Inspired by the conference
I was inspired by the recent ACNU Conference in Adelaide. We get so bogged down by our normal daily duties that we often forget what we are really supposed to be doing – we need to realise we can and should transform the built environment.
We do actually create environments for people and have influence on the way people live – this comes with a responsibility to ensure that we create positive change for our people and our communities.
I think we all to some extent are aware of much of the information discussed at the conference, but it was good to be re-informed, re-inspired and, for New Urbanisms as a group, to mobilise to the momentum to create this positive change in the built environment for our communities. The most memorable lessons I learned at the conference are:
- “Small is beautiful”
- We need to put people first (the rest will come…)
- We need to return to the basics – connectivity, placeness, compactness, diversity and frugality
- We need to use Australian architecture – use the existing architecture as prompt/guide and avoid ‘universal’ architecture and design in our cities.
I will certainly use my new found New Urbanism knowledge in my work from now on!
Also in UDFQ 90: June 2010:
- Space for thought: the role of urban design on the Gallipoli Underpass
- ‘CABE DownUnder’ update
- Australia Award for Urban Design update
- Urban design – more than the ordinary and obvious!
- Fourth Australian New Urbanism Congress
- Street elevations – a critical element of the approval process?
- Reflections on ACNU Congress 2010
- International speakers of great value
- The next conversation
- Subtropical design in South East Queensland - handbook for planners, developers and decision-makers
- Impacts of climate change on infrastructure
- Moving people – solutions for a growing Australia
- ‘Climate design’ AECOM and Professor Peter Droege
- Integrated transport?
- Sustainability and urban design
- Urban design: small is beautiful
- Conferences, etc