The City of Darebin has launched a design excellence program, with a range of associated good design guides. So far they’ve released guides for apartments and medium density developments. Future guides will discuss landscape and streetscape design.
The purpose of the Darebin Design Excellence Program is to improve the quality of development within Darebin so that we create sustainable and liveable neighbourhoods that will stand the test of time and help address Climate Emergency.
Darebin Design Excellence Program
New development has the potential to transform the quality of life for people, stimulate the economy and enhance the environment. The design of the built environment shapes the places where we live, work and meet. The quality of design affects how spaces and places function, how they integrate, what they contribute to the broader environment, and the users, inhabitants and audiences they support or attract. Buildings affect the lives of the people who live in them as well as people who move around them.
Darebin Design Excellence Program
Apartment developments
The apartment guide recommends designs that offer positive and active streetscapes, and pedestrian connections:
Medium density developments
Similarly, the medium density guide recommends designs that offer positive and active streetscapes, landscaping and vegetation:
Our view
Streets Alive Yarra applauds the City of Darebin for leading the development of a more beautiful, liveable and accessible city, acknowledging that there are interdependencies between streets and buildings. We urge the City of Yarra to consider developing and publishing similar design guides.
Published 7th December 2020