</a> The explanatory report can be found on the Planning Scheme Amendments Online website under PSA VC110.</div>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-57642666976166393352018-03-29T08:33:00.004+11:002018-03-29T08:33:48.399+11:00New Urban RealitiesBy Jaime Parsons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1wWnDPmkyxOFHmqZrXdGVjO6gn8YnIMWVnEpHXBKqhi4HO4BvZftjzZN9z6eUTWu-_YAE6YOMUn1KoDykyBLGSO9quEuGdjv7v4WEIprAWDqXkwZvBuyWJ2lhiliEA6i1mLMA1ngvSro/s1600/jaime+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1wWnDPmkyxOFHmqZrXdGVjO6gn8YnIMWVnEpHXBKqhi4HO4BvZftjzZN9z6eUTWu-_YAE6YOMUn1KoDykyBLGSO9quEuGdjv7v4WEIprAWDqXkwZvBuyWJ2lhiliEA6i1mLMA1ngvSro/s640/jaime+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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VR is a representation of a created world (be it based in our own or imagined), or reality, generally using computer graphics that is multimedia and immersive. That is, it tends to incorporate moving imagery and sound that adapts to where we look, move our hands, or even walk, making it highly believable.<div>
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Probably the single most important element for VR to work are the Heads Mounted Displays (HMD). These are the goggles that are placed over your face and provide a feeling of being in the virtual space. Thanks to the popularisation of gaming VR headsets, what once was the realm of expensive research setups is now a consumer product, affordable enough to experiment with. The other key element of making VR and AR more immersive and interactive is motion tracking. It allows the position of the whole or part of our bodies to be mapped in real time and be placed in the VR-AR environment and even interact with virtual objects.<br /><br />The truth is representing ideas, concepts and designs in a manner more akin to how we view the world is an old concept, easily traced back to the development of perspective drawing in the Italian Renaissance. What is different is that traditional 2D perspective representations of our 3D world cannot not fool our senses into feeling we are in an environment with depth and volume; AR and VR start to do precisely this. <br /><br />This opens new possibilities in how we explore scenarios for the future; for what is urban planning and urban design but an attempt to imagine and create better places to live, work and enjoy. <br /><br />There are two main general use case scenarios for VR-AR in our professions: communication and creation. The benefits of using these technologies as a communication tool in urban planning and design are significant. Many people are not familiar with how our professions represent the urban environment. People may not understand, or even be scared by terms like density, vibrancy, transport oriented development. Drawing of elevations, plans and sections can be hard to comprehend and may not convey the complexities and subtleties of how humans would perceive a new park or apartment block. Even 3D computer renderings are limited to particular viewpoints and provide limited information of how you can use and inhabit a space. It is the case that many times we are not talking the same ‘language’ of the community, investors, decision makers.<div>
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The use of VR and AR to assist in the design process is still largely experimental but could be one of the most transformative opportunities to express and shape our urban thinking since the invention of the computer. The ability to use your hands to quickly model a 3D digital environment will increase the immediacy of how we design our towns and cities (early examples Are). It also presents the possibility for people not familiar with complexities of 3D modelling software to be able to contribute to creation of plans for their urban environment. Early examples of this this application are being developed mostly by universities and GIS/CAD software giants such as ESRI, Autodesk and Bentley (<a href="https://youtu.be/ey1B0ExtviE" target="_blank">see this YouTube video of a demonstration project</a>).<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIV2VeO2xwdosXFHPVf1JcitMHOiBLIpImkM8aVNXhFSUz1Vj8Asyfxxv0Opd2SZVu-2sfsr-YpX3GhzikssEtvhs8qewHiYk0CNr-GICku4cPx3zxXRlX-zjHf65FAIXcX_OtSIDNtBc/s1600/jaime+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1569" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIV2VeO2xwdosXFHPVf1JcitMHOiBLIpImkM8aVNXhFSUz1Vj8Asyfxxv0Opd2SZVu-2sfsr-YpX3GhzikssEtvhs8qewHiYk0CNr-GICku4cPx3zxXRlX-zjHf65FAIXcX_OtSIDNtBc/s640/jaime+2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interactive
visualisation of central London using a Hololens (source: Fracture MR)</td></tr>
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Whilst still nascent some projects using VR are showing its promising nature, in particular for communicating the true feeling of being there and interactivity to facilitate collaboration: <br /><ul>
<li><b>Viewing the past </b>- Christchurch, New Zealand, has been severely hit by several earthquakes since 2010 that have resulted in most of the buildings in the CBD being severely damaged and thus deemed unsafe. Pre-earthquake Christchurch is now a memory and for many people hard to conceive. The Human Interface Technology Lab the University of Canterbury has recreated a <a href="https://www.hitlabnz.org/index.php/products/cityviewar" target="_blank">VR reality app</a> that can easily be used on Android smartphones to see, superimposed over the gaps in the city, the vanished historic buildings. </li>
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<li><b>Solar Analysis</b> – CO Architects have used VR to create <a href="https://coarchitects.com/basics-an-architectural-solar-analysis-tool-for-microsoft-hololens/" target="_blank">an application</a> that, based on traditional paper drawings, allows for the creation of simple geometries and subsequent shadow testing. All of this is done using simple body gesture controls adding to the immediacy and realism of the whole process. </li>
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<li><b>Future infrastructure</b> – VR is being used by Transport Canberra and City Services to share with the community <a href="https://esriaustralia.com.au/esri-australia-blog/virtual-reality-for-smart-cities-and-urban-planning-blg-103" target="_blank">how the new Gungahlin Town Centre will be affected</a> by the proposed light rail, bus and shared zone. The VR simulation, made available in the local library in late 2017, allowed residents and local businesses to ‘be there’ and understand the impacts on their daily lives. </li>
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<li><b>Better streets</b> – the London Cycling Campaign (LCC), in collaboration with a Dutch engineering firm, are advocating for major cycle improvements for the route from Old Street to Oxford Street (also referred to as the London Boulevard). The Boulevard is the busiest cycle route, outside of the cycle superhighways, yet it is has no dedicated cycle infrastructure. LCC is <a href="http://road.cc/content/news/222492-london-boulevard-could-19-mile-scar-across-london-become-capital-cycling-icon" target="_blank">using VR to lobby for changes from Camden Council</a> and other decision makers by showcasing alternatives to make it a safer route for cyclists. </li>
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<li><b>Community perspectives</b> – the high speed rail project between London and Manchester (AKA HS2) is a major infrastructure project that is to impact the suburb of Euston, London. To capture the personal, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/may/26/empathy-machine-vr-bad-city-developments-virtual-reality" target="_blank">intimate stories of the affected local residents and businesses the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture have used VR</a>. The result is the intimate experience of Palimpsest which, according to its creators, captures a depth of feeling that traditional media can’t hope to achieve. </li>
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Larger architectural firms are employing VR modellers, haptic interface designers (i.e. touch interfaces) and even Chief Technology Officers with the aim to full integrate these technologies in how they work, collaborate and communicate. Where are these future roles in urban planning and design? There are a multitude of opportunities around VR just waiting to be realised in our professions. Instead of simply using VR for recreation and evasion we can use it to scope, design, iterate and communicate the benefits of more human, compact urban environments. Let us embrace the power of technology and use VR to improve the real world.<div>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-2624188654110186672018-03-27T16:50:00.002+11:002018-03-27T16:50:29.265+11:00Would you live in a ‘Blade Runner City’ for much cheaper housing? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Julia Moiso. <div>
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<br />Could you imagine our cities without the provision of zoning controls dictating where you live and how you should develop your site? Does it look like site specific heaven or a metropolis chaos? Would you sacrifice it for more affordable housing? <br /><br />Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of Australia, who we all know and love published a research paper inquiring further into the consequences of zoning laws on housing affordability, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. <br /><br />The paper calls for a fundamental rethink of government policy, stating that zoning "<i>had driven prices substantially above the supply cost,"</i> with estimates <i>“that the average Sydney house, valued at $1.16 million in 2016, represents a $395,000 structure on a $765,000 block of land,"</i>. This represents 36% the true value of that land and 64% the cost of what the RBA calls the Zoning effect. <br /><br />Among the worst affected areas were Willoughby and the Northern Beaches in Sydney and Boroondara and Stonnington in Melbourne, where prices on the median house have been driven up by more than $700,000. <br /><br />The paper uses the example of Wyndham Vale, a 363 hectare site 40 kilometres west of Melbourne, which was recently rezoned from rural to residential and has thus spiked in value from $120 million to $400 million. The RBA provided an analysis saying that <i>“such large increases in values as a result of zoning changes are inconsistent with the ongoing debate that a physical shortage of land itself is the main cause of high housing prices”</i>. <br /><br />This is not to say that we should just abolish zoning all together in order to afford a place to live, (without compromising your Saturday morning full milk cap and smashed avo!). Without strategic zoning provisions, we’d be living in a developer monopoly of a Blade Runner-style urban landscape, but hey, housing would be cheap as chips to buy! ….right? If a Blade Runner future isn’t quite your thing for you and your family, that’s probably because zoning laws were created for just that very reason. Even the RBA admits it. <br /><br />Zoning rules mean we pay higher prices but we get a bit more breathing room to live in. Putting a price on your precious amenity can often be seen as a luxury within our nation as we have the opportunity to housing choice and style. More square meterage for your family, direct natural sunlight light in your homes and perhaps a bit more beauty? Zoning ensures that you can obtain a sizeable home on a nice leafy street with a big yard - the great Aussie Dream. It can all be yours for a seductive starting price of $1.16m (and probably the next 45 working years of your life). <br /><br />Of course, a Blade Runner city concept would only apply to the more valuable land assets with close proximity to services, transport and places of employment. The below figure indicates higher housing prices in Sydney as a result of <i>The Zoning Effect. </i><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJavjCPLpXne-eXadET_Ohc6lIo9LpKQ_FzIBXrv8Bb_3Wbs-beaIYIk7y7bmejwoMPrL8N1kpK6LjehFNd4PiQs7izmaskfU_V3P1-UPT7H0Z5xjjhjs3jERYWCar-UdX-gWPm8KL6wF/s1600/julia+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="638" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJavjCPLpXne-eXadET_Ohc6lIo9LpKQ_FzIBXrv8Bb_3Wbs-beaIYIk7y7bmejwoMPrL8N1kpK6LjehFNd4PiQs7izmaskfU_V3P1-UPT7H0Z5xjjhjs3jERYWCar-UdX-gWPm8KL6wF/s640/julia+1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />The big question is whether higher house prices as a result of zoning provisions are really worth it? The mental health impacts of the high cost of housing is an unstable and worrying torment of ongoing survival to a human life. Two working parents spend the prime of their lives working to pay off an inflated mortgage, spending time away from their kids, ruled out dreams of travelling or pursuing their hobbies. Do we really get more benefit from a detached dwelling house and a front yard than we would from 15 years less mortgage? <br /><br /><i>OPINION: Personally, I’ve always believed front yards are an obsolete requirement for land use. Rarely do people realistically enjoy their front yards, yet spend time and money on ongoing upkeep. This is not to say that there shouldn’t be a distance of separation between the street boundary and your front door, there should always be a setback of space to indicate public and private property however, additional housing square meterage or rear private outdoor space would be more beneficial, liveable and sustainable. </i><br /><br />The real question is whether the costs of our planning rules outweigh the benefits for the livability of the future both our individual happiness and the sustainability of the city’s landscape.
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-48951868729723778412018-03-27T16:44:00.000+11:002018-03-27T16:44:25.041+11:00Gentrification. How far have we come?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Jane Witham.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJXuQvwj-ATmuI9LwWYinoh68rPTuIqPqvdj-XB_3IYqHky1lP8cfAiau8vAfCk1SnmEtFdWxJD5YvQWR8vX0Vp4ML3Saxt22lLrETnJ0Np7CyNBbvKFCceKVr4kGZ1mlhh2JHpstxVtq/s1600/jane+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="564" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJXuQvwj-ATmuI9LwWYinoh68rPTuIqPqvdj-XB_3IYqHky1lP8cfAiau8vAfCk1SnmEtFdWxJD5YvQWR8vX0Vp4ML3Saxt22lLrETnJ0Np7CyNBbvKFCceKVr4kGZ1mlhh2JHpstxVtq/s640/jane+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work
by Banksy. (Source: Business Insider)<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
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‘Happily gentrifying the neighbourhood since 2014’, a small coffee shop wrote on a sandwich board sign in November 2017 in Denver, Colorado. Shortly thereafter the sign found itself viral on the internet, sparking outrage and resulting in vandalism of the shop frontage and the temporary closure of the business. <br /><br />Gentrification as a word, is common and controversial. First referred to in the 1960s, it defined the influx of the middle class displacing lower class workers in London. It was also prevalent in New York, where the bohemian appeal of areas such as SoHo lead to affluent populations moving in, affordability adjusting accordingly and artists who started the movement, being displaced. <br /><br />In 2018 it continues to maintain these negative connotations. Various areas in metropolitan Melbourne experience protests against gentrification. New businesses and so-called hipsters are found at the forefront of this conflict, primarily due to their role in neighbourhood composition and the associated increased cost of living and affordability. <br /><br />Gentrification, flaws and all, is inevitable as long as urban consolidation continues to accommodate growth. However, the way in which gentrification occurs today is vastly different from what it used to be. There are various strategies in current planning frameworks to help tackle the gentrification issue and it is the combination of each physical, social and collaborative feature that helps soften the impact.<div>
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One of these key controls embedded in Victorian planning schemes is the retention of neighbourhood character. Retaining character and heritage elements of buildings, and retaining the character of the wider urban fabric, plays a pivotal role in reducing the impact of gentrification. Responding to neighbourhood character results in the physical charm of an area remaining strong for established residents and newer residents alike. When standing on the footpath and nearly (or completely) missing the majority of a building’s density due to it being recessed or tucked away, is key in softening growth on neighbourhoods.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHCtGIrRjQGCIozkv4BSRXBn1MfsB51894vAKUrhkva8-_tU6y69Qfqyjh0pAzTcK3zOurYFpjt8yJCGBf53zqDG8qaZUUWlrUt8naM0dEFO57COwa5tUPO5TzZ9fH4uaOwd4fQL1nNdm/s1600/jane+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="1123" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHCtGIrRjQGCIozkv4BSRXBn1MfsB51894vAKUrhkva8-_tU6y69Qfqyjh0pAzTcK3zOurYFpjt8yJCGBf53zqDG8qaZUUWlrUt8naM0dEFO57COwa5tUPO5TzZ9fH4uaOwd4fQL1nNdm/s640/jane+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built
form respecting existing character on Toorak Rd (left) and renewal on Johnston
St (right). (Source: Google Maps).</td></tr>
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This together with fostering sustainable communities, in terms of public art, placemaking and community infrastructure are other key ways the Victorian planning framework enables cohesion between varying demographic cohorts. Notably, not all new residents to an area intend on eroding the existing community, and if they’re anything like me, they want to contribute and be a part of the established community. Overall, Melbourne is renowned as a culturally diverse network of neighbourhoods and which is supported by planning controls.<br /><br />Affordable housing initiatives are another active response to gentrification, with Councils such as Port Phillip and Moreland being at the forefront of initiatives in affordable housing, to help retain the cohorts who are subject to potential displacement. Affordable housing has proven a challenging matter to address, but emerging collaborations between Councils and the development industry that are exploring creative ways to address the issue, such as the Moreland Civic Lab.<br /><br />Finally, the ability of the communities in contemporary planning to be a part of the planning process, allows for input from all. Our community maintains a key voice throughout the planning decision making process, which unlikely was the case when the debate on gentrification commenced in the early days.<br /><br />When you consider these avenues that collectively help to tackle the issues surrounding gentrification and support the positive change, it is clear that a significant amount of progress has been made, particularly in Melbourne. Whether it be sensitivity in building design, public art, placemaking strategies contributing to cultural cohesion or innovations in the affordable housing realm, gentrification has a stigma to some which may not consider how much progress has been made and continues to be made.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUEp5kpaxwD2Q7hOijUr_WB4CIMOU-rTKE0IJsTgFJ5mubjENNpySiO_WxNY7IS6vY8foKLpjG08-dnMIbHOKWSnCWMDPaACPQNGvGBfB_kU1mQyystTiTNSD9lE0MoNbg7vfEMsJ17Tz/s1600/jane+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="863" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUEp5kpaxwD2Q7hOijUr_WB4CIMOU-rTKE0IJsTgFJ5mubjENNpySiO_WxNY7IS6vY8foKLpjG08-dnMIbHOKWSnCWMDPaACPQNGvGBfB_kU1mQyystTiTNSD9lE0MoNbg7vfEMsJ17Tz/s320/jane+3.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adaptive
