The requirement to transition to a more sustainable housing future is well recognised from both t... more The requirement to transition to a more sustainable housing future is well recognised from both the context of reducing environmental impacts and providing more affordable and equitable housing provision. There is increasing research around the technical performance of buildings which improve environmental performance and research which explores various affordable housing outcomes. However there has been limited exploration to date in the Australian context of developments which attempt to bring both elements together. This talk presents a case study of the Nicholson development in Coburg, Melbourne. The Nicholson is a 199 apartment development which was completed in 2011. At the time of its design and construction the development was innovative across four key areas: sustainability (built to a six star standard), the use of modular construction, being mixed-use and mixed-tenure and the governance of the development. This presentation discusses the results of a post-occupancy evalua...
This policy brief is a milestone from the VCCCAR project Design-led Decision Support for Regional... more This policy brief is a milestone from the VCCCAR project Design-led Decision Support for Regional Climate Adaptation. The project explored a new approach to climate change adaptation at the local government scale, addressing the question 'What could a climate-proof future look like?' using a design process to address problems of future uncertainty and risk. A design approach enables new ideas to arise, emphasising uncertainty as part of future thinking whilst allowing a departure from incremental approaches.
Design charettes (a form of intensive workshop) were central to this exercise. Charrettes were held in Bendigo and Sea Lake, engaging community members, local government and state government staff and academics in an intensive process of envisaging and designing alternative futures for their locality based on an understanding of local conditions and potential future climate conditions. Those involved in the charrettes found the process challenging and satisfying. Reports from the charrettes are available on the VCCCAR website: www.vcccar.org.au
The aim of this VCCCAR-funded project was to develop future design concepts at the landscape scal... more The aim of this VCCCAR-funded project was to develop future design concepts at the landscape scale, in which regions are resilient to the impacts of climate change and are capable of dealing with unforeseen climate events. It takes a new approach to climate change adaptation at the (sub) regional scale by organising and conducting design-charrettes, a design-led, intensive workshop-based approach to adaptation that addresses the complexity and uncertainty in making decisions for climate change adaptation, and includes multiple disciplines through a co-development (or co-design) approach.
The ethical city, in contrast to many other adjectives used to describe our cities, implies an ap... more The ethical city, in contrast to many other adjectives used to describe our cities, implies an approach to urban development that is about doing the right thing for and by urban citizens. Acknowledging the rich traditions of urban development studies and human ethics, this article draws on examples of existing practices in cities that reflect a principled and ethical approach to leadership, governance, planning, economic development, sustainability and citizen engagement. An increased focus on ethics and justice is central in shaping how we respond effectively to global pressing issues such as climate change while at the same time tackling diverse social and economic problems in our cities including inequality, marginalization and lack of access to opportunities for the most vulnerable. While an ethical city points towards sustainability, resilience, inclusion and shared prosperity, the opposite direction could lead to corruption, poverty and social disaffection.
Social integration is an important goal of contemporary urban policy in Chile. Using the concept ... more Social integration is an important goal of contemporary urban policy in Chile. Using the concept of conviviality understood as the “art of living in community” (Esteva, 2012), this work analyses two socially integrated housing developments in Chile. This paper argues that materially interspersing different socioeconomic groups within housing developments is insufficient on its own to achieve the objectives of social integration espoused in the national urban policy. In particular, it leaves aside community and cultural processes and therefore neglects considerations of inclusion, equity, and conviviality. Furthermore, it is insufficient on its own in meeting sustainable cities and quality of life objectives of the National Urban Development Policy. As a result, we raise critical questions for the implementation of national policy objectives to combat the segregation of cities. The concept of assessing conviviality is proposed as a means to further understand social integration.
Climate change mitigation remains a contested political and policy issue nationally in Australia.... more Climate change mitigation remains a contested political and policy issue nationally in Australia. Nevertheless, Australian cities have been actively engaging with low carbon policy for well over a decade and numerous actions and programs have resulted. A question arises as to whether such initiatives can amount to a transition; a systemic change from one dominant fossil-fuel based socio-technical regime, to another, fossil-free based socio-technical regime. In this paper, we review the critical literature on low carbon governance and socio-technical transitions and present a set of criteria by which we propose it is possible to assess the emergence of and/or progress towards low carbon urban transition. We then apply this approach to a case study. The paper presents findings from a review of low carbon initiatives in Australia with a particular focus on Melbourne, Victoria exploring the policy context in which these initiatives and responses have emerged, the typical approaches adopted and the implications for urban change and governance. We examine the roles of, and relationships between, different levels of government, climate change alliances, community/environmental organisations and other actors, and assess progress of the urban low carbon transition. In so doing, we identify significant shortcomings and policy disconnects which we argue are limiting progress towards a low carbon future in Victoria.
