Australia

Planning the Perfect Place - From Scratch

What would you do if you could start a city from scratch? Claude Lewenz has dedicated his life to creating the perfect blueprint for a "VillageTown", combining the correct scale to create communities that care with a scale that makes economic sense for a fulfilling life. Managing Editor Tim Halbur talks with Lewenz about his vision (part 1 of 2).

28 November 2011 - 9:59am

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"Creating Places for People"

That's the title of a draft report from the Australian Dept. of Infrastructure and Transport presenting model processes for creating high-quality urban environments.

21 October 2011 - 10:00am

Architecture and Design

When Funicular Isn't Just A Funny Word

Jarrett Walker rides on the Wellington Cable Car, giving him the opportunity to explain the four conditions for when a funicular is a sensible transit solution.

3 October 2011 - 7:00am

Human Transit

Melbourne Ranked as Most Livable City

With high scores in five broad categories, Melbourne, Australia received the highest spot in livability rankings from The Economist's research unit.

2 September 2011 - 9:00am

TheCityFix.com

Harvesting a Bike Frame in One Piece

Student designer Alexander Vittouris won a design award for his bicycle made out of bamboo. What's so special about that? Vittouris shaped the frame as it grew so it needed no assembly.

23 July 2011 - 11:00am

Grist

VMT Has Peaked In Cities, Says New Report

An Australian study indicates that in large cities in Europe, North America and Australia, driving has 'peaked' largely due to congestion causing a limit to commuter's travel, known as the Marchetti wall.

18 July 2011 - 5:00am

Fast Company

Carbon Tax Becomes a New Reality in Australia

Australia's first term prime minister Julia Gillard announced a carbon tax that will charge $23 per metric ton. Though Australia is one of the world's top carbon polluters, the program will start next year, reports Sarah Laskow, GOOD Magazine.

13 July 2011 - 11:00am

GOOD Magazine

Urban Development, Climate Change and Chlamydia: The End of Koalas

Officials are estimating that within 30 years, the combined impact of urban development, climate change and a chlamydia outbreak will cause koalas to go extinct.

30 June 2011 - 11:00am

The Telegraph

Small Cities and Transit-Dedicated Streets

It is commonly accepted that most U.S. cities couldn't support transit-only streets. But Wellington, New Zealand is a model any U.S. city could follow, writes Jarrett Walker.

24 June 2011 - 8:00am

Western Australia's Capital Envisions its Transformation

Recently released Capital City Planning Framework for Perth outlines a mixed-use city that is both livable and welcoming to outsiders.

22 June 2011 - 12:00pm

Architecture & Design

Density is Good for Cities, But is it Healthy for Kids?

Yes, people walk around more, less obesity, etc. But a report shows that city kids are less frequently allowed outside to play for safety concerns.

24 May 2011 - 11:00am

New Geography

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How Far Will People Walk?

Planners have embraced "1/4th of a mile" as the official distance that people are willing to walk to take transit. But why is that the measure, and is it accurate?

1 May 2011 - 7:00am

Human Transit

Australians Learning to Leave Cars Behind

Randy Salzman says that Australian cities like Perth and Melbourne have found "the key to moving individual transportation behavior away from the convenience of the single-occupancy vehicle."

19 March 2011 - 9:00am

Miller-McCune

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Rethinking Development As Queensland Recovers From Floods

Drastic flooding inundated Queensland, Australia, and damaged many of the city's buildings. As recovery begins, some are rethinking the city's development patterns.

10 March 2011 - 9:00am

Architectural Record

Perth Unveils Massive Waterfront Redevelopment Plan

The Western Australian city has an urban renewal plan by the waterfront estimated to cost $440 million AU.

22 February 2011 - 12:00pm

PerthNow

Future Slums May Be Suburbs of Today

An Australian report finds that suburbs in Australia may be on the path to slum status if the country's oil addiction is not resisted.

16 February 2011 - 11:00am

Treehugger

"Urban Sprawl is Finished," Claims Author of Australian Study

The Planning Institute of Australia released a report that predicts a grim future for Australia's suburbs, unless the government moves to radically overhaul its transport and urban policies.

15 February 2011 - 6:00am

The Sydney Morning Herald

Renewing Newcastle

Newcastle, Australia's downtown business district lacked street life and was littered with empty buildings. A "Renew Newcastle" campaign brought new life and new residents. PPS talks with the man behind the plan.

14 February 2011 - 8:00am

Project For Public Spaces