2 While the Urban Taskforce primarily represents the developers of new buildings we also have many associate members who are part of the overall team that makes quality developments happen. We have therefore devoted this issue of Urban Ideas to the importance of architects in the development of the growth of Australian cities and focussed on the work of our 21 Urban Taskforce members who are architects. We specifically encourage our developer members to make contact with these architects with the potential for them to be part of the team on key projects. INNOVATION OR REGULATION There seems to be a growing trend with council planners to regulate the built form on behalf of the public interest. This is often done by misusing government design guides as absolutes that must be followed to the detail. NSW has a very complex planning system that requires countless boxes to be ticked and expert reports to be produced. A new category of Complying Development has evolved over recent years that initially seems to be a one-size-fits-all approach. On closer inspection however, it is apparent that the complying bits are about protecting neighbours' amenity and within these constraints a creative architect can produce a very innovative design. The Urban Taskforce believes that where an architect is involved the approval body should support innovative solutions rather than overly control the end result. In NSW and Sydney we need to loosen many of the restrictive rules and guidelines to encourage more innovative approaches to architecture. FITTING INTO CONTEXT OR STANDING OUT AS A LANDMARK Another issue that generates debate among architects and planners is the requirement in many planning documents that new buildings must fit into the existing, and sometimes the future, context. The uniform character of the buildings lining Parisian boulevards sets a context that makes it difficult to design against this character. But there are many examples where a creative architect has inserted a bold new building into a heritage context with great success. A number of planning documents call for special architectural expression at landmark or gateway sites. Examples in Sydney would be the Jean Nouvel designed residential tower at Central Park or the Frank Gehery designed UTS Business School. Melbourne architecture is generally seen as being less contextual than Sydney architecture. Clearly cities need landmark buildings (the Sydney Opera House for instance) as well as buildings that are more contextual but we believe the architects should be able to respond appropriately. HOW MUCH DESIGN REVIEW IS NEEDED In recent years there has been a growing trend to have Design Review Panels involved in the assessment of planning applications as well as the planners. With the right people this can be constructive but the Urban Taskforce has heard of panels who prefer a different design approach to the applicant’s architect. This only leads to a compromised design. We have also heard of projects that have had two or three different design review panels each wanting to change what the previous panel supported. Design review should only occur through one panel and they should not become the default designer. THE LEADING ARCHITECTS CATEGORY Some planners have raised concerns that not all architects are at the same level of design quality. State Environmental Planning Policy 65 requires architects to design apartment buildings above 3-storeys high but some planners believe that a special category of architect may be needed to achieve quality results. The Urban Taskforce is happy to propose that the 21 leading architectural firms, who are members of the Taskforce could fit the Leading Architect category. We therefore encourage our developer and builder members to consider engaging our Leading Architects. 21 leading architects are Urban Taskforce Members The Urban Taskforce is keen to have responses to the proposals illustrated in this issue of URBAN IDEAS and we welcome comments to admin@urbantaskforce.com.au Chris Johnson AM Chief Executive Officer Urban Taskforce Australia Credits Cover image featuring some of the 21 Leading Architects, in alphabetical order "The Urban Taskforce believes that where an architect is involved the approval body should support innovative solutions rather than overly control the end result"