The built environment has value. Most commonly, that value is established through market prices f... more The built environment has value. Most commonly, that value is established through market prices for rent or purchase. Some elements of value, while recognised as important, are under-appreciated as it is difficult for them to be directly monetised or quantified in other terms. In addition, the value of the built environment from the perspective of general users, the community of public stakeholders, may differ and conflict with those of individual private stakeholders. This paper works with the proposition that good design in the built environment imparts value and that there is a need to articulate value in order to inform decisions about what is good design and how to achieve best value built environment outcomes. To be widely accepted and effective, arguments for good design must rest on a rigorous evidence base, with a clear methodology for establishing a cost-benefit assessment process or other consistent measurement approaches. Research addressing these issues has been investigated internationally, particularly from the UK. However, the value of good design is under-researched in Australia. There is, therefore, a requirement for research which seeks to improve the evidence surrounding the value of good design in the Australian context. This paper presents a review of the current state of research into the value of good design for the built environment, both in Australia and internationally. Following this, methods to address key gaps for valuation are presented and steps for further research outlined.
Climate change mitigation remains a contested political and policy issue nationally in Australia.... more Climate change mitigation remains a contested political and policy issue nationally in Australia. Nevertheless, Australian cities have been actively engaging with low carbon policy for well over a decade and numerous actions and programs have resulted. A question arises as to whether such initiatives can amount to a transition; a systemic change from one dominant fossil-fuel based socio-technical regime, to another, fossil-free based socio-technical regime. In this paper, we review the critical literature on low carbon governance and socio-technical transitions and present a set of criteria by which we propose it is possible to assess the emergence of and/or progress towards low carbon urban transition. We then apply this approach to a case study. The paper presents findings from a review of low carbon initiatives in Australia with a particular focus on Melbourne, Victoria exploring the policy context in which these initiatives and responses have emerged, the typical approaches adopted and the implications for urban change and governance. We examine the roles of, and relationships between, different levels of government, climate change alliances, community/environmental organisations and other actors, and assess progress of the urban low carbon transition. In so doing, we identify significant shortcomings and policy disconnects which we argue are limiting progress towards a low carbon future in Victoria.
Ageing domestic housing stock is frequently remodelled and remade to suit homeowners&... more Ageing domestic housing stock is frequently remodelled and remade to suit homeowners' aspirations and to comply with changing expectations about the home, its appearance and function. In the context of preparing for climate change, it can be argued that significant ...
Abstract Undertaking home renovation is complex and traumatic, but remains a ubiquitous phenomeno... more Abstract Undertaking home renovation is complex and traumatic, but remains a ubiquitous phenomenon. Home renovators wishing to reduce their environmental impact encounter added layers of complexity. Increasingly, opportunities to improve a dwelling's ...
The requirement to transition to a more sustainable housing future is well recognised from both t... more The requirement to transition to a more sustainable housing future is well recognised from both the context of reducing environmental impacts and providing more affordable and equitable housing provision. There is increasing research around the technical performance of buildings which improve environmental performance and research which explores various affordable housing outcomes. However there has been limited exploration to date in the Australian context of developments which attempt to bring both elements together. This talk presents a case study of the Nicholson development in Coburg, Melbourne. The Nicholson is a 199 apartment development which was completed in 2011. At the time of its design and construction the development was innovative across four key areas: sustainability (built to a six star standard), the use of modular construction, being mixed-use and mixed-tenure and the governance of the development. This presentation discusses the results of a post-occupancy evalua...
This policy brief is a milestone from the VCCCAR project Design-led Decision Support for Regional... more This policy brief is a milestone from the VCCCAR project Design-led Decision Support for Regional Climate Adaptation. The project explored a new approach to climate change adaptation at the local government scale, addressing the question 'What could a climate-proof future look like?' using a design process to address problems of future uncertainty and risk. A design approach enables new ideas to arise, emphasising uncertainty as part of future thinking whilst allowing a departure from incremental approaches.