protests. (Source: The Guardian)</td></tr>
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A few things to think about in conclusion to this piece: </div>
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<li>Do you think we have progressed with addressing gentrification? Do you perceive it in a positive or negative light? </li>
<li>Do you think the coffee shop sandwich board would have had the same negative response if it stated: ‘Happily revitalising the neighbourhood since 2014’?</li>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-13984113674239641372018-02-26T10:43:00.000+11:002018-02-26T10:43:39.424+11:00Reflecting on Urban Form from an Aerial Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Sam Palma.<br />
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With the majority of social activity within a city occurring at the ground level, it is no surprise that urban design and statutory planning focus on the visual interests, protection of amenity and aesthetic presentation of built form and landscaping from the ground level. However, the form, siting and layout of cities, towns and/or precincts can become eye catching spectacles when viewed from a birds eye perspective, although these views are often rarely seen unless you are flying over a city. Technological advancements in the industry has seen drones become increasingly popular and accessible, as the ability to view and explore cities takes a new form and provides us with the opportunity to views cities from a new perspective. <br /><br /> This article seeks to explore cities from a birds eye to view to appreciate and reflect trends in urban planning and development of societies. Viewing cities from an aerial perspective provides the opportunity to identify trends, learn from mistakes, appreciate the aesthetic form, improve functionality of cities. It is also interesting to see how some of the more aesthetic cities perform on a practical level.<br /><br /><b>Citadel of Palmanova: </b><br /><br />Initially built as a fortress during the late 16th century, the star shaped town provides a geometric urban form. Palmanova strived to implement the ideal city based on utopian ideas of the time which stemmed from the concept that beauty strengthens the shape of society. <br /><br />The town of Palmanova although being quite eye catching to look at, did not perform so good on a practical level, with the fortress like walls located on the perimeter of the star being a barrier to its success and integration with surrounding cities/towns.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakUJRYAkNYxOc2FISCH3k0DEt2zDotCwUTDTVp5zUXL4TyU_eTnho-pZ3akrxGI_B5hyrRSAH5jBTfEJTxvSlefD3eyy98ll1Ier_NO020_Zraigsfv-QwcAXWl68MtNUCUcPA_yq7LZB/s1600/sam+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakUJRYAkNYxOc2FISCH3k0DEt2zDotCwUTDTVp5zUXL4TyU_eTnho-pZ3akrxGI_B5hyrRSAH5jBTfEJTxvSlefD3eyy98ll1Ier_NO020_Zraigsfv-QwcAXWl68MtNUCUcPA_yq7LZB/s400/sam+1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palmanova - Italy. (Source: <a href="http://dailyoverview.com/">dailyoverview.com</a>)</td></tr>
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<br /><b>Delray Beach Florida: </b><br /><br />The art of urban sprawl (if there even is such a thing) is demonstrated within Delray Beach, Florida. The layout and form of roads, lakes and cul-de-sacs presents a level of interest at first glance, however this residential development would fail the practically and connectivity test, reflecting a high level of car dependence and limited walkability.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnZSbC8BbM44e6uJ1eTGodlhYX_9Xep6_ZBcy1UR6TmsjtH9VUu7hSzNDu4i_OEx8rk1AmUs3SSwy1_zKByDD6fX3FmKfM6kJubSlB01iY8JdtwLhqj0Allf96tZNr7OuHu2EcvDz9pBA/s1600/sam+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="907" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnZSbC8BbM44e6uJ1eTGodlhYX_9Xep6_ZBcy1UR6TmsjtH9VUu7hSzNDu4i_OEx8rk1AmUs3SSwy1_zKByDD6fX3FmKfM6kJubSlB01iY8JdtwLhqj0Allf96tZNr7OuHu2EcvDz9pBA/s400/sam+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delray Beach - Florida (Source: <a href="http://dailyoverview.com/">dailyoverview.com</a>)</td></tr>
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<br /><b>La Plata – Buenos Aires </b><br /><br />Founded In 1882, the City of La Plata was built with the intention of being the provincial capital of Buenos Aires, possessing a strong grid pattern with diagonal roads connecting parks, public spaces and districts of the city. The city adopts a linear and fairly symmetrical layout which can contribute to a visually aesthetic form while providing practical and predictable trends and movements. The City and urban form is said to have traits of freemason symbolism. Around the time it was built, the city won awards for “the City of the Future” through the rationalist concept of urban form.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuiLOcbg14VtFktzVYLlOkwoQz6e0Mi7e7HBKrmUyrGAZ3jRdDb15IJm2gF0LGKyJmwrQINwWFaqF95v73LAMm7sGqyb_q9elhGUR9_80ZuE0-8d4yr5jCN03g8aGRhk_Wn2MBJmVxnFg/s1600/sam+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="809" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuiLOcbg14VtFktzVYLlOkwoQz6e0Mi7e7HBKrmUyrGAZ3jRdDb15IJm2gF0LGKyJmwrQINwWFaqF95v73LAMm7sGqyb_q9elhGUR9_80ZuE0-8d4yr5jCN03g8aGRhk_Wn2MBJmVxnFg/s400/sam+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Plata - Buenos Aires (Source: <a href="http://dailyoverview.com/">dailyoverview.com</a>)</td></tr>
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<b><br />L’Eixample – Valencia, Spain </b><br /><br />Constructed in the early 19th to 20th Century the term L’Eixample is Catalan and translates to “Expansion”. <br /><br />At the time of construction the city focused its layout and design on transport, light and ventilation, however has now become well known for its long straight streets, wide boulevards and chamfered corners. <br /><br />The communal courtyards located within the grid form have become an iconic urban fabric seen throughout Spain.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw_59QrY0P2gkFf5MKOTqN0oRxembwSVTna1ubeqB3GtX-cqRLCxbdX29BWXvPMJfwCIh7uocxdP87GLLJTcfEb02RYp_cU4cKk58c2NwcbcyXE-4qdRinhqtErwuKt_Kk7y8zowixdNv/s1600/sam+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw_59QrY0P2gkFf5MKOTqN0oRxembwSVTna1ubeqB3GtX-cqRLCxbdX29BWXvPMJfwCIh7uocxdP87GLLJTcfEb02RYp_cU4cKk58c2NwcbcyXE-4qdRinhqtErwuKt_Kk7y8zowixdNv/s400/sam+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L'Eixample - Valencia, Spain (Source: <a href="http://dailyoverview.com/">dailyoverview.com</a>)</td></tr>
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<br />It is evident from some of the photos I’ve shown above that a cities layout and form can contribute to a visually aesthetic urban fabric (from an aerial perspective), as different periods of time, objectives and ideologies shape how these cities functionally perform and are enjoyed by society. Although cities are often developed through a master plan which anticipates future growth from an aerial view, what translates from paper into the urban fabric can change and trends develop over time , providing an opportunity to evaluate the functionality, successes and failures of cities. <br /><br />Some questions worth considering: <br /><ul>
<li>Do you think a thorough investigation into cities from a birds eye perspective can reveal unexplored concepts in the evaluation and assessment of a cities performance? </li>
<li>Are we currently providing a harmonious balance between the visual interest of a city and practicality? </li>
<li>Although a symmetrical city can provide visual interest from an aerial perspective, does this also provide for functional and connected urban centres? </li>
<li>What are some of your favourite cities from an aerial perspective?</li>
</ul>
DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-39486992072606331182018-02-23T15:15:00.001+11:002018-02-23T15:15:45.056+11:00Visual Branding of your Urban Design Projects. Why Not?By Amy Ikhayanti.<br />
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It is undeniable that urban design projects rely heavily on graphic presentation. In order to communicate the analyses, reasoning and design proposal, the phrase ‘an image can speak a thousand words’ could not be more true. In other words, graphics are crucial in communicating certain aspects of your project that cannot be portrayed otherwise. Finding the hybrid between both a visually insightful and verbally informative document is irreplaceable within this industry. Knowing that, we, urban designers, put much effort into the visual presentation of our projects. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Every designer has their own signature move to illustrate their projects. It is a well-known fact that consultancies exercise distinctive graphic palettes to differentiate their work from others. From time to time, we can tell who the lead consultant is just from viewing their strategic document or reports by how they are designed and the style of graphics and diagrams used. That being said, the idea of branding or marketing of an urban design consultancy through their graphics has a long-standing history. However, what does visual branding entail and how can you achieve the best results possible through this? <br /><br />In its entirety, branding covers not only the visual look of a product, but also the experience it provides the user. One famous example is the experience of buying and unpackaged Apple Macbook laptop. When you arrive at the Apple Store, you find yourself in a sleek, modern building with an open plan, soft lighting and full of gadgets that you can compare to suit your different needs. Moreover, you can also customise your choice of laptop with the help of a ‘Apple Genius’ (“Apple Genius?” You may ask. this is all a part of their carefully thought-out branding). When you get home with your choice of laptop, you find yourself opening the packaging the same way you’ll open a suitcase. It definitely is a different experience compared to how you usually unpack your electronic purchases. A suitcase can be synonymous with the feeling of affluence. When Apple prompts its buyers to unpack their newly bought laptops the same way they open a suitcase, it triggers the feeling of opulence, and most importantly, 'specialness'. It is this same principle that applies to every other product and its associated branding, so why shouldn’t this work for urban design? <br /><br />As a simple rule of thumb, your branding checklist should include the following. <br /><ul>
<li>Look and feel </li>
<li>Tone of voice </li>
<li>Market position </li>
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Look and feel refers to visual components, such as colours, shapes, layout and typeface; as well as the feeling those components evoke in its audience. Bright colours can communicate the feeling of cheerfulness and playfulness, while dark earthy colours can convey a more serious personality. Tone of voice strongly influences the product impression in the customer’s mind. When the tone is strong, concise and detailed, it exudes confidence, professionalism and mastery. On the other hand, a soft, elegant tone can be found in many premium urban design products that companies produce. Lastly, the market position specifies the target market and how the product responds to it through its look and feel, as well as tone of voice. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlPF5OiHAsFvsGuedJutqTJ6s5VEuhnhWC7agK3EprxmFB7tPLGJgUmhIT7u_zJ88-ODxGHTk5T-DyjLx77AITge-vhteQjzf_ZSKpj7x2OU090XKLL66C7q5y9iaY5BvvqcHI2o2hG_a/s1600/amy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1227" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlPF5OiHAsFvsGuedJutqTJ6s5VEuhnhWC7agK3EprxmFB7tPLGJgUmhIT7u_zJ88-ODxGHTk5T-DyjLx77AITge-vhteQjzf_ZSKpj7x2OU090XKLL66C7q5y9iaY5BvvqcHI2o2hG_a/s640/amy+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heidelberg West Urban Design Framework. (Source: David Lock Associates). </td></tr>
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It is important to remember that there is no sure-fire way of branding for success. Successful branding is a delicate hybrid of each of the three components described above. One of my favoured ways to start my approach is to ensure that I have a comprehensive understanding of the target audience in order to craft a personalised tone of voice, which is then translated into a specific look and feel of the product. Learn the company branding. This for me creates a tailored product that communicates concisely and directly to the target market and successfully translates our vision through graphics, style of writing and report layout. However it is important to note that this method may not be the best approach to every designer, branding and design are indeed personal and subjective. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO-ed8iRirEVbDAaRPr8qe9lIK0RBkVRCurKIKyVIaSmzYserpCppK4GkGsVqMaNELG8mr-QRJ4uoyOxbnry-h28IF6ND8Of1_DaWSOkbRWR1w4zGy98UpJfjNADt5F_FHwiP587HoazV/s1600/Amy+pic+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="773" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO-ed8iRirEVbDAaRPr8qe9lIK0RBkVRCurKIKyVIaSmzYserpCppK4GkGsVqMaNELG8mr-QRJ4uoyOxbnry-h28IF6ND8Of1_DaWSOkbRWR1w4zGy98UpJfjNADt5F_FHwiP587HoazV/s640/Amy+pic+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heidelberg West Urban Design Framework. (Source: David Lock Associates)</td></tr>
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From time to time, consultancies may provide a comprehensive graphics template and palette that is usually strictly followed by its designers. In other cases, a freer look and feel can be pursued, or should be pursued out of necessity (one example may be a project that is of different nature and type compared to other standard long-standing ones previously done by the company). Such cases call for a good understanding of the company branding as a whole and how it can be interpreted in the simplest elements of lines and shapes. It can be considered crucial that that the consultancy should take into account these three branding elements and provide their unique direction and approaches in applying them effectively. If such guidance is not available, a branding exercise should be pursued to avoid conflicts and confusion among the designers. <br /><br />From experience, a good understanding of visual branding and its application in urban design has proven to be a prosperous gateway into creating successful urban design outputs. It allows me to contribute to the graphic repertoire and visual character of DLA whilst also maintaining its established brand and unique identity. In that respect, what are your visual branding experiences in urban design?</div>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-66824550700987267332018-02-21T10:59:00.000+11:002018-02-21T10:59:16.455+11:00Urban Agriculture: Tackling Sustainability and Social Cohesion <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">By Kirsty Smith.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDKdgdWkN7987YpWFvS44uOyfIqPW_nBzROykr_n7DwHbgd5-MV6XbdekbHxC8RuyRg6FdLnBrZPr1gh5szfep7CYyafWDukXSzk359vXBuOBmgcrIJXW-LGMkFo4utnxNgwu8Af1ktEo/s1600/Carriageworks1-620x360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="620" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDKdgdWkN7987YpWFvS44uOyfIqPW_nBzROykr_n7DwHbgd5-MV6XbdekbHxC8RuyRg6FdLnBrZPr1gh5szfep7CYyafWDukXSzk359vXBuOBmgcrIJXW-LGMkFo4utnxNgwu8Af1ktEo/s640/Carriageworks1-620x360.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marrickville Markets. Source: Green Villages Sydney</td></tr>
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The highlight of my Sunday is a trip to do my grocery shopping. I know not everyone would share my enthusiasm for the weekly shop, particularly if that means queuing at a local Coles or Woolies. However, my grocery shop involves a local farmer named Hapi. Hapi lives up to his name and always has a smile on his face as he tells me about what seasonal produce he has on offer at the Farmers Market that week. Hapi tells me all about his dryland farming and how most of his produce is produced organically and if it isn’t deemed to be organic then why not. I feel fortunate to have access to Hapi and the other farmers at Marrickville Markets in Sydney’s inner west as it has taught me a lot about the importance of understanding where our food comes from. Before the markets I can’t say that I have had much interaction with farmers; much appreciation for seasonality, and that I may not be able to get my fresh blueberries all year round or that there was a reason the beloved hass avocado is replaced with a shepard at certain times during the year. I know I am not the only one that would feel this way, but why is that? <br /><br />As city dwellers, convenience is usually always at our door step. We don’t even need to leave the house to order our groceries or have a delicious meal cooked for us. Technology and mobility has made it so easy for us to be disconnected from where our food comes from. So how can we as planners and urban designers change this? And why is it important that we do? <br /><br />Urban agriculture is on the rise globally, with more and more farms appearing in our cities. Social, economic and environmental benefits allow urban agriculture to contribute to the multifunctionality and sustainability of cities. In terms of land use planning, multifunctionality is a great asset, and urban agriculture can deliver a variety of potential benefits simultaneously (van den Berg 2000), making it a ‘cheap’ producer of public goods (<a href="http://soac.fbe.unsw.edu.au/2011/papers/SOAC2011_0055_final(1).pdf" target="_blank">Moustier and Danso 2006</a>).<br /><br />Urban farms, which are different to allotments and community gardens, occupy much bigger spaces; they can employ people, regenerate huge neighbourhoods and give residents access to fresh produce on their doorsteps. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq79nbJEGPNkUyEPiCSyaoDVf8FhTpVIxCntxLgIWKreeeaEP0COvyHOXU68G0J95fdHnBkYraANmaqgxzZzrvner7u1GO3nHMxGwoJgfRgRe7mFzwS0pgswozSrZ_UArAeGyFWLHF8bce/s1600/KS+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="915" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq79nbJEGPNkUyEPiCSyaoDVf8FhTpVIxCntxLgIWKreeeaEP0COvyHOXU68G0J95fdHnBkYraANmaqgxzZzrvner7u1GO3nHMxGwoJgfRgRe7mFzwS0pgswozSrZ_UArAeGyFWLHF8bce/s640/KS+1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urban Agriculture. Source: <a href="https://www.milkwood.net/2016/09/19/dirt-pocket-city-farms/" target="_blank">Milkwood</a><a href="http://.net/">.net</a></td></tr>
