Redesigning the post-pandemic workplace

The coronavirus will transform the design industry, design practice and designers alike, but perhaps none are more equipped to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.

The word on the street

Wider footpaths, separated cycleways and pedestrian-friendly streets could become the norm, according to a UNSW Built Environment expert.

The green shoots of recovery

More urban farming, supported by new smart technology, could bolster the resilience of food production and deliver better value to consumers in the wake of COVID-19.

The NSW building certification bill lets developers off the hook

Most buyers would happily pay a bit more for a safe and durable product, but new legislation in NSW will do little to protect them.

Car parks?

As public space becomes premium in our cities, could boutique sidewalk activations known as parklets be the solution?

What are four bins for?

Four bins might help the sorting of recycled rubbish in Victoria, but to solve our waste crisis we need a strong market for recycled products.

The high rise future of city living

Internationally acclaimed architect, urban designer, UNSW alumna Zhizhe Yu explores a multi-planetary and people-centric approach to high-rise urbanism.

Rethink before rebuilding

Suburban planning models are not suitable for bushland – so why would we continue to rebuild with them after the damage wrought by this summer’s devastating bushfires? 

Australian housing needs a shake-up

Millions of Australians are struggling with unaffordable housing. It’s a systemic problem that’s been decades in the making, and only concerted system-wide reforms will fix it.

How smart is your city?

The Australian government’s City and Regional Deals and funding through the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program are beginning to make Australian cities ‘smarter’, but disparities in performance remain.

A hard day’s night

While most people go home at night after a hard day’s work, almost 10% of Australian workers are employed at night, helping to keep the country running while the rest of us relax or sleep.

Tiny houses may not be the big answer

There has been significant growth in small house living, but that doesn’t mean Australia should “go big” on them in terms of overall housing policy.