Embargoed until 6:00am Monday 12 October
The Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) have joined forces to call on all parties to back good design as the foundation of Victoria's housing growth, by supporting ongoing funding for the Office of the Victorian Government Architect.
As Victoria faces a housing supply challenge, we need to ensure growth also delivers liveability, sustainability and long-term public value. Density done well is essential to the feasibility, success and social licence needed to deliver the housing Victorians need.
RAIA and PIA strongly support more homes for Victorians, particularly more choice in well-designed communities, but are clear that increased density must be done well.
PIA Victoria President Pat Fensham (MPIA) Fellow said, “As density increases, so too should the focus on good design and climate resilient housing and neighbourhoods. New homes should strengthen what people value about their communities.”
RAIA Victorian Chapter President Stephanie Bullock said, "Planners and architects want the same thing; more homes people are proud to live in, in places that work. As our population grows, our cities and regions evolve, and our climate changes, we need a renewed focus on quality, sustainability and long-term value in the built environment.”
But good design does not happen by accident. As Victoria moves towards more code-based approvals and higher density the voice of the design profession becomes more important, not less.
That's why RAIA and PIA are asking the next Victorian Government to support the ongoing role of the Office of the Victorian Government Architect (OVGA) as an independent voice for design quality. Case studies from the OVGA's work show how it has provided independent design leadership, built public confidence and supported better procurement and project outcomes.
"Density done well takes design expertise and leadership from the earliest stage of planning through to the finished building. The OVGA provides that leadership," Ms Bullock said. "We're calling on every party and candidate to commit to sustaining and strengthening the OVGA, and we're glad PIA is making the same call."
Mr Fensham said "PIA is asking the next government for ongoing funding for the OVGA, and for its role to extend to auditing the design quality of plans approved under the new residential Codes. That is how we know reform is delivering, not just approving."
PIA and RAIA stand ready to work with the next Victorian Government to turn reform into well-designed homes on the ground.
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For comment contact: Carmel McCormack, PIA VIC State Manager, 0404 249 832 and Tim Hurd, Public Affairs Manager, Australian Institute of Architects, 0447 427 292.