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Numerous land uses are associated with urban agriculture, including city farms, verge farming, community composting, farmers’ markets, rooftop garden, keeping of animals (e.g. poultry and bees), etc. As a result, there are numerous ways in which land use planning can encourage, support, regulate and hinder urban agricultural practices. In Australia, intentional urban agriculture planning is at a very early developmental stage, with no comprehensive policy or strategy and only a small proportion of local governments in capital cities having community garden and farmers markets provisions. The main hurdle is to recognise urban agriculture and all of its practices as a desirable land use, rather than an incidental one.<br /><br />In our master planning and rezoning proposals here at DLA these types of uses could be included within our proposals to/ or on behalf of Councils, but encouraging these types of uses through our statutory work may be more challenging due to existing land use restrictions etc. Through recognition and understanding of urban agriculture practices, existing regulatory provisions could be altered to facilitate urban agriculture development. This could be achieved through recognition by local governments of the importance of urban agriculture in its areas. It would require investment in education particularly of decision-makers, planners and the community on its practices, benefits and risks.<br /><br />So why is urban agriculture important and why should policy makers consider it? Urban agriculture encourages sustainable and healthy compact cities, helping to reduce food miles. Urban farms act as a social incubator, bringing together communities and connecting cultures. Many also impact significantly on health and well-being, allowing city-dwellers to access fresh food and understand where the food comes from and how it is grown.<br /><br />The practice has been popular in North America for many years, with many huge rooftop farms surrounding <a href="https://www.brooklyngrangefarm.com/" target="_blank">New York City. Brooklyn Grange</a> for instance, produces close to 23,000kg of organic vegetables each year, and the world’s largest urban farm recently opened in Chicago.<br /><br />These types of uses also foster innovation; a good example of this is <a href="http://www.farmurban.co.uk/" target="_blank">Farm Urban in Liverpool,</a> which is using leftover land (including the University of Liverpool Student Union’s rooftop) for aquaponics: a man-made, symbiotic system where plants and aquatic animals such as fish can nourish each other.<br /><br />Many urban agriculture initiatives are increasingly using hydroponics and other forms of technology to grow food more efficiently. Those adopting a highly technical approach appear to be more sustainable than other types of urban farms.<br /><br />Closer to home <a href="http://www.pocketcityfarms.com.au/" target="_blank">Pocket City Farm</a> is an urban farm in Camperdown, Sydney’s inner-west. The farm is part of Camperdown Commons, a community rejuvenation project that is an initiative of the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL. It shares the space with the RSL-managed Common Spaces, which offers local community groups, businesses and not-for-profits on-site spaces to meet and hold events, and with acre, the adjacent eatery that overlooks the farm. acre uses the farm’s organic produce in their seasonal menus and contributes to the farm’s composting and recycling programs. Collectively, they also run seasonal events together. Pocket City Farms connects with the local community in as many ways as they can. They run yoga classes and community education workshops for kids and adults (current events include: How to Grow Greens; Native, Stingless Beekeeping, and; Biointensive Growing). They have monthly crop swaps on-site, sell their produce to local cafes and restaurants across the inner west and have school groups, corporate and community groups use the space for outings. The Farm was created by a desire to grow food locally and to help create more points of connection with the production of our food.<br /><br />The capacity of urban farms to tackle major social and sustainability issues should not be underestimated. Global, national and local initiatives mean we’re likely to see more of these urban farms appearing across the world – improving city dwellers lifestyles, impacting positively on the local economy and regenerating neglected spaces. We look forward to encouraging these spaces in our development proposals. Would you like to see these spaces in your local area? Do you have other examples you could share with us?<br /><br /><br /><br />Additional reading:<br /><br /><a href="https://mattersjournal.com/stories/2017/12/07/pocket-city-farms-bringing-urban-agriculture-to-sydney?utm_source=Matters+Journal&utm_campaign=62d072d291-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_11_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a3d174295b-62d072d291-241539221">https://mattersjournal.com/stories/2017/12/07/pocket-city-farms-bringing-urban-agriculture-to-sydney?utm_source=Matters+Journal&utm_campaign=62d072d291-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_11_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a3d174295b-62d072d291-241539221</a><br /><br /><a href="http://soac.fbe.unsw.edu.au/2011/papers/SOAC2011_0055_final(1).pdf">http://soac.fbe.unsw.edu.au/2011/papers/SOAC2011_0055_final(1).pdf</a><br /><br /><a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-farms-wont-feed-our-cities-but-theyre-still-a-great-idea-heres-why-66107">https://theconversation.com/urban-farms-wont-feed-our-cities-but-theyre-still-a-great-idea-heres-why-66107</a></div>
DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-73823421170032989842018-02-21T10:05:00.000+11:002018-02-21T10:06:54.511+11:00Pressing Problems with Pocket Sized-fix By Siobhan Hudson. <br />
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London boroughs are struggling to provide well located, affordable housing and are now suggesting selling public land to private developers – does this sound familiar? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUiFR_1MotWQkFQJBRNNYuMZi-MEzZ4G3e2GemwYKFP4807iwImG5jSS5c-2kvUlogBmA9ssaLcNFP9rHky9as46sbGP_9ODlLShS8tG7cJqhDMoPR9gVQNRNQBe2DqdB3r8oMizQhApI/s1600/Siobhan+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUiFR_1MotWQkFQJBRNNYuMZi-MEzZ4G3e2GemwYKFP4807iwImG5jSS5c-2kvUlogBmA9ssaLcNFP9rHky9as46sbGP_9ODlLShS8tG7cJqhDMoPR9gVQNRNQBe2DqdB3r8oMizQhApI/s640/Siobhan+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Pocket Edition’s affordable 2-3 bedroom apartments in Wandsworth. This slender 27-storey development breaks away from negative stigma of modular construction and affordable provision with the help of terracotta cladding and fine detailing. (Source: Pocket) </td></tr>
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<b>What is the situation? </b><br />
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Marc Vlessing is an avid cyclist who was perplexed by the patterns of infill developments on his morning route - they were only ever in multiples of fourteen. Floor plates would creep to fill each site and provide luxurious 2-3 bedrooms in prime locations. Meanwhile London mayor, Sadiq Khan , accuses property developers of constructing “too many luxury penthouses that only the very wealthiest investors can afford” and morning newspapers revealed the number of young professionals in public service professions who can no longer afford to live, and therefore work, in the bustling capital. <br />
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Vlessing, asked the question of a town planner, “Why just fourteen?” The answer, that apartment designs now had an unspoken rule. Greater than fourteen apartments mandates inclusion of social housing or paying a penalty (closer to home, inclusionary zoning (meaning planning ordinances that require a given share of new constructions to be affordable housing) is proposed for inner city Sydney developments). Appalled and frustrated, Vlessing set a new personal agenda of solving the affordable housing ‘crisis’. He threw in his role as a financier at Canary Wharf and started a housing development company – enter Pocket Living. <br />
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<b>What is the solution? </b><br />
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In response to the shrinking provision of affordable housing, Vlessing devised a business case for providing well designed, well located, high density affordable apartments. These receive no public subsidy, sell for 20% less than market value and target first time buyers, as ‘starter homes’, for those earning less than £45 000 per annum and working in the borough. <br />
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In order to do so, Vlessing approached councils to acquire prime inner city brownfield sites for development, close to public transport, local shops and employment opportunities though without the additional social housing provision. The arrangement did not come easily though. <br />
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Pocket properties can only be sold for the price they were bought and to those meeting re-sale criteria. Current apartments sell for £270 000. Since establishing seven years ago resale numbers have been slim, whilst a minimum annual residency and the provision of common spaces encourages interaction between neighbours and fosters a neighbourhood – or perhaps you’ll run into them brunching on the local high street? <br />
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As the name suggests, Pocket supports small footprint living – 38m2 to be exact. These one bedroom apartments are smaller than your average tube carriage and local authority policies had to be changed to make way for the first prototype scheme. The apartment plans were far smaller than the minimum standards however, they promised high quality detailing and materials to ensure longevity. The current waiting list of 35 000 people proves good things can come via small floor plans! Mandating no on-site parking and instead providing bicycle parking allowed large ground works savings that could increase the construction quality. Affordable, well deigned, well located apartments are incredibly rare in London so it is easy to view a Pocket offer letter as Willy Wonka’s golden ticket, particularly when offers are prioritised to those who need the housing most - earning well below the income cap and via ‘help to buy’ schemes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMi_ZAdiWKj7jtzbLnySGV8d2DDK9X4PLkN2cDWV7w6bkjymjX1kcVwiNI_d_nO53w5cBDDrCTt0GFE-oSNjJ7tTVVk_aoYn457HCzjlurG19zQn-MnoaRGgNgyboyV2qpZXvp2ElJhYr/s1600/Siobhan+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="685" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMi_ZAdiWKj7jtzbLnySGV8d2DDK9X4PLkN2cDWV7w6bkjymjX1kcVwiNI_d_nO53w5cBDDrCTt0GFE-oSNjJ7tTVVk_aoYn457HCzjlurG19zQn-MnoaRGgNgyboyV2qpZXvp2ElJhYr/s640/Siobhan+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">These one bedroom apartments are smaller than your average tube carriage (Source: Pocket) </td></tr>
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Construction costs have further been kept to a minimum by re-introducing modular design. After a reputation for poor quality and unattractive homes throughout the 1960s, Pocket has sourced high quality providers of prefabricated building elements to ensure speedy assembly on-site. This process effectively halved the construction time and takes approximately twenty weeks to assemble. The Government has been particularly excited with this production flow as it shares construction work with the Midlands and the North and also provides local jobs. Traditionally work has been dictated by site location and kept work predominantly in the South-East.<br />
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Pocket has successfully provided seven developments since commencing in 2010 and houses 200 professionals locally. With this development track record, the government provided a huge boost of encouragement and financial security. London’s then mayor, Boris Johnson, and all 33 London councils invested in a profit making private housing developer for the first time in 2016. This took the form of a social investment loan, not a grant, while the Greater London Authority, Lloyds Bank and the London Enterprise Group provided £150 million, interest free for ten years. Pocket is now worth 25 million and has big aspirations.<br />
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<b>How can Pocket up-scale? </b><br />
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This social investment loan is an opportunity to provide 1000 homes by 2021, a significant amount of the social housing provision that local authorities need to provide. Provision of 43 000 affordable homes per year is needed to meet with demand and Pocket serves as a precedent for similar developments. <br />
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Excitingly, future evolutions now provide larger units for family homes and are investigating private rentals or acquiring public land to incorporate a mix of social housing…sounding familiar? This arrangement would allow councils to hand over the site on first day of construction, now down to a timeframe of 20 weeks, and provides a huge saving on construction costs. This would support inclusion of not-for-profit social housing. As Australian cities discuss how best to upgrade their own social housing stock and put public land on the private market, Pocket should serve as a precedent with a successful development record and exciting future development models in store. Watch this space! <br />
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<b>Who wore affordability better? </b><br />
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A creeping trend in inner-city developers has been berated after providing lavish street entrances for private owners and providing ‘poor doors’, Spartan rear entries for lower income earners. Even bicycle storage spaces, rubbish disposal facilities and postal deliveries are being separated. In planning applications developers have even argued;<br />
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<i>"that on-site provision of affordable housing would result in significant design inefficiencies due to the need for separate entrances and building cores". </i><br />
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These design choices reinforce social strata each time you enter the building and assure you never accidently say ‘hello’ to your well-earning ‘neighbours’ on the stairwell. It is a modern day approach to Victorian servant circulation – except these individuals are your nurses, police and key public service providers. Pocket developments are deliberately designed to respond to neighbourhood character whilst providing beautiful interiors and shared spaces. Affordable apartments can be achieved without sacrificing aesthetics and without stigma. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIvWPsSbQmIjN8HKEqIkYHRRX87L0_IUMoKd18XUO-gZ-CpuQd0pTPLPelyQMKRH5GoZNzPID_776nQlHkEn25A285Oh420VVa9AInh83nbQSXs_61RL-e_otu9J_84y2R8UJK0XlAdx7/s1600/Siobhan+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="460" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIvWPsSbQmIjN8HKEqIkYHRRX87L0_IUMoKd18XUO-gZ-CpuQd0pTPLPelyQMKRH5GoZNzPID_776nQlHkEn25A285Oh420VVa9AInh83nbQSXs_61RL-e_otu9J_84y2R8UJK0XlAdx7/s640/Siobhan+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Left, the luxury lobby of One Commercial Street, marketed to wealthy City workers. Right, the side-alley entrance reserved for affordable housing tenants. Photographs: Sarah Lee for the Guardian </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pocket Living were among keynote speakers attending the recent Agency Congress in Sydney, November 2017. The Congress focused on practitioners who have noticed opportunity for growth and innovation in policymaking and the built environment, and more excitingly, are being proactive about it. <br />
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Further reading: </div>
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Osborne, Hilary. <br />
Poor doors: the segregation of London's inner-city flat dwellers, 26 July 2014, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/25/poor-doors-segregation-london-flats">https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/25/poor-doors-segregation-london-flats</a> . <br />
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Colson, Thomas. <br />
These factory-made homes the size of a London Underground carriage could help fix London's housing crisis, 20 September 2017, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/modular-homes-pocket-living-apex-airspace-the-solution-to-london-housing-crisis-2017-9?r=UK&IR=T">https://www.businessinsider.com.au/modular-homes-pocket-living-apex-airspace-the-solution-to-london-housing-crisis-2017-9?r=UK&IR=T</a> <br />
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Knowles, Tom. Pocket-size solution to help solve housing crisis, 4 September 2017, <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pocket-size-solution-to-help-solve-housing-crisis-vkfv90z6f">https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pocket-size-solution-to-help-solve-housing-crisis-vkfv90z6f</a> <br />
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Evans, Judith. Marc Vlessing of Pocket micro-homes is big in small housing, 18 May 2016, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d87f5542-ffc9-11e5-99cb-83242733f755">https://www.ft.com/content/d87f5542-ffc9-11e5-99cb-83242733f755</a> <br />
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Allen, Kate, Housebuilder Pocket Living attracts cash from Boris Johnson, 25 October 2013, https://www.ft.com/content/0a162d86-3cbf-11e3-86ef-00144feab7de<br />
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Booth, Robert. <br />
Sadiq Khan: London needs to build 66,000 new homes a year, up from 29,000, <br />
27 October 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/oct/27/sadiq-khan-to-raise-target-for-affordable-housing-in-london<br />
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-82528084154519211892017-12-19T17:28:00.003+11:002017-12-19T17:28:35.671+11:00Gift Ideas for the Planner or Urban Designer in Your Life
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">by Danielle Cull</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s better than a card game where you can win with a
smashed avo? And for free! Or a piece of jewellery showing your fave city or
brushing up on your Urban Design Essentials? Check out these gift ideas for
Christmas for the Planner or Urban Designer on your list: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Cards against
Urbanity ($ Free)</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://greaterplaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/BIG-AWESOME-FILE.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://greaterplaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/BIG-AWESOME-FILE.pdf</span></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1owKph_x-AbmItOVpHVgg6UWNsSDPal_UIjb5P90HhI3d1Qq35Bz4_Zv91Pel2Q21iMZZaB6bcma5JKKr2CKi0kdLhXW7phFtLg7kTXR5NXMV_-KMsRCy3UX4Ra0f2UihuRtF-nkLC8C/s1600/1+CAU+%2528002%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1owKph_x-AbmItOVpHVgg6UWNsSDPal_UIjb5P90HhI3d1Qq35Bz4_Zv91Pel2Q21iMZZaB6bcma5JKKr2CKi0kdLhXW7phFtLg7kTXR5NXMV_-KMsRCy3UX4Ra0f2UihuRtF-nkLC8C/s320/1+CAU+%2528002%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. UnGRIDDED
Notebooks ($8.00)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.aminimalstudio.com/shop/?category=UnGRIDDED"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.aminimalstudio.com/shop/?category=UnGRIDDED</span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. UnGRIDDED CITIES
Coloring Book ($25.00)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.aminimalstudio.com/shop/ungridded-cities-coloring-book-002"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.aminimalstudio.com/shop/ungridded-cities-coloring-book-002</span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. The Art of Urban
Sketching: Drawing on Location Around the World ($25.44)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Art-of-Urban-Sketching-Gabriel-Campanario/9781592537259?redirected=true&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Base1&utm_source=AU&utm_content=The-Art-of-Urban-Sketching&selectCurrency=AUD&w=AF45AU9699THDPA80CX7ACK7&pdg=kwd-104399949699:cmp-680104063:adg-32696820702:crv-151943499815:pid-9781592537259:dev-c&gclid=CjwKCAiAoqXQBRA8EiwAIIOWstr9rBBwN_te5jejb8MlquXV1B5w9YK6yMm2v6Smt_bwpyhrtnghdRoCBJ4QAvD_BwE"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Art-of-Urban-Sketching-Gabriel-Campanario/9781592537259?redirected=true&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Base1&utm_source=AU&utm_content=The-Art-of-Urban-Sketching&selectCurrency=AUD&w=AF45AU9699THDPA80CX7ACK7&pdg=kwd-104399949699:cmp-680104063:adg-32696820702:crv-151943499815:pid-9781592537259:dev-c&gclid=CjwKCAiAoqXQBRA8EiwAIIOWstr9rBBwN_te5jejb8MlquXV1B5w9YK6yMm2v6Smt_bwpyhrtnghdRoCBJ4QAvD_BwE</span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. Melbourne Necklace
