13.10.2009: UDFQ 87 (September 2009) is now live online!
The latest version of UDF Quarterly is online now - subscribers will receive the printed edition in their mailboxes in the next couple of days.
Lead Article: Australia Award for Urban Design 2009
This year saw a record number of entries for the Australia Award for Urban Design, as well as a richness of creative projects from around the nation.
Entries ranged from master plans for new neighbourhoods and town centres, to sustainable villages and high density housing projects, to urban squares, malls and foreshore parks. Of note was the fact that one of the entries put out a challenge to major development processes and the sometimes reluctance of the planning and design professions to adequately listen to the communities they serve. This is a timely reminder to practitioners that good urban design should include open and honest community engagement.
Apart from award winners, the Jury wishes to recognise the commitment of the developers and designers of Rouse Hill Town Centre, in Sydney’s northwest. Since the project’s inception, they have sustained their efforts to deliver an integrated, vibrant and sustainable mixed use suburban town centre that has challenged the paradigm of the big box surrounded by car parking. As a result Rouse Hill Town Centre is now used as a model for progressive town centre development throughout the country.
This year the Jury has given the Australia Award for Urban Design to two projects.
Transforming Australian Cities
Paddington Reservoir Gardens