National Urban Design Forum 2012 (NUDF2012)

It’s on again, and it includes another train trip! The National Urban Design Forum 2012 will be held in Melbourne and Bendigo, Friday to Sunday 20-22 April. In the NUDF tradition, it will be a busy weekend with about 80-90 urban design enthusiasts from across Australia visiting interesting locations, productively exploring issues – and enjoying good food and wine. So pencil it in your diary now as it is likely to be booked out.

The central theme for NUDF2012 is urbandesign in regional cities across Australia, where 20+% of our population lives. We will explore the role of Local, State and Federal Government in regional cities, and consider the education/skill development needs. We will look at the work being undertaken by private sector designers and developers in making sure regional cities are part of our low carbon sustainable future.

That’s the framework for the weekend, but the presentations, engagement and informal contributions of all attending will provide the richness of value for the event – with a practical take-home: what did I learn, how can I apply it?

From midday on Friday, at Deakin Prime in central Melbourne, we will set up the propositions including: delivering quality urban transformation; strong city centres; the vital elements (sustainability, prosperity and identity); mid-sized cities – over-looked, but often high-performing (precedents and potential, Australian and international); design and delivery – getting good ideas implemented intact (governance and operational challenges, and examples of innovative solutions).

Then, at 6.00pm, we walk to the nearby awardwinning Southern Cross Station for a sociable 2 hour train trip to Bendigo and, for those who up to it, kick on at the renowned Wine Bank.

The Saturday and Sunday program will be a lively mix of presentations, interactive sessions and local visits. Then back to Melbourne (or Tullamarine Airport) by about 4.30pm. Leading the planning for NUDF2012 are Deakin University, the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development, and Urban Design Forum, but good ideas from across the urban design fraternity will be welcome.

As usual, we will keep the Forum cost at a modest level, thanks to the generous involvement of both volunteers and sponsors. There will be a limited number of ‘special deals’ for students and young professionals, and a range of accommodation options. Interested?

If so, register you interest ASAP with a short email to bruce@urbaninitiatives.com.au and you will be kept up to date with details of the evolving program.