Design charettes (a form of intensive workshop) were central to this exercise. Charrettes were held in Bendigo and Sea Lake, engaging community members, local government and state government staff and academics in an intensive process of envisaging and designing alternative futures for their locality based on an understanding of local conditions and potential future climate conditions. Those involved in the charrettes found the process challenging and satisfying. Reports from the charrettes are available on the VCCCAR website: www.vcccar.org.au
The aim of this VCCCAR-funded project was to develop future design concepts at the landscape scal... more The aim of this VCCCAR-funded project was to develop future design concepts at the landscape scale, in which regions are resilient to the impacts of climate change and are capable of dealing with unforeseen climate events. It takes a new approach to climate change adaptation at the (sub) regional scale by organising and conducting design-charrettes, a design-led, intensive workshop-based approach to adaptation that addresses the complexity and uncertainty in making decisions for climate change adaptation, and includes multiple disciplines through a co-development (or co-design) approach.
The ethical city, in contrast to many other adjectives used to describe our cities, implies an ap... more The ethical city, in contrast to many other adjectives used to describe our cities, implies an approach to urban development that is about doing the right thing for and by urban citizens. Acknowledging the rich traditions of urban development studies and human ethics, this article draws on examples of existing practices in cities that reflect a principled and ethical approach to leadership, governance, planning, economic development, sustainability and citizen engagement. An increased focus on ethics and justice is central in shaping how we respond effectively to global pressing issues such as climate change while at the same time tackling diverse social and economic problems in our cities including inequality, marginalization and lack of access to opportunities for the most vulnerable. While an ethical city points towards sustainability, resilience, inclusion and shared prosperity, the opposite direction could lead to corruption, poverty and social disaffection.
Social integration is an important goal of contemporary urban policy in Chile. Using the concept ... more Social integration is an important goal of contemporary urban policy in Chile. Using the concept of conviviality understood as the “art of living in community” (Esteva, 2012), this work analyses two socially integrated housing developments in Chile. This paper argues that materially interspersing different socioeconomic groups within housing developments is insufficient on its own to achieve the objectives of social integration espoused in the national urban policy. In particular, it leaves aside community and cultural processes and therefore neglects considerations of inclusion, equity, and conviviality. Furthermore, it is insufficient on its own in meeting sustainable cities and quality of life objectives of the National Urban Development Policy. As a result, we raise critical questions for the implementation of national policy objectives to combat the segregation of cities. The concept of assessing conviviality is proposed as a means to further understand social integration.
Climate change mitigation remains a contested political and policy issue nationally in Australia.... more Climate change mitigation remains a contested political and policy issue nationally in Australia. Nevertheless, Australian cities have been actively engaging with low carbon policy for well over a decade and numerous actions and programs have resulted. A question arises as to whether such initiatives can amount to a transition; a systemic change from one dominant fossil-fuel based socio-technical regime, to another, fossil-free based socio-technical regime. In this paper, we review the critical literature on low carbon governance and socio-technical transitions and present a set of criteria by which we propose it is possible to assess the emergence of and/or progress towards low carbon urban transition. We then apply this approach to a case study. The paper presents findings from a review of low carbon initiatives in Australia with a particular focus on Melbourne, Victoria exploring the policy context in which these initiatives and responses have emerged, the typical approaches adopted and the implications for urban change and governance. We examine the roles of, and relationships between, different levels of government, climate change alliances, community/environmental organisations and other actors, and assess progress of the urban low carbon transition. In so doing, we identify significant shortcomings and policy disconnects which we argue are limiting progress towards a low carbon future in Victoria.
The built environment has value. Most commonly, that value is established through market prices f... more The built environment has value. Most commonly, that value is established through market prices for rent or purchase. Some elements of value, while recognised as important, are under-appreciated as it is difficult for them to be directly monetised or quantified in other terms. In addition, the value of the built environment from the perspective of general users, the community of public stakeholders, may differ and conflict with those of individual private stakeholders. This paper works with the proposition that good design in the built environment imparts value and that there is a need to articulate value in order to inform decisions about what is good design and how to achieve best value built environment outcomes. To be widely accepted and effective, arguments for good design must rest on a rigorous evidence base, with a clear methodology for establishing a cost-benefit assessment process or other consistent measurement approaches. Research addressing these issues has been investigated internationally, particularly from the UK. However, the value of good design is under-researched in Australia. There is, therefore, a requirement for research which seeks to improve the evidence surrounding the value of good design in the Australian context. This paper presents a review of the current state of research into the value of good design for the built environment, both in Australia and internationally. Following this, methods to address key gaps for valuation are presented and steps for further research outlined.