($40.00)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.aminimalstudio.com/shop/melbourne"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.aminimalstudio.com/shop/melbourne</span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. Utopia on DVD –
Season 1 & 2 boxset ($34.99)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/utopia-s1-s2-4dvd"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://shop.abc.net.au/utopia-s1-s2-4dvd</span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. Essentials of Urban
Design ($95.40 e-download)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/essentials-of-urban-design-mark-sheppard/prod9780643108769.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKCAiAoqXQBRA8EiwAIIOWsrifQFsShpXIcW82sGSDDRL3My0xodzZ_vdNVCQiewmn4xJB15T_vRoCTIYQAvD_BwE"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.booktopia.com.au/essentials-of-urban-design-mark-sheppard/prod9780643108769.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKCAiAoqXQBRA8EiwAIIOWsrifQFsShpXIcW82sGSDDRL3My0xodzZ_vdNVCQiewmn4xJB15T_vRoCTIYQAvD_BwE</span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8. Lego Architecture
Series ($ Various)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.lego.com/en-us/architecture"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.lego.com/en-us/architecture</span></a></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-62793911593520688442017-11-23T10:49:00.001+11:002017-11-23T10:49:53.375+11:00The 300mm width eave…2017’s new weather protection.<div>
By Jonathan Halaliku.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7DFs36qaKXW6Zx4Qc-_R2kDjasyYxwCA-8g1Tz9lkGLq1QUy_RXOthWU_4WJdZG2QwhGA55QAiVpvRY8yDjrFipZsUeuon_V4_AZPS1XBtrldiHZsTU4b6aBaxqioPxXoS4P5ORyuPiQ/s1600/landscape-1440188674-home-roofs-index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7DFs36qaKXW6Zx4Qc-_R2kDjasyYxwCA-8g1Tz9lkGLq1QUy_RXOthWU_4WJdZG2QwhGA55QAiVpvRY8yDjrFipZsUeuon_V4_AZPS1XBtrldiHZsTU4b6aBaxqioPxXoS4P5ORyuPiQ/s640/landscape-1440188674-home-roofs-index.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Source: Good Housekeeping).</td></tr>
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The anticipated ambiguity around the calculation of the garden area stemming from VC110 is now coming into fruition. Whilst the Tribunal is still another 3-4 months away from considering the garden area requirements in earnest, we are now starting to see the breadth of variations in interpretations between by Responsible Authorities. What we are seeing is worrying.</div>
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We have been engaging in numerous running discussions with RA’s in relation to what constitutes a roofed area for the purposes of calculating the garden area provision. We are being informed that any area under an eave cannot be calculated as part of the garden area – why? because it is regarded as a ‘roofed area’.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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Whilst this may seem harmless in the overall scheme of things, it can be, and is becoming, a moot point which detrimentally impacts development footprints. The current definition within the VPP’s for garden area is:<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<i>An uncovered outdoor area of a dwelling or residential building<u> normally associated with a garden</u>. It includes open entertaining areas, decks, lawns, <u>garden beds</u>, swimming pools, tennis courts and the like. It does not include a driveway, any area set aside for car parking, any building or <u>roofed </u>area and any area that has a dimension of less than 1 metre.</i><br /><br />To me, whether a literal or purposive approach to interpretation is taken in the calculation of a garden area, the area under the eave must be included within the calculation. I am confused by the exclusion of the area under eaves from the calculation.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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For example, an uncovered outdoor area normally associated with a garden, includes open… (insert examples) and it does include ‘a driveway’ (because you cannot plant on a driveway), it does not include an area set aside for car parking (because a car cannot<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftn1">[1]</a> park on a garden), or ‘any building’ (because you cannot plant in a building<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftn2">[2]</a>). Also, it does not include ‘an area less than 1 metre’ (because this sized area traditionally cannot by planted with significant landscaping that can contribute to “The green open character of our neighbourhoods”).<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftn3">[3]</a><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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It does not include a <i>‘roofed area’ </i><a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftn4">[4]</a> because<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftn5">[5]</a>;<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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a) Planting under a roof is generally not visible to the wider area<br />b) Planting under a roof is limited by i) species, ii) size iii) visibility (and therefore contribution to the character of the area), and;<br />c) According to the Collins Dictionary<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftn6">[6]</a>:</div>
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<i>The roof of a building is the covering on top of it that <a href="https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/protect">protects</a> the people and things <a href="https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/inside">inside</a> from the <a href="https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/weather">weather</a>.</i><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
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In our mind, whilst you can source variations of roof definitions the key to defining if a horizontal overhang or eave constitutes a roof, is the extent of enclosure and protection. A standard sized eave does not provide enclosure and only negligible protection from the weather. We further note;<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
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d) Planting under an eave remains commonplace and can continue<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftn7">[7]</a><br />e) The eave is an aesthetic extension to the main roof structure<br />f) An eave does not, on its own, constitute a roof for the purposes of reasonable protection from the elements to the area directly below it.<br /><br />The discrepancies within the garden area requirements, and particularly what constitutes a roof area in the absence of a definition within the VPP’s have been identified early by many planners and lawyers alike. Identification of this issue is old ground, but the impact and results of incorrect interpretation is a new phenomenon which we are observing and the implications on approvals and permit conditions is frustrating to say the least. <br /><br />Why is it that we as an industry need a Tribunal ruling or Practice Note to iterate the obvious? I am not surprised by the disparity in interpretations, more so disappointed. It is nonsensical to regard an area under an eave to be a) roofed and b) not normally associated with a garden area.<br /><br />The keep it simple question is; if you stand under an eave, can you get wet? <br /><br />I have come up with a very simple, but telling test. At the equinox I will stand under an eave of my house (trampling the unkept agapanthus) with my son. If it rains, I will ask him if he is wet. If he says, ‘yes dad I am wet’ I will simply reply– no you are not son…we are standing under a roofed area. <br /><br />Sarcasm aside, our take is that weather (sic) a certain method of statutory interpretation or simple common sense prevails, the golden rule of application is one which avoids absurdity.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftnref1">[1]</a> Should not. <br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftnref2">[2]</a> Well, you can, but that planting cannot contribute to the neighbourhood characteristic as is perceived to be the purposes of the garden area provisions. <br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftnref3">[3]</a> Reformed Residential Zones, <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/32130/New-minimum-garden-area-requirement_Web.pdf">https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/32130/New-minimum-garden-area-requirement_Web.pdf</a> <br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftnref4">[4]</a> Which is notably grouped with a building in the definition i.e. ‘…building OR roofed area” <br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftnref5">[5]</a> This list is by no mean exhaustive but the obvious which we are increasingly in need to point out. <br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftnref6">[6]</a> <a href="https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/roof">https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/roof</a> <br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/Desktop/Plantastic%2013.11.17.docx#_ftnref7">[7]</a> Common sense informs us that a garden bed can continue to be planted under an eave. Common sense also tells us that an eave forms part of a roof but does not protect the area from elements directly under the eave as per the area under the ceiling joist and rafters on the inside of a wall.
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-521210029165184252017-11-23T10:26:00.001+11:002017-11-24T09:28:39.941+11:00WAR ON....bicycles??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Julia Moiso.<br />
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Cycling; it’s a common thing! And it’s been around for centuries. Almost everyone at some point in time in their life has ridden a bicycle. For some people, it may bring back sweet childhood memories, and for others it’s an element of everyday life. Bicycles are an alternative, sustainable and cheap mode of transport, a fitness and healthy lifestyle tool, a competitive sport and a popular recreational pastime. So why is there so much stigma against cyclists?<br />
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Recently, bicycle sharing systems have become more and more apparent in Australia, following successful European trends, as global companies like <i>O-bike</i> and <i>ReddyGo </i>have begun rolling out their dockless bicycle sharing system on our streets. And whilst you can practically hear the erupting applause from avid cyclists, environmentalists and planners - it appears that some others have very different outlooks on the matter, and not the good kind. <br />
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O-bikes have been a hot topic in the media recently and not for the positive reason you’d wish we would assume. O-bikes have caused controversy within metropolitan waterways, on public transport and have been subject to vandalism and other vilified activity. <br />
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A wild brawl has shocked commuters on a Melbourne train last weekend after an argument turned sour over a group of young men transporting their O-bikes on the train, when an older man aggressively confronted them in a violent and physical manner, as he was concerned that the bike would go <i>“flying”</i> if the train <i>“suddenly slammed on the brakes”</i>. Of course, it is known within the state that bikes are allowed on the train permitted they avoid the first carriage and also avoid travelling during busy peak hour times. <br />
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Similarly, closer to home here in sunny Sydney, groups of pranksters have managed to stack a large pile of the shared bikes in different locations around Sydney, particularly within the eastern suburbs and surrounding local parks and waterways over the past three months. And whilst a number of Councils in Sydney remain supportive of the bike scheme, it is causing headaches for managing Council authorities as Councils are now starting to enforce suggestive circumstances such as fines and stricter regulations like secure parking stations.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr549MvTJHgqoo0peZnt9SrykQ_4oEjRFH064YeMOe65vWfnTEcASdaV_q0NVyc4tU_WH7YtgpidHJ4zZYTsyM2QJlpop67MgnPPo7poX3sj9JlnAe3454aZn8m76PyFycdGuCvVMvFPj/s1600/julia+image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr549MvTJHgqoo0peZnt9SrykQ_4oEjRFH064YeMOe65vWfnTEcASdaV_q0NVyc4tU_WH7YtgpidHJ4zZYTsyM2QJlpop67MgnPPo7poX3sj9JlnAe3454aZn8m76PyFycdGuCvVMvFPj/s1600/julia+image+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Figure 1: Stacked bicycles near Bondi Junction in Sydney.<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div>
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See, this is why we can’t have nice things!! <br />
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It’s clear that people have turned O-bike disposal into a sport of all sorts, with many currently resting at the bottom of the Yarra River, and others placed in decidedly inconvenient spots like perched up in a Sydney park tree. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5N4FvolB9sCXtuKDtCl00DwNlTVn9psF36MrUbTpIXXfmzTh8Bn_CltTyTBs9gYD78oI32L6p8Yr0mz3cpHCPv_Qxkpe9b_NeP4OBhRLVMmF1xYc1yCokcYLstCpmDAAmeRunIfIw86i/s1600/julia+image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5N4FvolB9sCXtuKDtCl00DwNlTVn9psF36MrUbTpIXXfmzTh8Bn_CltTyTBs9gYD78oI32L6p8Yr0mz3cpHCPv_Qxkpe9b_NeP4OBhRLVMmF1xYc1yCokcYLstCpmDAAmeRunIfIw86i/s1600/julia+image+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Figure 2: O-bike perched up in a Sydney tree near Coogee
Beach. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, with all things, crisis and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. And if I may restore both humour and faith in urban humanity, some absolute genius has managed to suspend an O-bike on a power line hovering mid-air in a laneway off Brunswick Street, sporting a rogue boy and his ethereal mate as passenger. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96LYjDPwdTtC8tJmHyPnkXts1Rl0U1D2e3wcTLNVyBsalzcurb8e5x3okNf9ltDdqAYxE1FnrgJdRiBPgxzbzX4VNABdK2YWtXv_Mn9yWvo0rZUhXwG4bkw46oAt753udbPdMYRwM9dZk/s1600/julia+image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96LYjDPwdTtC8tJmHyPnkXts1Rl0U1D2e3wcTLNVyBsalzcurb8e5x3okNf9ltDdqAYxE1FnrgJdRiBPgxzbzX4VNABdK2YWtXv_Mn9yWvo0rZUhXwG4bkw46oAt753udbPdMYRwM9dZk/s1600/julia+image+3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Figure 3: O-bike suspended mid-air replicating a scene from <i>E.T the Extra Terrestrial.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Yes, this is exactly what it looks like, this is an ode to the iconic bike riding scene in <i>E.T the Extra Terrestrial</i>, an 80’s Speilberg CLASSIC. <br />
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This changes the bicycle sharing game, as baffling as it may be. I believe such schemes have contributed in myriad positive ways in creating a mode of accessible, cheap, reliable and sustainable transport to the public. But with that being said, there is still a concerning amount of non-acceptance of the shared bicycle system as demonstrated above. <br />
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Could it be that planners and government authorities alike need to push for more cycling public infrastructure like segregated bike lanes, more frequent parking stations, or grants or a rewards system for people who choose to travel sustainably via cycling?<br />
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-54167586442754660572017-11-23T10:15:00.002+11:002017-11-23T10:16:38.626+11:00Should Planning Mandate Public Art?By Brodie Blades.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPl5-imQ4PzxbetGRFclRsKZ2SAA-ccbQXRjbgH-WIT2GECpGQooGmBxYk6o_0LVi_01tEB7Tar0RhEbLNQVRV1ACaWqGbh6XGQ-cQsrJKpEWcaP62Dc7_8BGfKdnrQYgP-G15TX9OI4v/s1600/sydney-street-art-graffiti-st-peters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="662" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPl5-imQ4PzxbetGRFclRsKZ2SAA-ccbQXRjbgH-WIT2GECpGQooGmBxYk6o_0LVi_01tEB7Tar0RhEbLNQVRV1ACaWqGbh6XGQ-cQsrJKpEWcaP62Dc7_8BGfKdnrQYgP-G15TX9OI4v/s1600/sydney-street-art-graffiti-st-peters.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public Street Art (Source: WeekendNotes).</td></tr>
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There is an interesting juxtaposition between public art and traditional perceptions of town planning. On one hand, public art (at its most basic level) is typically perceived as a fluid and creative expression of humanity whose contribution to the built environment and quality of life of residents is intangible. On the other, town planning is typically perceived as analytical, process driven and rigid, and capable of making highly measured and anticipated contributions only to human environments. Yet at the intersection of these two extremes is the reality that each is necessary for the creation of the very best public urban environments, and it is at this intersection where the question arises as to whether town planning should seek to systemise urban art by mandating its creation.</div>
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The forms and benefits of public art within the built environment are obvious and numerous. One only has to walk through the streets of Melbourne's Fitzroy or London's Shoreditch to gain and immediate sense of the placemaking and character contributions made possible by local artistic communities through graffiti, murals and wall art. Or stroll through Barcelona in present times (with its political graffiti and draped Estelladas) to gain a small insight into the social tensions of a community divided. Likewise, sculpture and statues play an important part in recounting the historic narrative of a city and the forebears of its population, and performance spaces allow for the organic exchange of social capital and the reinterpretation of space and place. The contributions and possibilities of public art really are as profound as they are endless!<br />
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Whilst almost all (if not all) local and state governments in Australia recognise this and have active arts programs and policies to guide and foster public art contributions, I'm personally intrigued by the notion that public art is something that can be 'required' within development through planning policy. Take the below example from a current planning control in Melbourne for example (one example of many):<br />
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Far from this article being a subjective exercise in what has worked well and what has not in this particular Council area, instead I am equal parts fascinated and challenged by the prospect of whether mandating public art contributions through development assessment can ever be done truly successfully. Can something as complex and organic as art really be confined, measured, articulated, captured in policy and then assessed as another 'box to tick' within a statutory town planning development assessment process, and still achieve meaningful and high quality public realm outcomes? Or does this type of approach simply steer our public realm on a collision course toward a future congested with tokenistic box-tick contributions conceived as meaningless responses to process only?<br />
