Roberts Day
media headlines
the great australian neighbourhood
Published in the Innovative Household, Sydney Urban Designer Andrew Brodie explores past, present and future trends in Australian cities, particularly their changing social landscape. Innovative Household is a new publication fusing architecture, design, sustainability, living and style. Ellenbrook New Town, WA and the future Keidges Road Transit Oriented Development in QLD are recognised as leading examples of present best practice. Setting them apart is a high quality public domain that promotes community interaction and liveability. They are built on the timeless planning principles responsible for creating some of our most cherished places. Be it Fremantle in the west or Surry Hills in the east, these places represent an altogether different physical setting to the conventional suburban development typical of the post WW2 era. The ‘Great Australian Dream’ is increasingly becoming a nightmare against leading liveability indicators.
The article concludes that while Australian cities will embrace advancements in modern technology in the future they will in many ways come full circle, reconnecting with a past defined by mixed use walkable neighbourhoods and civic pride. Collaboration and leadership will become even more important in responding to the collective crises of affordability, health and fresh food, and climate change.