Climate change mitigation remains a contested political and policy issue nationally in Australia.... more Climate change mitigation remains a contested political and policy issue nationally in Australia. Nevertheless, Australian cities have been actively engaging with low carbon policy for well over a decade and numerous actions and programs have resulted. A question arises as to whether such initiatives can amount to a transition; a systemic change from one dominant fossil-fuel based socio-technical regime, to another, fossil-free based socio-technical regime. In this paper, we review the critical literature on low carbon governance and socio-technical transitions and present a set of criteria by which we propose it is possible to assess the emergence of and/or progress towards low carbon urban transition. We then apply this approach to a case study. The paper presents findings from a review of low carbon initiatives in Australia with a particular focus on Melbourne, Victoria exploring the policy context in which these initiatives and responses have emerged, the typical approaches adopted and the implications for urban change and governance. We examine the roles of, and relationships between, different levels of government, climate change alliances, community/environmental organisations and other actors, and assess progress of the urban low carbon transition. In so doing, we identify significant shortcomings and policy disconnects which we argue are limiting progress towards a low carbon future in Victoria.
Ageing domestic housing stock is frequently remodelled and remade to suit homeowners&... more Ageing domestic housing stock is frequently remodelled and remade to suit homeowners' aspirations and to comply with changing expectations about the home, its appearance and function. In the context of preparing for climate change, it can be argued that significant ...
Abstract Undertaking home renovation is complex and traumatic, but remains a ubiquitous phenomeno... more Abstract Undertaking home renovation is complex and traumatic, but remains a ubiquitous phenomenon. Home renovators wishing to reduce their environmental impact encounter added layers of complexity. Increasingly, opportunities to improve a dwelling's ...
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Papers by Ralph Horne
Design charettes (a form of intensive workshop) were central to this exercise. Charrettes were held in Bendigo and Sea Lake, engaging community members, local government and state government staff and academics in an intensive process of envisaging and designing alternative futures for their locality based on an understanding of local conditions and potential future climate conditions. Those involved in the charrettes found the process challenging and satisfying. Reports from the charrettes are available on the VCCCAR website: www.vcccar.org.au
A question arises as to whether such initiatives can amount to a transition; a systemic change from one dominant fossil-fuel based socio-technical regime, to another, fossil-free based socio-technical regime. In this paper, we review the critical literature on low carbon
governance and socio-technical transitions and present a set of criteria by which we propose it is possible to assess the emergence of and/or progress towards low carbon urban transition. We then apply this approach to a case study. The paper presents findings from a review of low carbon initiatives in Australia with a particular focus on Melbourne, Victoria
exploring the policy context in which these initiatives and responses have emerged, the typical approaches adopted and the implications for urban change and governance. We examine the roles of, and relationships between, different levels of government, climate change alliances, community/environmental organisations and other actors, and assess progress of the urban low carbon transition. In so doing, we identify significant shortcomings and policy disconnects which we argue are limiting progress towards a low carbon future in Victoria.
Design charettes (a form of intensive workshop) were central to this exercise. Charrettes were held in Bendigo and Sea Lake, engaging community members, local government and state government staff and academics in an intensive process of envisaging and designing alternative futures for their locality based on an understanding of local conditions and potential future climate conditions. Those involved in the charrettes found the process challenging and satisfying. Reports from the charrettes are available on the VCCCAR website: www.vcccar.org.au
A question arises as to whether such initiatives can amount to a transition; a systemic change from one dominant fossil-fuel based socio-technical regime, to another, fossil-free based socio-technical regime. In this paper, we review the critical literature on low carbon
governance and socio-technical transitions and present a set of criteria by which we propose it is possible to assess the emergence of and/or progress towards low carbon urban transition. We then apply this approach to a case study. The paper presents findings from a review of low carbon initiatives in Australia with a particular focus on Melbourne, Victoria
exploring the policy context in which these initiatives and responses have emerged, the typical approaches adopted and the implications for urban change and governance. We examine the roles of, and relationships between, different levels of government, climate change alliances, community/environmental organisations and other actors, and assess progress of the urban low carbon transition. In so doing, we identify significant shortcomings and policy disconnects which we argue are limiting progress towards a low carbon future in Victoria.