Over the last week you will have seen some discussion in the media concerning the Government’s new ‘Housing in the City’ Policy. We believe this is a very positive step forward for both the profession and the residents of Adelaide. The plan stops short of legislating the inclusion of registered architects in defined project types however the Institute will continue to lobby for this outcome. For now the Government is focusing on the Design Review Panel (DRP) process to champion better design. While DRP’s are only incentivised and not legislated, their success is seen in part, in that there have been no cold lodgements outside of this process.

The policy focuses on key strategies that will:

1. Increase residential growth for inner Adelaide through re-zoning
2. Create more affordable housing through stamp duty relief
3. Create better designed housing
4. Create more usable public spaces
5. Provide an Integrated Transport and Land Usage Plan

New initiatives to improve design outcomes include:

• In areas rezoned for increased height and density (along transport corridors) projects of five stories and above will go through pre-lodgement design review with compulsory assessment by the Development Assessment Commission.
• The creation of a set of design guidelines with industry and the community to inform better design outcomes
• Creation of a new Architecture and Design Centre that may house the DAC and ODASA and tasked to create high standards of design and development
• Creation of a physical city model (housed in the new Design Centre) to assist  understanding of project scale and context

 

To read the policy document click here.

Through ODASA the Government is driving an agenda that promotes built form characteristics relating to design, suitability, viability, affordability, innovation and sustainability to help guide the emerging housing types in Adelaide.

 

The DRP as their principal design vehicle, is upheld by to the following principles:

Independent

It is conducted by people who are unconnected with the scheme’s promoters and decision-makers and ensures that conflicts of interest do not arise.

Expert

It is carried out by suitably trained people who are experienced in design and know how to criticise constructively. Review is usually most respected where it is carried out by professional peers of the project designers, because their standing and expertise will be acknowledged.

Multidisciplinary

It combines the different perspectives of architects, urban designers, urban and rural planners, landscape architects, engineers and other specialist experts to provide a complete, rounded assessment.

Accountable

The Design Review panel, and its advice that informs the Government Architect’s recommendations, must be clearly seen to work for the benefit of the public.

Transparent

The Design Review panel’s remit, membership, governance processes and funding should always be in the public domain.

Proportionate

It is used on projects whose significance warrants the investment needed to provide the service.

Timely

It takes place as early as possible in the design process, because this can avoid a great deal of wasted time. It also costs less to make changes at an early stage.

Advisory

The Design Review panel does not make decisions, but it offers impartial advice that informs recommendations to the people who do.

Objective

It appraises schemes according to reasoned, objective criteria rather than the stylistic tastes of individual panel members.

Accessible

The recommendations arising from Design Review are clearly expressed in terms that design teams, decision-makers and clients can all understand and make use of.

 

To find out more contact the Office of Design and Architecture SA directly.