How sensitive urban design can turn a newly built suburb into a cohesive, neighbourly community.
Successful suburbs have homes that sit well together and foster a sense of community, writes Harvey Grennan.
Designs for new homes in many parts of Europe must be approved by panels of architects to ensure the integrity of the streetscape. In Australia, councils set out guidelines that define the ‘character’ of a suburb but decisions about how the home will present to the street are essentially left to the owner and architect.
This has sometimes resulted in a
‘look at me’ competition of who can outdo their neighbour, not to mention a smorgasbord of architectural styles.
There are instances where controls are much tighter. In heritage areas, rules aim to ensure that the historical context of the street is preserved. And in new communities, some developers establish guidelines on design elements such as fencing, roof pitch and colours. Volume builders work hard to create inviting, integrated streets where homes have compatible styles.
This is the situation at Crest by Mirvac in Sydney, where winning My Ideal House design will be built. The concept design, with planter boxes and generous windows offering a view to the street, will present a welcoming face to neighbours and passers-by. In keeping with its approachable frontage, the house won’t have a fence; instead, its street-facing boundary will be marked by a hedge or other plantings.
It’s a far cry from homes of recent decades with imposing, blocky and anonymous facades, dominated by a roller door that opens to let in the owners’ car without its occupants ever having to talk to anyone. There’s now a clear trend for encouraging more interaction with neighbours and the community.
This shift can be attributed to an urban design movement known as
New Urbanism, says Harry Margalit, associate professor in architecture at UNSW. “It’s harking back to the idealised communities of small towns and older, inner-city neighbourhoods with their active street life and ‘eyes on the street’: living rooms that overlooked the street and kept antisocial behaviour away through surveillance,” he says. “Planning guidelines now actively encourage this.”
Shrinking lot sizes also play a role, says Professor Margalit. “Having less space makes each facade more important for light and views. The front yard becomes a more prized open area as the backyard shrinks. Smaller backyards also mean kids’ play areas are increasingly shared or public parks, which are now included in new developments. More planting also happens in streets and parks.”
This has had a snowball effect, he says. “To compensate for small lot sizes, developers have tried to create communities with better streets, more windows to the street and more public facilities. Buyers now expect these. The street has been rediscovered as a space with the potential to be used and planted, and it’s treated with more respect.”