10 April 2013
The EcoDensity strategy adopted in Vancouver has many lessons for Sydney, says the Urban Taskforce.
Vancouvers EcoDensity strategy has helped reduce that cities ecological footprint by encouraging a range of density solutions, says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. Sydney is leading Australia in density of development with 25.8% of households as apartments, ahead of Melbourne with the next highest at 15.3%.
Sydney needs to demonstrate leadership to Australian cities by adopting a similar pro-growth EcoDensity strategy to that adopted in Vancouver. The Vancouver model was driven by Chief City Planner Brent Toderian from 2006 to 2012 who is visiting Sydney to explain the approach to density undertaken.
We need to lift the debate from a simple comparison of high rise towers versus detached houses to one that understands the range of densities from terrace houses to 6 and 8 storey apartments; to towers of 25 storeys and above. Brent Toderian refers to his campaign as Density Done Well and points out the importance of design quality, public domain contributions, and the provision of communal amenities.
The EcoDensity program included the concept of ˜Gentle Density where row houses, laneway housing, and ˜fonzi-suites above garages increase densities in existing suburban areas.
The table below demonstrates the degree to which Australian cities are moving towards denser living compared to Vancouver:`
|
Dwellings |
Vancouver |
Sydney |
Melbourne |
Brisbane |
Adelaide |
Perth |
|
Detached Houses |
33.9% |
60.9% |
72.6% |
79.0% |
77.2% |
78.6% |
|
Duplex/ Terraces |
26.0% |
12.8% |
11.6% |
8.5% |
12.1% |
11.9% |
|
Apartments |
40.1% |
25.8% |
15.3% |
11.7% |
10.4% |
9.1% |