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Perhaps the approach should be to not translate a uniquely social expression of humanity into legislation and planning requirements, but to instead consider the unique and organic nature in which public art contributes to our built environment and respond accordingly. Incentivising funding contributions to local artistic communities in exchange for minor planning concessions could be one approach, as could deliberately fostering incidental and organic public art within new development through built form design that strategically encourages this whilst still responding to CPTED principles. <br />
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The irony in all this, of course, is that a significant proportion of Australian capital city development typically contributes to the gentrification of areas and the displacement of the artistic communities most capable of making the types of contribution sought by policies such as the one above, which suggests that the fundamental planning issue is one that transcends traditional development assessment processes and rests at a far more ‘strategic’ level. <br />
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What do you think? Do you think planning processes should require public art contributions? Have you stumbled across any particularly successful outcomes in response to such policy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!</div>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-31270429864212846112017-11-23T10:06:00.000+11:002017-11-28T16:45:08.973+11:00'Rising' Seafronts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Jaime Parsons.<br />
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I must confess that I have a morbid fascination for dystopian urban environments and fantasy architecture, even when I would rather not have to live in these imagined spaces. But there is a strong possibility that many of us will actually experience a powerful shift in the form and experience our built environment because of climate change and its scion sea level rise.<br />
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Following on from <i><a href="http://dla-plantastic.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/must-see-films-for-urban-planners-and.html" target="_blank">Must See Films for Urban Planners and Designers</a></i> in last month’s newsletter and in a severe case of Blade Runner 2049 visual hangover and heartbreak it dawned on me that in the next few decades a significant percentage of the global population may find itself displaced or behind massive sea walls.<br />
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Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->1<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->. Blade Runner 2049 (source: Blade
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It is estimated by the United Nations that approximately 40% of the global population is within 100 Km of the coast and, with most of the largest metropolises and urban mega-regions located along the coasts of China, Japan, USA, this percentage is likely an underestimation. This means that the impact of sea level rise will likely alter our urban civilisation indelibly.<br />
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Closer to home many Melbourne suburbs <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/how-a-possible-twometre-sea-level-rise-would-flood-thousands-of-melbourne-homes-20170522-gwagl1.html" target="_blank">will be either under water or constantly affected by tidal flooding</a>, as the worse case scenario put forth in a 2017 report, is a rise of 2m by 2100 the result of the melting ice caps of Greenland and Antarctica. <br />
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Our great global cities are likely already suffering the consequences as increasing storm surges are severely affecting our infrastructure and communities. We probably all remember how the great city of New York was brought to its knees in 2012 during Hurricane Sandy, with powerful images of Manhattan ‘drowning’. But that will pale in comparison with the effects of a 2m sea level rise which will completely submerge lower Manhattan including the economic powerhouse of Wall Street.<br />
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Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
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style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
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style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->. Google and NOOA (National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration) sea level rise modelling<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not only cities but whole islands and nations are being swallowed by the sea. In the case of the Solomon Islands, one of our northern neighbours, <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-07/rising-sea-levels-blamed-for-wiping-out-five-islands/7392986">at least five reef islands have already been lost</a> to sea level rise and coastal erosion. But for some people it may even mean the loss of their whole country, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/15/marshall-islands-climate-change-springdale-arkansas">as is the case with the Marshall Islands</a>, where sea level rise is likely to engulf the whole nation in the years to come and create a new caste of climate change refugees.</div>
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Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
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style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
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style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->. Coral island submerged by sea level
rise (source: The ABC)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe there is a better option than mass resettlement and living behind the new ‘prison’ walls of massive sea walls, disconnecting us from the sea that has brought us so much bounty and exchange throughout history. </div>
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Many built environment designers around the world are attempting to creatively address this looming human catastrophe. One of the most powerful responses has been to create liminal buffer spaces between the sea and the places of habitation and business that are more than just sea walls. Such spaces are not conceived as barriers but as true public spaces that bring multifaceted community benefits. <br />
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Architect Bjarke Ingels has proposed one of the most ambitious of all climate change resilient projects with the 10 mile long Dryline. A long string of parks, paths and public open space interventions along the jagged edge of Manhattan partially reclaiming private docks, sea and a wild assortment of existing vulnerable infrastructure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMnYurYQRfcmWMScwj7rncmvQv72Ih67KpRN9aAsGyNrxSXT_kn50Q8M1to2wMYFlGWwjev8EgBVtULvePx-moHTdtpz2_s6NDGRF04rjznCQbDQCisqu35vJam6DUBNKlzA73F1ExCC-/s1600/jaime+image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMnYurYQRfcmWMScwj7rncmvQv72Ih67KpRN9aAsGyNrxSXT_kn50Q8M1to2wMYFlGWwjev8EgBVtULvePx-moHTdtpz2_s6NDGRF04rjznCQbDQCisqu35vJam6DUBNKlzA73F1ExCC-/s640/jaime+image+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
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style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->. Dryline plan by Bjarke Ingels Group (source: The Guardian)<o:p></o:p></div>
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This all presented with a seductive narrative and visuals by London visual maverick’s <a href="https://player.vimeo.com/video/117303273" target="_blank">Squint Opera</a>. But behind it there is one of the seeds of the necessary re-conceptualisation of the built environment that we will need to have to address climate change.<br /><br />The Dryline is but one project of an emerging trend of how to do more with less in a time of ever greater changes. Have parks that are also provide flood mitigation, link hereto separate areas of the city in a cycle and pedestrian friendly manner and connect back to the sea.<br /><br /> The range of design responses is as varied as the cultures and character of the cities they are responding to. The recently completed, in 2013, sea promenade along the Avenue of Ribeira das Naus in Lisbon is an unlikely gathering place but that is what is has become. The project provides a series of inclined steps along a sea wall that dissipate the energy of the ever increasing sea waves and, equally important, also provide a gathering space for locals and visitors to view the estuary of the of Tajo/Tagus River as it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, an ocean intimately tied with Portugal’s rise a maritime power in the 16th century.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhJZy-ovgCh_WrAe8OTpDl6kel-HKrSvofEqxZRzcda7q8cN4Ba_Cg7GpxYn9rs0FQhP7KMZx86FWQjUgO7aFOuB4AqVpBY3I-SOhXeuPrYZiK0JwbQnkMNx7bEFtsZRra4GK3VKdZK2N/s1600/jaime+image+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1024" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhJZy-ovgCh_WrAe8OTpDl6kel-HKrSvofEqxZRzcda7q8cN4Ba_Cg7GpxYn9rs0FQhP7KMZx86FWQjUgO7aFOuB4AqVpBY3I-SOhXeuPrYZiK0JwbQnkMNx7bEFtsZRra4GK3VKdZK2N/s640/jaime+image+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
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style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
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style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->. Ribeira Das Naus, Lisbon by João
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Flooding does only affect urban seafronts; other waterfronts are also increasingly affected by the massive urban infrastructure pressures that completely reshape their floodplains. One of the more striking projects is that by Chinese landscape architecture firm Turenscape in the Chinese city of Jinhua. a remanent riparian wetland is preserved from greater disruption and brought into the awareness of the community by creating public park close by and access through pedestrian bridges. The whole park is submerged during the annual flooding brought on by the Monsoon rains but the colourful wavy pedestrian bridges remain above the water level provide good connectivity throughout the year. It is precisely this environmentally aware and responsive design thinking that will need to be used in the coming years and decades.<div>
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Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->6<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->. Yanweizhou Park, Jinhua city, China
by Turenscape non- flooded state (source: Landezine)</div>
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In a recent project that I led as the Planning and Urban Design Advisor at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey of the Solomon Islands we applied similar thinking but on at a much humbler scale. </div>
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<br />In doing the strategic planning and statutory controls for the town of Auki as part of the Physical Planning team of the Ministry it become apparent that the seafront provided a strong community focus that now mostly taken over by ad-hoc private interests. The traditional landowners felt a strong affinity with the seafront but had mostly lack a cohesive vision to articulate their desire for regaining its traditional role as a place of community exchange. Furthermore, the increase flooding brought on by cyclones and tropical storms are a serious and growing risk. It was also a place where the emerging tourism industry could provide some early impetus. <br /><br />In light of the socio-cultural significance of the sea front and the need to address climate change weather pattern shifts we produced a concept design for the Auki seafront. It is also a mandated buffer to mitigate the worst effect of sea level rise to protect to habitable buildings that becomes an linear park in its own right. It provides a continuous pedestrian and cycle link from the new port facilities to the Kwaibala River shore increasing the permeability of the town centre and linking existing and proposed nodes of activity. It turns out that we tapped into a strong sentiment as there was a nearly universal political and community backing for the proposal, probably because it reconnects the people of Auki with their nurturing sea.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErd0wL9pMvMNnmWQQF7olCO6J-Sb40BfXPuOa-iS4zVHS6VPKcak14-ZlPkNoTIj8P7YVpnJbsDsK04GUBvLzD5NbdogJ_wY4Jf-tmPI-8X1WhZUoLbgHSd2JOur4Ts8QS-YHV20HN3iY/s1600/jaime+image+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErd0wL9pMvMNnmWQQF7olCO6J-Sb40BfXPuOa-iS4zVHS6VPKcak14-ZlPkNoTIj8P7YVpnJbsDsK04GUBvLzD5NbdogJ_wY4Jf-tmPI-8X1WhZUoLbgHSd2JOur4Ts8QS-YHV20HN3iY/s640/jaime+image+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Figure <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <span style='mso-element:
field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->8<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='color:black;mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->. Auki Waterfront Master Plan (source:
Auki Local Planning Scheme and Structure Plan)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ideally, we should contain greenhouse gas emissions to a level that keeps global temperature rise below 2 0C but this may not occur. As designers and planners we may not be able to stop climate change and sea level rise but we can influence how we shape our towns and cities to respond to our ‘rising’ seafronts otherwise I feel we may yet all have to live in the stark, bleak future of Blade Runner 2049.</div>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-79461837158381052282017-11-23T09:54:00.000+11:002017-11-23T09:54:17.159+11:00Gift ideas for the special Planner or Urban Designer in your lifeBy Danielle Cull.<br />
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What’s better than a card game where you can win with a smashed avo? And for free! Or a piece of jewellery showing your fave city or brushing up on your Urban Design Essentials? Check out these gift ideas for Christmas for the Planner or Urban Designer on your list:<div>
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<b>1. <a href="http://greaterplaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/BIG-AWESOME-FILE.pdf" target="_blank">Cards Against Humanity ($ Free)</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJuTwbJpaMNs-1wz_MHQfqnAOvF9_9t5qcMlcX6cko3k4blSS0LgnCnoanoXcJWUaL0q0e36PVYO4uUWtEuvESAYw4nFI8RnvqXfx_A2xPxc5WBzKWC_3qET3S9nV8H2Uu5xLHNjTYiy7/s1600/danielle+image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJuTwbJpaMNs-1wz_MHQfqnAOvF9_9t5qcMlcX6cko3k4blSS0LgnCnoanoXcJWUaL0q0e36PVYO4uUWtEuvESAYw4nFI8RnvqXfx_A2xPxc5WBzKWC_3qET3S9nV8H2Uu5xLHNjTYiy7/s320/danielle+image+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>2. <a href="https://www.aminimalstudio.com/shop/?category=UnGRIDDED" target="_blank">unGRIDDED Notebooks ($8.00)</a></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwLTmABoHtOzOzc72WVUaP3i5EKd-carF0idkVjQCMpcS8MvSJtGkPFJhVR68CURJmhjLhIe_LL1el02xGI5eG16Bq1KF3FJ3Mc0Y1N8DY88yaFlTYnGG1KbMtEL27q0paV7AGWNUNta2/s1600/danielle+image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwLTmABoHtOzOzc72WVUaP3i5EKd-carF0idkVjQCMpcS8MvSJtGkPFJhVR68CURJmhjLhIe_LL1el02xGI5eG16Bq1KF3FJ3Mc0Y1N8DY88yaFlTYnGG1KbMtEL27q0paV7AGWNUNta2/s320/danielle+image+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>3. <a href="https://www.aminimalstudio.com/shop/ungridded-cities-coloring-book-002" target="_blank">unGRIDDED CITIES Colouring Book ($25.00)</a></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH4WxOaiU-NQpE_QGGXHqlykoJz1XpBk0YfC3q5OL0pMBv3gpjBKXqjx_kqDWxW96zEmwrMcl_xYfWpYNn0reg6jnuBt32CON8Kh4RVk7Omr87es-397UDyrOHJ-GZUouV3YxQ50PYeYa/s1600/danielle+image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="500" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH4WxOaiU-NQpE_QGGXHqlykoJz1XpBk0YfC3q5OL0pMBv3gpjBKXqjx_kqDWxW96zEmwrMcl_xYfWpYNn0reg6jnuBt32CON8Kh4RVk7Omr87es-397UDyrOHJ-GZUouV3YxQ50PYeYa/s320/danielle+image+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>4. <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Art-of-Urban-Sketching-Gabriel-Campanario/9781592537259?redirected=true&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Base1&utm_source=AU&utm_content=The-Art-of-Urban-Sketching&selectCurrency=AUD&w=AF45AU9699THDPA80CX7ACK7&pdg=kwd-104399949699:cmp-680104063:adg-32696820702:crv-151943499815:pid-9781592537259:dev-c&gclid=CjwKCAiAoqXQBRA8EiwAIIOWstr9rBBwN_te5jejb8MlquXV1B5w9YK6yMm2v6Smt_bwpyhrtnghdRoCBJ4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">The Art of Urban Sketching: Drawing on Location Around the World ($25.44)</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8W9iIWOcig9DUTanX6ljaLin4Vp6kdJvm79SuegCenHClDWIOfdypbrW9B09bgt5ySBI7kTzdH6a_7mG6B14SbuFkJWnkaSD5IpRS4zSWhzAWGXWDtKZ8zK8rLm9JDDUE3cUkd_UXSOa/s1600/Danielle+image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8W9iIWOcig9DUTanX6ljaLin4Vp6kdJvm79SuegCenHClDWIOfdypbrW9B09bgt5ySBI7kTzdH6a_7mG6B14SbuFkJWnkaSD5IpRS4zSWhzAWGXWDtKZ8zK8rLm9JDDUE3cUkd_UXSOa/s320/Danielle+image+4.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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<b>5. <a href="https://www.aminimalstudio.com/shop/melbourne" target="_blank">Melbourne Necklace ($40)</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SMQz_ZwBlKuyVMmMQ6-J3KWmfSUrEKmFreurygz_GQzj1y7AzQKVDxLzf-qfVu7nNmBT7LZe6TSU_exHRWBmUWFdzgPaI7ggkP_UDiJqgP-P1Bu0Pul1-Kdv9gPNVQUunC0gLC6bQDGq/s1600/Danielle+image+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SMQz_ZwBlKuyVMmMQ6-J3KWmfSUrEKmFreurygz_GQzj1y7AzQKVDxLzf-qfVu7nNmBT7LZe6TSU_exHRWBmUWFdzgPaI7ggkP_UDiJqgP-P1Bu0Pul1-Kdv9gPNVQUunC0gLC6bQDGq/s320/Danielle+image+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>6. <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/utopia-s1-s2-4dvd" target="_blank">Utopia on DVD - Season 1&2 Boxset ($34.99)</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkSkBXlt2xkUS575FU7C03zjM-iZaPd6dJPN-ugeX1OYL1pXPOZHeGLCHRdeNGKLqnqBUH_uQUAU6Xx0li3RoUBmwpzhmIxN0S-NjNDu_dw2o1WOyKf1J7RGqrg1eKLu9XoJqCzhtZotC/s1600/Danielle+image+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkSkBXlt2xkUS575FU7C03zjM-iZaPd6dJPN-ugeX1OYL1pXPOZHeGLCHRdeNGKLqnqBUH_uQUAU6Xx0li3RoUBmwpzhmIxN0S-NjNDu_dw2o1WOyKf1J7RGqrg1eKLu9XoJqCzhtZotC/s320/Danielle+image+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>7. <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/essentials-of-urban-design-mark-sheppard/prod9780643108769.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKCAiAoqXQBRA8EiwAIIOWsrifQFsShpXIcW82sGSDDRL3My0xodzZ_vdNVCQiewmn4xJB15T_vRoCTIYQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Essentials of Urban Design ($95.40 e-download)</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9fp5X2aYK-TY5GEIAxKFSN7OYsFZe9Zyqi-kLMM0UCJrRhTf1Rf7W6VDeC7et06TCTqmLeMSLUjYIva_qSunmIO2ljZqQqnufmTP5n_PNt8_GCivzL7Kk0U0B-rqV_lNS4msOfXARMSm/s1600/Danielle+image+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9fp5X2aYK-TY5GEIAxKFSN7OYsFZe9Zyqi-kLMM0UCJrRhTf1Rf7W6VDeC7et06TCTqmLeMSLUjYIva_qSunmIO2ljZqQqnufmTP5n_PNt8_GCivzL7Kk0U0B-rqV_lNS4msOfXARMSm/s320/Danielle+image+7.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<b>8. <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-us/architecture" target="_blank">Lego Architecture Series ($ Various)</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHW0YVgYTeV9XVzE5KgBC6InCp6Qg3dqYqO5t1YFxWoNQXvtlDa17xj9IEf-pmLh1uoRvupV_LxL_O1s9l-GfMrk-b1QVU8wrIaXeyWWZIJ0lxI_w6iTQLPdPTveNI2ry_HHmRsHB1CbO/s1600/Danielle+image+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="720" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHW0YVgYTeV9XVzE5KgBC6InCp6Qg3dqYqO5t1YFxWoNQXvtlDa17xj9IEf-pmLh1uoRvupV_LxL_O1s9l-GfMrk-b1QVU8wrIaXeyWWZIJ0lxI_w6iTQLPdPTveNI2ry_HHmRsHB1CbO/s320/Danielle+image+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-75926383923528027312017-11-23T09:42:00.000+11:002017-11-23T09:42:21.418+11:00Planning for Adaptivity - A Council Planner’s NightmareBy Sam Palma. <br /><br />It is no secret that Melbourne is under constant pressure to accommodate the increase in population growth and balance urban consolidation with the efficient use of our land and the supply of affordable housing stock. ‘Plan Melbourne’ and State Planning Policy identify the need and desire to introduce innovative and diverse housing options for future generations, while also outlining the importance of sustainability and orderly development.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are already seeing a shift away from large blocks with big backyards which we previously identified as the ‘Australian Dream’ to more compact living through a dominant trend and supply of apartments and townhouse living by the private sector. Shifts in our lifestyle, employment and family trends have introduced new terms such as ‘time poor’ and ‘contemporary living’, real estate agents constantly promote the notion of ‘low-maintenance’ and furniture retailers such as IKEA are experiencing phenomenal sales due to their compact and diverse range in products. First home buyers who have become a generation affiliated with smashed avocado brunches and university debt are now faced with the pressures of housing affordability in a property marked heavily influenced by overseas purchasers, developers and investors. The reality of housing options afforded to first home buyers within the current market climate reveals few options, with location and pricing being obvious factors restricting opportunities which are coupled with the standardised supply of housing tenure. </div>
