The Urbanist
Latest
Could an Andrews government really deliver on transport promises?
The Urbanist November 25, 2014
One of Victorian Labor’s key promises is to remove 50 of Melbourne’s worst level crossings over 8 years. If it wins government this Saturday it might’ve promised more than it can deliver.
Does the gong for ‘world’s most liveable city’ mean anything?
The Urbanist August 21, 2014
Five Australasian cities and three Canadian cities once again dominate the annual Global Liveability Index, but it doesn’t tell us much about cities as places to live, or the differences between them.
Is Sydney’s Cloud Arch sculpture just a giant logo?
The Urbanist August 4, 2014
Sydney City Council’s proposed giant Cloud Arch sculpture looks good, but means little. Australia’s premier city should aspire to something more authentic than a giant logo.
Why city centre apartments won’t be the slums of the future
The Urbanist July 28, 2014
One of the most persistent and widespread criticisms of city centre apartment towers is they’ll inevitably be “the slums of tomorrow”. But does the claim hold up on closer examination?
Should the government intervene in housing design?
The Urbanist July 25, 2014
The Victorian Government Architect is proposing a mandatory design standard for apartments. But it’s not all milk and honey; it’ll lower housing supply, raise costs and reduce housing choice
How Brisbane’s car-free bridge changed the spread of the city
The Urbanist July 17, 2014
Brisbane's car-free Eleanor Schonell Bridge has been a huge success. Should cities look at replicating the concept?
Tea Party planning: Tecoma McDonald’s v Bendigo mosque
The Urbanist July 4, 2014
What happens when ideology gets in the way of town planning?
Does high visibility clothing really help cyclists?
The Urbanist July 3, 2014
There’s an emerging meme that high visibility clothing doesn't make cycling safer. In certain limited circumstances that’s probably true but in most situations being easily seen still makes good sense.
Guns in your neighbourhood
The Urbanist July 1, 2014
Licensed gun ownership is mostly a country phenomenon, but even if you live in the inner suburbs it’s likely there are hundreds of firearms in dwellings within the same postcode as you.
Does housing supply impact on inequality?
The Urbanist June 30, 2014
More residential developments are being approved in Melbourne than in Sydney. Is this the cause of the harbour city's housing woes?