Rethinking suburbia : villages in the urban fabric

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to determine whether it is possible to apply the 'urban village' concept to the existing urban fabric of our suburbs, to better meet the vision of a more compact and sustainable urban environment.In order to accomplish this aim, the following specific tasks were undertaken. Chapter 2 analyses the characteristics which reflect the development of Australia's cities and the forces which have shaped them, and of the forces of change in the structure and attitudes of Australian society. Chapter 3 defines and examines the 'urban village' concept and identifies its guiding principles, from which guidelines are developed. Chapter 4 utilises the guidelines developed to apply the 'urban village' concept to the suburb of Corinda, to determine its usefulness and applicability.The main findings of this study are as follows:• That it is possible to apply the 'urban village' concept to the existing urban fabric provided that the application gives due consideration to the context in which the application is occurring.• That the application of the concept to the existing urban fabric does not compromise the fundamental principles of the 'urban village' concept.• That the application of the 'urban village' concept to the existing urban fabric must follow three rules: (i) The application requires a base mix of uses which provides impetus and opportunity for growth, and which reflects the general structure of uses and densities of the urban village concept, as outlined in the mixed use principle. The location and type of uses provides opportunity for them to complement each other, to integrate, and to provide for the shared use of facilities and amenities. (ii) The application requires provision of a transit stop (that could be a suburban rail station, light rail stop or bus interchange) and a street layout which is conducive to the development of convenient pedestrian linkages. It is best that the transit stop utilises existing public transport infrastructure without requiring large capital inputs and that the existing street layout reflects a traditional form, (grid street rather than a curvilinear layout with cul-de-sac and loops), which allows the development of pedestrian linkages connecting uses within the village, and the village with the surrounding urban fabric. However, it is preferred that wherever possible diagonal linkages are promoted. (iii) A realisation that no matter where the concept is applied, it requires the development of a co-ordinated built form which utilises the character and style of existing buildings to link the development with the past, and offers something new and refreshing. The built form has a major role to play in supporting the principles of the urban village concept, by providing active, robust, innovative, legible and unique built form.