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<br />Currently, large blocks that have been identified and earmarked to accommodate substantial change accommodate apartment developments, with townhouse developments the leading option for suburban residential re-development. This trend is fine and will continue to provide growth in housing supply and diversity. However, is there scope for Melbourne to implement innovative housing tenure to further balance the pressures of affordable housing and population growth? What do some of these options mean for Urban Planners? <br /><u><b><br />Option 1: Flexible Apartment Floorplans</b></u>.<br /><br />The concept of flexible apartment floorplans introduces the notion of moveable walls, allowing apartment floorplans to change depending on the occasion or requirements of a resident. This innovative and adaptive concept makes efficient use of spaces and caters for the individual needs of the occupier, promoting sustainable, affordable and diverse housing stock. \</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbAcDFzuKi6jxVDbF_O0bsjR1GEnpiOXhgGyM-OEfNs8J2Sww6NPqp2wKx9FxqdATZDvDlnzu2HEG9oKiR_UwyZFEAdoVpy416Sn8ju-LAcXfd7VAVhIcOnYz7Cq1L2ssMUqhyTlSWAj8/s1600/sam+image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="620" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbAcDFzuKi6jxVDbF_O0bsjR1GEnpiOXhgGyM-OEfNs8J2Sww6NPqp2wKx9FxqdATZDvDlnzu2HEG9oKiR_UwyZFEAdoVpy416Sn8ju-LAcXfd7VAVhIcOnYz7Cq1L2ssMUqhyTlSWAj8/s640/sam+image+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9ZVL82bsxMGeA0wXMnbTs_wsHiG3xfpjUZpL2-Nd9DiUbPJZQvC8GZ2qmsovv5kKLq0uIKfT9Q0awWn3iq74rbxisRyybgbhmwL54ieBnQXzzwaeCRTPJTQkRU4wecyj0jAP2K6KVL8I/s1600/same+image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="660" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9ZVL82bsxMGeA0wXMnbTs_wsHiG3xfpjUZpL2-Nd9DiUbPJZQvC8GZ2qmsovv5kKLq0uIKfT9Q0awWn3iq74rbxisRyybgbhmwL54ieBnQXzzwaeCRTPJTQkRU4wecyj0jAP2K6KVL8I/s640/same+image+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />This particular design response would result in a statutory nightmare for Council planner’s who would be required to assess an adaptable/changing floorplan against the ‘Victorian Planning Provisions’ (VPP) and the newly implemented ‘Better Apartment Design Standards’ introduced via Planning Scheme Amendment VC136. The necessities for carparking, minimum bedroom sizes, living room dimensions and solar access would become blurred through requiring variations to most Standard’s under Clause 58 (which already proves to be difficult under current systems with Responsible Authorities often enforcing discretionary Standards as mandatory controls). <br /><br /><u><b>Option 2: Moveable/prefabricated housing stock.</b></u> <br /><br />Prefabricated and moveable dwellings are not new concepts to the housing/construction industry, with many companies and universities pioneering a shift in thinking to more sustainable and affordable dwellings that accommodate the shifts in socio trends and economic and environmental pressures. The Kokoon as pictured below is a three-storey wooden dwelling created in Finland that has the potential to be constructed within 24 hours with the preference to have the materials prefabricated. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY_9rwiaF2Mamek-VmLiiVYEfUWy0Cyd3fCmzaxX3fVwscTtHc2pr9nfgz-_ZTDdLc8XQGqdbzqLTlWCFlSeA2Ntl0XgkLnduXRZALGJ2WeB4IrXZBOcEf9GXUYR-S5mgXDap_-7JPFvb/s1600/sam+image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY_9rwiaF2Mamek-VmLiiVYEfUWy0Cyd3fCmzaxX3fVwscTtHc2pr9nfgz-_ZTDdLc8XQGqdbzqLTlWCFlSeA2Ntl0XgkLnduXRZALGJ2WeB4IrXZBOcEf9GXUYR-S5mgXDap_-7JPFvb/s640/sam+image+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kokoon. (Source: Business Insider).</td></tr>
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Many examples of portable and prefabricated homes are emerging with growing popularity given the pressures faced worldwide to adopt and encourage sustainable housing models. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wc3duJbi24-Q6ZKxkFhqFAvTk_ltTHna8UCjy-pNKHkg1a5nptI6VoxiTufaDoJQfkfgjIeNZZOExclj35gGlckqTsajdW9gLjKRE5PyNScAOXu29QOjOIaXLICO8n4mLmZslVIiArdq/s1600/sam+image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1020" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wc3duJbi24-Q6ZKxkFhqFAvTk_ltTHna8UCjy-pNKHkg1a5nptI6VoxiTufaDoJQfkfgjIeNZZOExclj35gGlckqTsajdW9gLjKRE5PyNScAOXu29QOjOIaXLICO8n4mLmZslVIiArdq/s640/sam+image+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Koda; solar powered movable home. (Source: inhabitat.com)</td></tr>
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Similarly to the flexible apartment floorplans, the practical implementation of movable homes poses to complicate the Responsible Authority’s job in assessing the appropriateness of prefabricated dwellings within the context of the VPP’s and neighbourhood character. Although there is the potential for these innovative concepts to be sited in rear yards of existing dwellings and classified as dependant persons unit (ie except from requiring a planning permit), as soon as we consider having two on the same site, it is subject to requiring a planning permit. <br /><br />Considering the growing investment into these types of sustainable, ecofriendly and cost-efficient homes, relevant questions I believe worth contemplating include: <br /><ul>
<li>Should these forms of innovative dwellings be held to the same standards as regular dwellings when assessing its context against neighbourhood character and the VPP’s?</li>
<li>Does the Responsible Authority have the statutory mechanisms to consider and approve such innovative and adaptive forms of housing? </li>
<li>What areas/municipalities are most suited to accommodate and consider these types of housing options?</li>
<li>What mechanisms can be adopted by the Responsible Authority to reduce potential ‘red-tape’?</li>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-48686201941257276932017-11-23T09:32:00.000+11:002017-11-23T09:32:19.229+11:00Designing Social Housing Renewal<span style="font-family: inherit;">By Mark Sheppard. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zYpperTp_8GMYP0_9tuqiX7YW3GxA9BPNoispgacR1_-V_TKTcCduhXFMyEgsCuo46XvSWZ4M0cG2YcFZWIeNPrTSt_hIZHUwYribbo3JyrL0bM2xU2SsL94i_VQ7-b10frqOZ_virfz/s1600/Social+housing+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zYpperTp_8GMYP0_9tuqiX7YW3GxA9BPNoispgacR1_-V_TKTcCduhXFMyEgsCuo46XvSWZ4M0cG2YcFZWIeNPrTSt_hIZHUwYribbo3JyrL0bM2xU2SsL94i_VQ7-b10frqOZ_virfz/s640/Social+housing+image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figure 1: Designing Social Housing Renewal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">DLA is currently assisting both Victorian and NSW governments with the renewal of a number of social housing estates. We have developed a series of urban design principles to guide the master planning of social housing precincts to supplement general urban design principles for urban renewal (such as responsiveness to the context, placemaking, permeability, legibility, mixed-use, public realm quality, amenity and so on) and social planning principles associated with housing estate renewal (such as social : private housing mix).</span></div>
<br />Our best practice urban design principles for social housing estate renewal fall into three categories: normalise, enhance and integrate.</span><div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Normalise</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Historically, public housing has been concentrated in estates which stand out from ‘conventional’ urban fabric by virtue of their design. In many cases, public housing estates have been used as ‘guinea pigs’ for experimental architectural ideas which have been failures. This exacerbates the stigma associated with such estates, and deters non-residents from visiting or passing through them, further reinforcing their social isolation.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Several of the unconventional design ideas adopted in public housing estates have resulted in uninviting and unsafe environments. For example:<br /><ul>
<li>The circulation network within many public housing estates is impermeable and illegible. This deters through-movement, which reduces passive surveillance and, consequently, personal security, as well as social integration.</li>
<li>The open spaces within public housing estates are often ill-defined, poorly surveilled, sometimes in secluded locations that are disconnected from main movement routes, and poorly looked after, discouraging their use and lessening their safety.</li>
<li>The base of public housing buildings often lack activation, passive surveillance and a sense of address, reducing the appeal and safety of the surroundings.</li>
<li>The external design of public housing towers often has a bulky form, repetitive façade treatments and poor quality materials, resulting in unattractive buildings which contribute to the stigma of the estate.</li>
</ul>
In order to tackle these problems, new buildings, streets and open spaces must be indistinguishable from ‘conventional’ urban streets, public open spaces and buildings. They must be ‘sector blind’. This leads to the following principles:<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Normal streets</b>—create a permeable and legible network of conventional local streets, clearly defined by building frontages and containing footpaths, street trees and kerbside car parking.</li>
<li><b>Normal parks</b>—create local open spaces that lie along local streets, are clearly defined and addressed by building frontages and well landscaped and furnished.</li>
<li><b>Normal buildings</b>—design buildings to address the public realm (particularly at ground level) and to look the same irrespective of whether they contain social, affordable or private housing.</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Enhance</span></b></div>
<div>
<br />The amenity of public housing estates is often poor. In many cases the housing itself is in poor condition, not suited to contemporary household formations and does not meet modern standards of amenity. In addition, the quality of public open space, community facilities and streetscapes is often poor.<br /><br />This not only reduces the amenity of the estate for residents, but also exacerbates its stigma.<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This leads to the following principles:</div>
<br /><ul>
<li><b>Better quality housing</b>—build new, fit-for-purpose homes.</li>
<li><b>Better quality parks</b>—upgrade or create new, high quality public open spaces.</li>
<li><b>Better quality streets</b>—upgrade existing streetscapes and ensure new streets have high quality design.</li>
<li><b>Better quality facilities</b>—upgrade or create new shops and community facilities.</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Integrate</span></b><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Public housing estates are often barriers to through movement, either because of a lack of routes through the estate, or because those routes are indirect, illegible, uninviting or unsafe.<br /><br />The renewal of a social housing estate can enable the creation of direct through routes to better integrate it with the surrounding urban fabric. This will encourage through movement, bringing passive surveillance and social integration. <span style="font-family: inherit;">This leads to the following principle:</span><ul>
<li><b>Through routes</b>—create thoroughfares through the estate that provide direct routes to key destinations</li>
</ul>
Public housing estates often contain shops, open spaces and other communal facilities ‘buried’ within the estate, where they are only used by residents from the estate. This reinforces their separation from the surrounding community.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
The renewal of a social housing estate can enable the creation of new community facilities located where they may be used by people from outside the estate, to contribute to integration. This leads to the following principle:<ul>
<li><b>Shared facilities</b>—locate shops, parks and community facilities at the edge of the estate</li>
</ul>
In order to deconcentrate social housing, it needs to be physically mixed with private housing. How finely social and private housing are mixed is a question of policy and market economics. However, the layout of a renewal area can facilitate mixing by enabling a wide range of different mixing scenarios.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
‘Perimeter blocks’, which comprise buildings aligned along street edges around the edge of the block, provide for public and private housing to be mixed in a number of different ways. For example, they enable multiple entries to the same building, abutting buildings in the same block whose entries face different streets, and private and social housing buildings facing each other across a street.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Perimeter blocks also ensure a well-defined and passively-surveilled public realm, and create privacy for private and communal open space in the middle of the block. This leads to the following principle:<br /><ul>
<li><b>Perimeter blocks</b>—arrange buildings along street edges around the edge of each block</li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b><br /><br />In summary, best practice urban design in relation to the renewal of social housing estates can be distilled to the following design principles:<br /><ul>
<li><b>Normal streets</b>—create a permeable and legible network of conventional local streets, clearly defined by building frontages and containing footpaths, street trees and kerbside car parking.</li>
<li><b>Normal parks</b>—create local open spaces that lie along local streets, are clearly defined and addressed by building frontages and well landscaped and furnished.</li>
<li><b>Normal buildings</b>—design buildings to address the public realm (particularly at ground level) and to look the same irrespective of whether they contain social, affordable or private housing.</li>
<li><b>Better quality housing</b>—build new, fit-for-purpose homes.</li>
<li><b>Better quality parks</b>—upgrade or create new, high quality public open spaces</li>
<li><b>Better quality streets</b>—upgrade existing streetscapes and ensure new streets have high quality design</li>
<li><b>Better quality facilities</b>—upgrade or create new shops and community facilities.</li>
<li><b>Through routes</b>—create thoroughfares through the estate that provide direct routes to key destinations.</li>
<li><b>Shared facilities</b>—locate shops, parks and community facilities at the edge of the estate.</li>
<li><b>Perimeter blocks</b>—arrange buildings along street edges around the edge of each block.</li>
</ul>
</div>
DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-28564379199744444532017-10-19T13:41:00.000+11:002017-10-19T13:41:03.643+11:00A Story from The Netherlands: Why People Cycle Everywhere and What We Can Learn from Them?By Amy Ikhayanti.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Netherlands, a country of 18 million
people, is also a home of 22.5 million bikes <a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></span></a>.
This number doesn’t come as a surprise, considering that the Dutch cycle to
everywhere: to school, to grocery store, to another city for a meeting, or even
the short distance to the apartment’s communal garbage area. People also use
bikes to transport children and goods: from small packages, suitcases,
groceries bags, or even a TV. Once you’re used to be a two-wheeler, a bike can
become an irreplaceable mode of transport.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZiAKKfm2uUvR9HkfSLOPYZQWsM1vj-raVkLk_rHsPFrSEJgGk7ARwVXGWn4D1QfLXjLodikdq8-VnApqolgv5RxV0uQjWNVbujYZmImfAiwZb-YkYuxAIgJdtBMA1MqqCcPtjEhnOkCp/s1600/Photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZiAKKfm2uUvR9HkfSLOPYZQWsM1vj-raVkLk_rHsPFrSEJgGk7ARwVXGWn4D1QfLXjLodikdq8-VnApqolgv5RxV0uQjWNVbujYZmImfAiwZb-YkYuxAIgJdtBMA1MqqCcPtjEhnOkCp/s640/Photo+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">Photo
1: Cyclists in The Netherlands<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">Source: <a href="https://www.bikecitizens.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/amsterdamcyclingwikipediaalfredoborba.jpg" target="_blank">Bike Citizens</a> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The story of cycling in The Netherlands
doesn’t stop there. An integrated public transport and bike system allows
commuters and travellers to carry their bikes to the trains, both on normal and
peak hours. It doesn’t come free, though. A day ticket for carrying your bike
into the train is </span><span lang="EN-GB">€</span><span lang="EN-GB">6.10<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
However, you shouldn’t worry if you need a bike as part of your commute. A
folding bike is free of additional train charge, but you have to make sure that
you fold your bike properly once you’re inside the carriage. Or, if you are
reluctant to bring your own bike, you can rent OV-fiets<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
from the train stations for only </span><span lang="EN-GB">€</span><span lang="EN-GB">3.85 per day<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">When a cyclist arrives at the city centre, he or she doesn’t have to worry about finding a parking space, somewhere in the centre’s
underground parking garage. Many Dutch city centres provide a basement parking
for cars to meet the needs of car users, while maintaining car-free area on its
shopping streets and squares. A cyclist can always find a parking space right
in front of the shop, hop-off the bike and leave as soon as needed without
being bothered by parking tickets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Going back home on a dark night, you don’t
have to worry about the traffic either. There are extensive bike paths all
around the city. Where there isn’t any, a cyclist should not worry about the
vehicle traffic because bikes get priorities over cars. Nevertheless, you
should remember to put on your front and back lights (helmet not mandatory).
