A tale of ghost cities in Australia and China

While the ‘ghost cities’ in China are unlikely to occur in Australia, some worrying trends in this country should guard against complacency.

Reframing ‘Australian ugliness’

This year marks the centenary of architect Robin Boyd’s birth. He was well-known for his scathing assessment of Australian popular architecture and design, but did Boyd eventually change his mind?

Making better use of waste water

As regional Australian towns face the prospect of running out of water, it’s time to ask why Australia does not make better use of recycled wastewater.

Renters can be trapped for years in homes they can’t afford

After paying rent, more than half of low-income tenants don’t have enough left over for other essentials, and the latest evidence shows nearly half of them can be stuck in this situation for years.

Is our water safe to drink?

High standards of potable water depend on good policies, but current systems and legislation may not always be supported by solid scientific research or best practice in public health.

Urban forest or concrete jungle?

Melbourne’s council wants a greener city to counter the effects of climate change, but it also promotes higher density for new housing, with ever bigger apartment blocks and smaller gardens. Is there any way to square the circle?

Bigger on the inside?

Could Australia’s housing crisis be solved, not with a bold expensive plan, but with sneaky, under-the-radar remedies? Architectural researcher Alysia Bennett has been working on some strategies she thinks might work.

Australia needs a national shipbuilding authority

Australia’s investment in its navy should both defend the nation better and strengthen its economy. A national shipbuilding authority could help deliver both results.

Making Australia’s most liveable city more inclusive

Melbourne is a great city to live in, but it can do better for people with a disability by making it more accessible and inclusive.

‘Transformer’ rooms and robo-furniture may soon remake our homes

With living space at a premium in our ever more crowded cities, robotic furniture may soon be able to transform a room in seconds with just a voice command.

Lessons from abroad on affordable housing

Sydney’s housing, savings and public transport systems fail to offer its residents a competitive package of affordable housing, but lessons can be learned from Singapore and Hong Kong to create a better solution.

NSW residents want action to safeguard water supplies

As rainfall dwindles and reserves run dry, residents of NSW are increasingly anxious about the future of domestic fresh water supplies.