Is it time? A National Policy on Architecture and Urban Design

Smart nations are recognising the role of national architecture and built environment policies as fundamental instruments in securing a better future. Statements of intent and actions are guiding decisions that shape the cultural, social, environmental and economic quality of life for their citizens. Surprisingly, in Australia we don’t have a unifying national policy, however the debate about the role of a national design agenda is progressing. The time is right to explore the how, what and why of architecture and built environment policies to inform the Australian debate.

It will include discussion on:
_Leadership and delivery;
_Education, skills and advocacy;
_Sustainability, accessibility and inclusive design; and
_Cultural context and built heritage.

This paper will outline:
_The role and importance of architecture and built environment policies at a national level;
_An analyses of international case studies; and
_Explore a theoretical framework and case for the adoption of an Australian policy on architecture and the built environment.

Mr Adam Davies, Principal, HASSELL

The 4th International Urban Design Conference 2011
21st to 23rd of September, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa, Queensland

Towards Fire Resilience in Suburban Morphology

Dr Alan March

Australian settlements have a long history of interactions with the natural processes of bushfire.

However, fires are highly variable in terms of their direction, intensity and impacts due to variations in weather, vegetation, terrain and other local circumstances such as active defence. Further, the nature of fires’ interactions with human settlements are impacted upon significantly by the nature of settlements themselves. Accordingly, it is not surprising that core principles of urban morphology relating to bushfire attack have not been developed.

This paper will report the results of analysis into urban morphology factors relating to the impacts of fire in suburban edge settings. A methodology for analysing key built form elements relating to bushfire is established, with reference to extant design principles in Australia and overseas. A brief overview of the Bendigo 2009 fire is then provided to illustrate the broader features of the ways fire commonly interacts with the urban edges.

Based on case study and statistical analysis of key urban form features, results are then set out, arguing that density, site coverage and settlement form have influenced outcomes relating to house loss in bushfire events. It is argued that particular forms of settlement may significantly increase the risks associated with exposure to wildfire interface areas, although caution is required to ensure that the site specific nature of fire risks are taken into account.

The paper draws conclusions to consider the results’ in terms of urban design principles for residential subdivisions in bushfire-prone areas. This appraisal has considerable implications for the design of residential subdivisions in bushfire-prone areas, as well as the potential for remedial actions to improve bushfire risks in existing areas

Dr Alan March, Senior Lecturer, University of Melbourne

The 4th International Urban Design Conference 2011,  
21st to 23rd of September, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa, Queensland

Integrated Approach of Sustainability and Climate Change Adaptation in a Metro Project

Designing a metro system in the age of climate change provides the opportunity to go way beyond standard specifications and compliance, creating exceptional sustainable and climate resilient design outcomes.

This paper will review the methodology used to integrate environmentally sustainable principles and climate change adaptation designs, within the concept development phase of the Melbourne Metro Underground Rail Project.

The initial brief requested that all aspects of work should give consideration to the minimization of environmental and social impacts of construction, operation and maintenance, and that the design needs to consider future impacts of climate change.

The problem here was that the technical advisory team were asked to provide solutions within the project for an issue that had no clear definition. The team could have addressed minimal requirements for the sake of policy, however the team chose a more comprehensive impactful approach, and in so doing set new industry benchmarks.

Plus, to address all the sustainability opportunities in a job of this magnitude it is important to consider the broader impact on communities, using the triple bottom line approach as a fundamental principle, because in reality this is not just an underground rail project connecting the west of Melbourne to South Yarra Station. It impacts the cityscape, social activities, economy and urban development, businesses and the quality of ambient environment space around stations. There is also the positive legacy for the life of the network to be considered, 100 years hence, for future generations.

There were a number of challenges. Challenges where changed into opportunities, and the sustainable design outcomes are unprecedented in any previous metro, underground or infrastructure projects in the world. Achieving this outcome required a totally new innovative way of thinking, making sure that consideration was given to sustainable design and the resilience to climate change.

Mr Phillip Roös, Sustainable Design Practice Leader, Sinclair Knight Merz

The 4th International Urban Design Conference 2011
21st to 23rd of September, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa, Queensland