Otherwise, you may get fined </span><span lang="EN-GB">€</span><span lang="EN-GB">55<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
by the police!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Changing our setting to Melbourne - what can
we learn from The Netherlands to promote cycling as a transport mode? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9woNo8dYSvRWMW0kVsG7gWHbJwI35ncDRoeEwbRa088PuaZ4slg43Y2DGXtL32Pooa5NM_IoCxTHuQ5ESbXyCRF5T8wwAqmr3xOlfYQE-DfQheFluhb5cHdID8NmYSvB7DmusZm1wlrg/s1600/Photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9woNo8dYSvRWMW0kVsG7gWHbJwI35ncDRoeEwbRa088PuaZ4slg43Y2DGXtL32Pooa5NM_IoCxTHuQ5ESbXyCRF5T8wwAqmr3xOlfYQE-DfQheFluhb5cHdID8NmYSvB7DmusZm1wlrg/s640/Photo+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">Photo 2: Cyclists in Melbourne<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">Source: <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/cyclists-melb.jpg" target="_blank">Sportsbet</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Both Melbourne and The Netherlands have a
bike-friendly public transport system, along with its own bike share. Melbourne
also has an extensive bike path throughout the CBD. However, it is not enough
only to have a very good cycling infrastructure at one place. It is also
important to have a robust cycling network to the surrounding areas to
encourage movements to and from the CBD. It requires not only cooperation with
the surrounding Councils, but also a bigger strategy to manage the whole
structure, in the metropolitan area and also the whole state. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">At the same time, it is also important to
promote the advantage of cycling over driving cars. The Netherlands applies a
higher tax for gasoline and parking tickets compared to Australia. At the same
time, they invest heavily in bicycle infrastructure, from bicycle garages next
to the stations to bike paths and bridges <a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
In other words, it’s necessary to create a conducive environment that
encourages people to cycle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Nevertheless, it’s also important to
remember that Melbourne (Metropolitan Area) is much larger in size compared to
Dutch cities. Considering that many people commute to the CBD for work and
study, riding a bike as the only mode of transportation for residents of the
outer suburbs can be challenging. As such, a campaign to familiarise public
with the use of multi-modal transport system with public transport and bike is
crucial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Looking back, Melbourne has possessed some
of the supportive attributes to encourage cycling as a mode of transport.
Knowing that, we are perhaps on the right track, anyway.</span></div>
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<br />
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<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
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<div id="ftn1">
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/world/europe/bicycling-utrecht-dutch-love-bikes-worlds-largest-bike-parking-garages.html</span><span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> https://www.ns.nl/producten/losse-kaartjes/p/dagkaart-fiets</span><span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="NL">Fiets is the
Dutch word for bikes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets</span><span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> http://www.flitsers.nl/boete/fietsen-zonder-licht</span><span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/juliam/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Plantastic%20Article.zip/Plantastic%20Article/Story%20from%20The%20Netherlands_Why%20People%20Cycle%20to%20Everywhere.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/world/europe/bicycling-utrecht-dutch-love-bikes-worlds-largest-bike-parking-garages.html</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-32734263642915063032017-10-19T13:34:00.000+11:002017-10-19T13:34:58.080+11:00Hop Off PopsBy Mark Sheppard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0sH38_T4pdVSwpEt_Fg2oAjyNRcvyo-o_3J7kxB1EVAuDE1h6ok06Tg_1IWtV3Mfc8-kpaJyccwz1H8KHjaLf25-0609Pbu15Kk2j-vQxnfT6IojBMtP1xyRkUKcWQhX6Kaz54kOa6DN/s1600/Zuccotti_Park_at_night_October_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0sH38_T4pdVSwpEt_Fg2oAjyNRcvyo-o_3J7kxB1EVAuDE1h6ok06Tg_1IWtV3Mfc8-kpaJyccwz1H8KHjaLf25-0609Pbu15Kk2j-vQxnfT6IojBMtP1xyRkUKcWQhX6Kaz54kOa6DN/s640/Zuccotti_Park_at_night_October_2014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucotti Park at night (Source: Wikipedia, 2017).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br />No, this isn’t a Dr Seuss rhyming story. POPS stands for privately-owned public spaces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">POPS are not new. We’ve had them in our shopping malls and
office forecourts for decades. But with
the growing cost of land in our cities we seem to be increasingly relying on
POPs rather than publicly-owned spaces to expand our primary public realm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Does this matter? Well, that depends on how you want people to
act in your city. If you think it’s
really important to make sure everyone behaves within carefully confined
parameters and doesn’t do anything that might be provocative (and pays for the
right to be in the space by buying a coffee), then POPS are for you. But if, like me (and <a href="http://www.governing.com/gov-institute/voices/col-america-new-front-porches-public-spaces.html">John
Robert Smith</a>), you think public spaces are where people should be able to
express themselves freely, exchange ideas and hang out regardless of their
ability to afford frequent caffeine intakes—particularly in an era when digital
communication is threatening our culture of face-to-face socialisation—then we
should be concerned about the rise of POPS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Guardian Cities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/sep/26/its-really-shocking-uk-cities-refusing-to-reveal-extent-of-pseudo-public-space">reports</a>
that many local governments in the UK are refusing to reveal the extent of POPS
and the restrictions on the rights of people who use them. So not only is our public domain being
privatised, but so too is information about that privatisation!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">What do you think? Should we insist that new public spaces are
publicly-owned or at least have no additional restrictions on people’s
behaviour?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-26801034959271686442017-10-19T13:28:00.002+11:002017-10-19T14:19:51.093+11:00LGBTQI Communities and Effective Planning PracticeBy Amelia Zavattaro.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpJhl-JNJ5SpwDsxPUQA0Ws6aO47YoR1IPUEkDM6QG3fYaqE8f8_MQHiL78FF91H6SBSuv9xccnUPhDI2fE-L_9aAgiUM-aPszipVu8z49KlE9Okv8AlXydhfQ7Fi4f4MSE3b6g4VhqPq/s1600/art-3-20rainbow-620x349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="620" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpJhl-JNJ5SpwDsxPUQA0Ws6aO47YoR1IPUEkDM6QG3fYaqE8f8_MQHiL78FF91H6SBSuv9xccnUPhDI2fE-L_9aAgiUM-aPszipVu8z49KlE9Okv8AlXydhfQ7Fi4f4MSE3b6g4VhqPq/s640/art-3-20rainbow-620x349.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oxford Street, Sydney (Source: Sydney Your Say)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The current Marriage Equality Postal Plebiscite is a
contemporary issue on many of our minds with significant personal meaning for
many of us.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Accordingly, it’s prudent to consider the intersection
between planning practice and the LGBTQI community beyond the lens of
hetero-normative planning discourse. This intersection is often ignored in
planning literature and in practice as LGBTQI issues are rarely considered in
the public planning process. (Doan 2015, 1)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Professor Petra Doan, a foremost scholar in this area
specialises in research pertaining to the global trend towards the demise of
identified ‘queer spaces’. Doan ascertains that there is a reluctance in the
planning profession to include people within the LGBTQI community as a
stakeholder within planning decision making processes. As a result, there is a
paucity of data in relation to planning for queer spaces. Doan contends that
whether this resistance is the result of explicit heterosexist bias, mere
silence or planners’ reluctance to engage with the LGBTQI population, the
demise of identifiably queer spaces and neighbourhoods is becoming pervasive. (Doan
2015, 1)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what are some contemporary issues facing the LGBTQI
community arising from planning practice?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doan asks us to consider moving beyond the limitations of
defining queer spaces as designated neighbourhoods and to view the population
as more diverse and mobile than previously perceived. This enables planners to
respect existing histories while understanding the nature of the community at
large. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The broader issue of social equity in terms of
gentrification is another key concern. As traditional queer spaces are
gentrified, displacement results for both residents of these areas and existing
LGBTQI related services. Once displacement of these services occurs,
identifiers of safe and inclusive queer neighbourhoods are removed, rendering
it difficult for additional services to enter the area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The LGBTQI community comprises vulnerable minorities whose
needs should be taken into account in planning decisions, especially decisions
affecting key areas that feature services and businesses for the community. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall as planners, in order to improve communities and our
built environments, we need to listen to the social environment around us to
understand how the communities that make up our cities live, experience and
desire to use spaces.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, this article seeks to raise points asserted by
contemporary literature to get us all thinking about how we and others feel
safe and use the built space around us. For an in-depth discussion about the
role of planning practice and LGBTQI communities, see <i>Planning and LGBTQ Communities: The Need for Inclusive Queer Spaces</i>,
ed. Petra Doan (2015: Routledge).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>REFERENCE </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doan, P (ed), <i>Planning
and LGBTQ Communities: The Need for Inclusive Queer Spaces. </i>2015, Routledge<o:p></o:p></div>
DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-34278958348209272092017-10-19T13:23:00.000+11:002017-10-19T13:53:33.367+11:00The Suitability and Affordablity of Seniors HousingBy Kirsty Smith.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiFPeSNZCOearGDpw79LX3-0n3t4bz81pFl26Xx0sWBepSq89oKdHgMgdEHWB5n14iEnlNTceaFdCWAoH6PMKhK-fOrj1L6rUAc-cn-QzyvkehKriqEiEA8uDQ2SwkOw9R7FTzlB6luV8/s1600/1023_homes_1200x675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiFPeSNZCOearGDpw79LX3-0n3t4bz81pFl26Xx0sWBepSq89oKdHgMgdEHWB5n14iEnlNTceaFdCWAoH6PMKhK-fOrj1L6rUAc-cn-QzyvkehKriqEiEA8uDQ2SwkOw9R7FTzlB6luV8/s640/1023_homes_1200x675.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Disrupting the
seniors living sector<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The housing crisis is affecting everyone, not just the Gen
Ys as popular media would have you believe. The housing crisis doesn’t just
relate to affordability but suitability. The established models of seniors
living and the way we think about, and design retirement living needs to be
turned on its head to address the social and economic challenges that an ageing
population is creating. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The typical models of seniors living developments have been
targeted at, and occupied over the last few decades by the “silent generation”,
those born pre 1946. Unlike the noisy boomers - Xers and Ys, they don't like to
make a fuss, they grew up in an era where they were told to be seen and not
heard. So much so, do people even know they exist? They lack online presence
that’s for sure! Is this the reason that the senior living sector has become
stagnant in recent years, lacking direction and innovation in design? If so
what is the future? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The baby boomers</b>
are now entering the sector, these are the generation born in the decade following
the end of World War II. They are considered a generation who have "had it
all", cosseted by parents who experienced the Great Depression and raised
in the prosperous post-war era. Many benefited from free tertiary education and
relatively low housing costs. This is the generation that invented the
computer, the internet, the miniskirt, fought for women’s rights and
experienced cheap international travel for the first time. As Rebecca Wilson,
founder of <a href="https://startsat60.com/" target="_blank">online forum for over 60’s</a> put it at the recent PCA Retirement Forum – “<i>The Baby Boomer and war boomer
has changed and adapted like a chameleon throughout their life and retirement will
be no different</i>”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how will these disruptive change makers effect the
seniors living sector? Firstly, they will expect the sector to adapt to them
not vice versa. So with that in mind the idea of co-design in new developments
is an obvious one. It makes sense to ask the people who will be living and
using the space to contribute to designing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A successful example of this is the new $1b retirement village
in southern Queensland by Aveo. They used recent research into the sector and
consulted with potential residents which led to the incorporation of a
childcare centre into the village. It follows similar examples from Europe,
where the many positive benefits of interacting with younger generations,
especially children, have been demonstrated in co-located aged care with
childcare or kindergartens. While this may not be the obvious choice for an
over 55s community, or right for every community, through co-design you can
work out what is. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The notion of co-design and getting resident input and buy
in upfront closely relates to shared values in aged care and looking past the
individual needs. Shared values encourage a sustainable market-based, consumer
driven aged care system. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, where
information and comparison is available at the click of a button, providers
need to change their additional offerings to residents, working to continuously
create more social value for residents, their families, the communities they
operate in and society as a whole.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We acknowledge that the seniors living sector is complex and
challenging. There are many people, processes, and policies in constant
evolution. However, co-design methods empower the consumer to define needs and
preferences. It also enables the various companies and influencers in and
around the care continuum to link services, innovate, evolve the market and
improve lives. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The above will help the sector shift from ‘what we can offer
you’ to more ‘look what we have created together’. What other initiatives could
this sector employ to ensure it is delivering what the market wants? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additional reading:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.aveo.com.au/retirement-villages/qld/ipswich/aveo-springfield">https://www.aveo.com.au/retirement-villages/qld/ipswich/aveo-springfield</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.qt.com.au/news/now-selling-1-billion-retirement-projects-official/3136963/">https://www.qt.com.au/news/now-selling-1-billion-retirement-projects-official/3136963/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://startsat60.com/">https://startsat60.com/</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-51901912515474656132017-08-16T17:03:00.000+10:002017-08-16T17:03:42.867+10:00Southbank’s new green spineBy Danielle Cull<br />
<br />
Traditional boulevards of the past have been adorned to celebrate the car, sometimes with perfunctory landscaping used to break up the vast sea of ash felt. Take Melbourne’s St Kilda Road for example, with origins dating back to the 1840’s – the now world famous 8-lane boulevard is lined with landscaped medians breaking up vehicle traffic.<br />
<br />
Whilst the boulevard is a beautiful sight and recognised the world over, it could be said that boulevards like these with generous medians could be better used for pedestrians than the current 3m footpath at the roads edge. <br />
<br />
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NfW3QhNUhHYOmPFT8FjukDxlvx0um3ex54XYrwHUTkiSGZBUb-kVXvHJCmzmPsY_cTi3jLytTjakLCOSLLYKCTF8k_waoCMNi7uDyJhuMzfgkO7Uli-Tl513ze7N2NH89cgoaaYCY3YF/s1600/StkildaRoad-e1358946563799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="1024" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NfW3QhNUhHYOmPFT8FjukDxlvx0um3ex54XYrwHUTkiSGZBUb-kVXvHJCmzmPsY_cTi3jLytTjakLCOSLLYKCTF8k_waoCMNi7uDyJhuMzfgkO7Uli-Tl513ze7N2NH89cgoaaYCY3YF/s640/StkildaRoad-e1358946563799.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(source: http://innersouthpsychology.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/StkildaRoad-e1358946563799.jpg)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<br />
<img src="file:///C:/Users/DANIEL~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg" /><br />
What if these roads were reconfigured and the medians were used for meaningful public open space? <br />
<br />
It’s not a foreign concept. Perhaps the most notable boulevard transformation is the world famous Times Square in New York. Completed in April 2017, the busy intersections of Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets are now primarily pedestrianised spaces that welcome more than 45 million visitors annually.<br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTx2BpzpINNvTgixImgcvk6lkMByh1q2mtt9dPZovd7F7Ujxo6u_P79P29m5TkuESso_9h-27XtIYVcXFi87sEshp9t5JfJ4Z-7_e17an-LNDlYMw6_Z_mHqqJZVssUOKLGChNGchJDhgJ/s1600/domus-snohetta-times-square-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTx2BpzpINNvTgixImgcvk6lkMByh1q2mtt9dPZovd7F7Ujxo6u_P79P29m5TkuESso_9h-27XtIYVcXFi87sEshp9t5JfJ4Z-7_e17an-LNDlYMw6_Z_mHqqJZVssUOKLGChNGchJDhgJ/s640/domus-snohetta-times-square-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">(source: http://www.domusweb.it/content/dam/domusweb/en/news/2017/04/19/snohetta_times_square/gallery/rmedium/domus-snohetta-times-square-02.jpg)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Or on a much smaller scale, take Seattle’s Bell Street for
example. The small inner city street has been transformed from a car dominated
street into a pedestrian and vehicle shared space.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilpBWaYthR9AZKLbWtaY8tMgz5DxzXbWFxJUfeqcXtar7KRaidTSF-P4ZNmFeohMwo7Usd6fHIBaeeKjWUPA7ikvWRt-lEC_NtBidhmzyEER3g_vAzaft1O0SUKVilvR0ex9JtCjQZiLF/s1600/809c59464cc88d380123a4c856660d10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="1600" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilpBWaYthR9AZKLbWtaY8tMgz5DxzXbWFxJUfeqcXtar7KRaidTSF-P4ZNmFeohMwo7Usd6fHIBaeeKjWUPA7ikvWRt-lEC_NtBidhmzyEER3g_vAzaft1O0SUKVilvR0ex9JtCjQZiLF/s640/809c59464cc88d380123a4c856660d10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(Source: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/80/9c/59/809c59464cc88d380123a4c856660d10.jpg)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br />
It seems the City of Melbourne has embraced the cries of the community and created a concept to rejuvenate a busy Southbank street into a much needed key pedestrian link and public open space spine, connecting the Southbank waterfront and St Kilda Roads Arts Precinct.<br />
<br />
The Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street Concept Plan has done just that. By reconfiguring the current 4-lane road and wide centre median and shifting the vehicle traffic to one side, means pedestrians and residents get to use what was a meaningless median as purposeful public open space. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi9Wt46zMe7nUZLjxsyktMCJz9kM45roM9P4S7UdrQ1xRmniJfu1byJcKTPXxPGFTpd9rA2r0QuM4SVlMSd4AOjMBgNiBrCP7OLpA-O1tk0rWAS9dfvk8YcqoyC9o9fC72U3eS4Cbc8rN/s1600/before+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi9Wt46zMe7nUZLjxsyktMCJz9kM45roM9P4S7UdrQ1xRmniJfu1byJcKTPXxPGFTpd9rA2r0QuM4SVlMSd4AOjMBgNiBrCP7OLpA-O1tk0rWAS9dfvk8YcqoyC9o9fC72U3eS4Cbc8rN/s640/before+1.PNG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CogAk_3dzo5SrlHbQMsvElytW5TtV4TsiBTMsUrExjMVMCbVibiRqFQmS1VeUxu1tPc1HBIwtPAQ8sQ3UrP5avX-fAotjvHndrA_Mnh8yc9xVgfnVX83Gr_mIbQ10GHNVn1dZ8F4nNnc/s1600/after+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CogAk_3dzo5SrlHbQMsvElytW5TtV4TsiBTMsUrExjMVMCbVibiRqFQmS1VeUxu1tPc1HBIwtPAQ8sQ3UrP5avX-fAotjvHndrA_Mnh8yc9xVgfnVX83Gr_mIbQ10GHNVn1dZ8F4nNnc/s640/after+1.PNG" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUEsAiEXVEVta9PIo0caBfNNzSMatSrLggDUOVpCqLhTy5s1s9-tQtORnD8vAHWkL7V86vbIWLPaK1TwWRNXamiwAaTFTUiP8WVO3D2QC2SDV34_SbCWma9PZkr9Itm1USqEN2ZWfhDk8/s1600/before+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1117" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUEsAiEXVEVta9PIo0caBfNNzSMatSrLggDUOVpCqLhTy5s1s9-tQtORnD8vAHWkL7V86vbIWLPaK1TwWRNXamiwAaTFTUiP8WVO3D2QC2SDV34_SbCWma9PZkr9Itm1USqEN2ZWfhDk8/s640/before+2.PNG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKBcQJr3rkE7H1MGUKLfHV-u8Q2KE5o_OWGlaioPlurPTt-PYkPuX8kjSdcBO4MaGzk27_SSin0PJmnqiKiKlXKsm_wfIRCn6BrrapeQxH6AetNgm2nhCI9Gl9ors4yZvZPvef-43cZ-T/s640/after+2.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southbank Boulevard - before and after (concept) (source: https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard#)</td></tr>
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Is this the new boulevard where pedestrians are embraced and cars are secondary? Read more about the new open space here: https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard#DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-76071173932599906192017-08-16T16:01:00.000+10:002017-08-16T16:01:31.291+10:00Is there a spot for contemporary street art in planning?By Sam Palma<br />
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It is no secret that innovative urban street art captures the eyes or interest of most people who come across it, sparking a social element to what can commonly be a blank interface. Melbourne has the privilege of having some of the world’s best laneways and urban street artists which see locations such as Hoiser and Union Lane become not only a tourist attractions but add a layer of culture to our City. Contemporary street art and murals have the potential to stimulate conversation and awareness towards social, environmental and political issues, while providing opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work to a wide audience. <br />
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With the ongoing acceptance and appreciation of contemporary street art within an urban environment, does the planning system within Victoria have the provisions or tools to regulate commissioned street art on what would otherwise be a blank concrete wall? <br />
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Specifically, inner urban suburbs that see the construction of apartment complexes built to the boundary and left with four storeys of concrete walls exposed to the public realm, remaining blank and unappealing until the adjoining block is eventually developed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqERAxyvNlbDXTzp4XxzakpLcuoWcYUUViSEVa-yj5YShf5cZ5PUAwpM4HrGLa9eGs9tUtR83azp6Wf734Kn8yTqw6e3PkNz1Cz0kE4SU3AE8dzHz5NaLr7MM7LjR3l1wbNvJ5msF8HVlS/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqERAxyvNlbDXTzp4XxzakpLcuoWcYUUViSEVa-yj5YShf5cZ5PUAwpM4HrGLa9eGs9tUtR83azp6Wf734Kn8yTqw6e3PkNz1Cz0kE4SU3AE8dzHz5NaLr7MM7LjR3l1wbNvJ5msF8HVlS/s640/1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Source: skyscapercity.com </div>
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<img src="file:///C:/Users/DANIEL~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image004.jpg" />Such interfaces bring to light the term ‘concrete jungle’, as overbearing, tall and dull interfaces proclaim and dominate streetscape views. Understandably, any development occurring on a property boundary will require the use of such concrete walls, and although there are mechanisms of texturizing the facades to soften the profile of them, is there scope to implement greater improvements or change? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGQjZh0NiVm9BwxV4WUGXLlSoy_Stzv2wMkRLDvtKo1EWR9OBnszPsY-Vak6c2GMj2jxrjKM_pN8ZsdETvWiXcpzFapP3o4z4mbvDQ0oNv5347519mXfmIUbAKyF0tx1s34KqiEL_NE7a/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1376" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGQjZh0NiVm9BwxV4WUGXLlSoy_Stzv2wMkRLDvtKo1EWR9OBnszPsY-Vak6c2GMj2jxrjKM_pN8ZsdETvWiXcpzFapP3o4z4mbvDQ0oNv5347519mXfmIUbAKyF0tx1s34KqiEL_NE7a/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0Vdc6HOueY-pk4gISoY-cUEggcLs3q1f3zRGOXfKrIUXzerah6xp_9HV9kIfLzSIUqGZ2i0Cnzx986TbK59aF_PG9icZtTsuB3tgQyOTqXYcFKZ7VvNzK5RN5ZmdiglWUFwtNZuU7Jb2/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1348" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0Vdc6HOueY-pk4gISoY-cUEggcLs3q1f3zRGOXfKrIUXzerah6xp_9HV9kIfLzSIUqGZ2i0Cnzx986TbK59aF_PG9icZtTsuB3tgQyOTqXYcFKZ7VvNzK5RN5ZmdiglWUFwtNZuU7Jb2/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These photos from a recent trip I took to Berlin reveal the potential some of these blank facades can have to express art, social or political issues/change to the public realm and streetscape. Although street art is commonly conducted without permission, does that mean there is not opportunity to not only regulate such forms of art, but incorporate the delivery of such projects into the planning system to ensure appropriate messages are delivered? <br />
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Within a Melbourne context, this response would be best suited to podium style apartment developments where they comprise a boundary wall of up to 3-5 storeys high (which typically comprises of car parking facilities) and a single or double storey development on the adjoining site (as shown below). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DWx0He3n6aBTfcJRKxB9aQ4YU_XJtnSKnmRRbh1-9uuOeU_IgXYnIhLZxBGs_ME-zJFWQU0nVa4aKIwBPjz3nlBV3CD5MQ_2dxQLFxZg0PjNeZ5SyP7c-RDniKgkD7msU_dSJDtqkVP0/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1279" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DWx0He3n6aBTfcJRKxB9aQ4YU_XJtnSKnmRRbh1-9uuOeU_IgXYnIhLZxBGs_ME-zJFWQU0nVa4aKIwBPjz3nlBV3CD5MQ_2dxQLFxZg0PjNeZ5SyP7c-RDniKgkD7msU_dSJDtqkVP0/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Source: skyscapercity.com <br />
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It is noted that in some instances the introduction of street art to some of these blank apartment boundary walls has the potential to influence the architectural context of the building within the streetscape and broader context, and this will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis. <br />
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Potential avenues for implementation within the planning process: <br />
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At the time the planning drawings are endorsed by the Responsible Authority, a design is agreed upon, shown and form part of the endorsed plans as a one off proposal. <br />
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Is there potential for developers to be granted ‘concessions’ for implementing innovative urban art on boundary facades, acting as a catalyst towards the idea of regulatory art on building facades. <br />
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What other avenues could be explored as a way of uplifting these blank concrete facades to spark social interaction?</div>
DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1437663792486224589.post-10442712383880956532017-08-16T15:53:00.001+10:002017-08-16T15:53:39.261+10:00Privatise planning assessment or as of right unit development – do we dare?By Jonathan Halaliku<br /><br />The Smart Planning program has acknowledged that over the past 20 years, Victoria’s planning system has grown significantly whereby the planning system now includes a massive 75,000 pages across 8500 documents and 15,000 PDF maps.<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn1">[1]</a> As acknowledged by the State Government, the consequence of planning regulation has become complex, inaccessible and inefficient.<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn2">[2]</a> Reform is required and I agree with this principles behind the program. <br /><br />However with the Smart Planning program reaching the next stage of its roll out (VC137<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn3">[3]</a>) we as an industry should consider the difficult, and not so difficult, questions of wholesale reform – dare I say not just a cosmetic ‘nip and tuck’ to process. I believe transformative reform is required – and we need to be brave. <br /><br /><h4>
Year in review</h4>
According to DWELP’s planning permit activity monthly report<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn4">[4]</a>, planning applications for alterations to a building, structure or dwelling, extension to an existing dwelling, single and mutli-dwelling totalled 23,281 applications across the state !! The sheer number of applications in our system is mind boggling and it is further reflected in the average gross days of Responsible Authority determinations of 121 days across the State. Worryingly, but no surprisingly, only 62% of all applications were completed within the 60day statutory timeframe. This is a system under immense pressure and steps need to be taken to remove not only the burden but the onus from the under resourced Local Government sector. <br /><br />Given the weight of applications which have a residential redevelopment outlook, I believe our first point of call for reform is to the drafting of the residential provisions in the VPP’s.<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn5">[5]</a> <br /><br /><h4>
What should change - Rationale</h4>
We as constituents need to come to terms with the concept of change. Change in our cities, change in urban form, change in the way we experience, utilise and engage with our physical environment. Seldom do the masses spend the weekends tending to the quarter acre block. The once cherished quarter acre is now realised as being an asset not only to the land owners but as a resource for our broader needs of the City. <br /><br />As our urban environment changes, the type of amenity we experience may change – not necessarily reduce. Where once we would marvel at expanses of freshly mowed lawns, now, the sheer pleasure of home ownership or the ability to house several generations prevails. The utilitarian benefit of urban consolidation has (and should) supersede the protection of underutilised land. So where I am going with this…? <br /><br />Well, change in urban environment (often termed neighbourhood character), does not, if managed properly, equate to a reduction in amenity. It is commonly misconceived that changes in character negatively change amenity experiences. Hence, neighbourhood character is at the heart of most, it not all, planning stoushes. It is as much a ‘shield’ as it is a ‘sword’. It is a coveted mechanism of planning control, and I say, the defining difference between the planning and building worlds.<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn6">[6]</a> <br /><br />Neighbourhood character, its identification, assessment and evolution needs to be forward looking rather than an exercise in preservation of the built form and amenity expectations of days gone by – character, like the intangibles of our city, should be allowed to evolve organically. <br /><br />The assessment and consideration of neighbourhood character is, in my mind, the main difference between assessment of siting requirements under Part 4 of the Building Regulations, and the processes and delays of residential planning permit applications that we see today. What if we could design a test for neighbourhood character that allows assessment to take place within a confined siting criteria – a tick box assessment? Following this, I would then question why would extensions, single, dual occupancy or multi-unit<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn7">[7]</a> development proposals actually require planning consent? <br /><br />Provided the test for neighbourhood character can be resolved, ResCode should return to its origin of assessment – as part of the siting requirements under Part 4 of the Building Regulations. <br /><br />Granted there will be architectural expressions which won’t be as appealing as others they would nevertheless be an expression and provided mandatory siting provisions are met (i.e. confining unreasonable offsite amenity impacts), there is no reason for the enormous amounts of residential applications that we see in single, dual occupancy and multi-unit applications (of less than 4 dwellings) clogging up Council and Tribunal resources. <br /><br />The takeaway – form an objective approach to neighbourhood character,<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn8">[8]</a> formulate a test for character performance that can be incorporated into a ‘siting assessment’ or similar criteria, and relinquish the burden of assessing thousands of straight forward applications by Local Government. <br /><br /><h4>
What could change - Zone Provisions</h4>
As an example, within the General (32.08-6) and Neighbourhood Residential Zones (32.09-6) each respectively trigger the requirement for a planning permit for the construction and extension of two or more dwellings on a lot. To release the pressure, and on the back of a well considered assessment framework, the requirement for planning consent for more than one dwelling on a lot should be removed, or, “as of right” for dual occupancy and multi-unit development of 4 or less dwellings on, for example,… “of dwellings less than two storeys on a lot size of 1200m²”.<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn9">[9]</a><br /><br />I acknowledge that a robust assessment framework must be established to release various densities of residential redevelopment to “as of right” status. The provisions and assessment (by private assessors or otherwise) would need to be grounded in mandatory requirements (with few areas of discretion). A suite of Planning Scheme amendments would need to be initiated from a platform of up to date character studies, needs analysis, landscaping and housing strategies for which ‘lock in’ preferred character expectations. Maybe it is wishful thinking however the concept of releasing the assessment burden by removing permit triggers is a reform strategy that could be employed if, and only if, the assessment framework is itself well resolved. <br /><br />Essentially, extensive work on the ‘front end’ of Planning Scheme amendments could then facilitate a ‘tick box’ assessment phase for siting (similar to the new garden area requirements). Here, neighbourhood character can evolve organically rather than with the ‘detached, pitched roof and eave reproduction’ often forced as a result of responding to neighbourhood character concerns. <br /><br /><h4>
What could change – Assessment of applications</h4>
Privatised assessment of various planning applications should be considered. <br /><br />The assessment of various classes of low impact, straight forward planning applications should be privatised, or at least, Council’s should be equipped with facility to refer to a third party assessor to make determination in place of the Responsible Authority. The legislative framework underpinning the authority to make a decision on planning applications should be extended to include privatised assessment for various classes of permit applications. I understand that determining such classes of applications beyond the obvious single dwelling, dual occupancy and multi-dwelling townhouse developments (without overlay controls) is beyond this piece, however the conversation about privatised assessment should not be intimidated by recent visible (although not relatable) examples such as Lacrosse<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn10">[10]</a> or Mount Waverley.<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftn11">[11]</a> <br /><br />Granted there are lessons to be learnt from our building surveying brethren, but where the appropriate assessment frameworks are in place, and the relevant professional standards and liabilities are accepted by privatised assessment parties, then Councils should have the legislative facility and discretion to refer assessment to a private assessor where deemed appropriate.<br /><br />It is acknowledged that planning has intricacies of discretion that may not be prevalent in the building surveying comparison, nevertheless, the concept and principles behind privatised assessment, are, as per ResCodes genesis in Part 4, equally applicable if the provisions and development controls are correctly drafted. <br /><br /><h4>
Blue-skying change</h4>
Easing the burden on the planning system could be achieved by:<br /><br />a) Elevating some forms of residential development to “as of right” status based on density and built form, and; <br /><br />b) Privatising, or at least providing the facility for privatised assessment, of various classes of low impact planning permit applications should be considered. <br /><br />Either or a combination of the above would initiate a shift in onus and burden from an under resourced public sector. Unfortunately I am a realist and I understand the breadth of work that is required, top down, and from all sides of the industry to put these concepts in place. Nevertheless, as per the 1989 classic - Field of Dreams - “if you build it, they will come”. <br /><br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref1">[1]</a> <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-reform/smart-planning-program">https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-reform/smart-planning-program</a> <br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref2">[2]</a> Above 1 consequences of these growing issues include: <br /><ul>
<li>lengthy approval times </li>
<li>inconsistencies in planning schemes and decision making </li>
<li>a system that is difficult to interpret and understand </li>
<li>barriers to public participation </li>
<li>higher compliance costs than necessary </li>
<li>less effective policy implementation. </li>
</ul>
<a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref3">[3]</a> Which seeks to expands the Vic Smart fast-track planning process by changing the Vic Smart Planning Assessment provisions at Clauses 90 to 95 of the VPP’s. Amendment VC137 is required to implement an extension to the VicSmart permit process by transferring particular classes of application from the standard permit process to the VicSmart process. <br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref4">[4]</a> <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/publications/planning-permit-activity-in-victoria/planning-permit-activity-monthly-report">https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/publications/planning-permit-activity-in-victoria/planning-permit-activity-monthly-report</a> <br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref5">[5]</a> Obviously governed by changes to the legislative framework. <br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref6">[6]</a> Understandably neighbourhood character is primarily concerned with fit, contextual design response and ‘looking out’ of a site, rather than confining consideration to the boundaries of a site. <br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref7">[7]</a> Up to 4-5 dwellings in a townhouse configuration <br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref8">[8]</a> Tainted by political platforms or grandstanding for a vocal minority. <br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref9">[9]</a> An arbitrary, but reasonable, threshold for planning permit trigger chosen for illustration purposes only. A detailed empirical assessment would be required to establish density and lot size provisions. <br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref10">[10]</a> Media release, “Lacrosse Building Surveyor to face disciplinary action”, VBA, 23 March 2016. <br /><br /><a href="file:///C:/Users/daniellec/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/B3OMS5GL/Privatise%20planning%20assessment%20or%20as%20of%20right%20unit%20development%20%20do%20we%20dare.docx#_ftnref11">[11]</a> Media release, “Mt Waverley Building Practitioner to face disciplinary action”, VBA, 29 April 2016. <div>
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DLAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231673678673078232noreply@blogger.com0