US-style College Town Architecture Opposed Down Under

A proposed 11-story complex at Melbourne University is criticized for repeating the mistakes of inexpensively built U.S. private student housing.

1 minute read

June 12, 2003, 2:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"A contentious 11-storey complex opposite Melbourne University would offer a new kind of student housing for Melbourne similar to that in American college towns, a planning tribunal was told yesterday.... The City of Melbourne, the National Trust and the Carlton Residents Association, which are appealing against Planning Minister Mary Delahunty's approval of the complex, will argue that the buildings are of great bulk and poor design.""The City of Melbourne, the National Trust and the Carlton Residents Association, which are appealing against Planning Minister Mary Delahunty's approval of the complex, will argue that the buildings are of great bulk and poor design.""'It is a form not readily seen in Australian circumstances." But in the United States there were "whole (student) towns of 35,000 to 40,000 people' with similar housing," the developer said.

Thanks to Bob Karrow

Thursday, June 12, 2003 in The Age, Australia

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Bike Commute

The Rippling Effects of Bike-to-Work Subsidies

A European movement to incentivize people to commute by bicycle is changing travel patterns and making mobility more sustainable.

May 7 - Momentum Magazine

Senior couple driving car.

Preparing Transportation Systems for the ‘Silver Tsunami’

More Americans than ever will age beyond their safe ability to drive. How will they meet their mobility needs in a car-centric society?

May 7 - Streetsblog USA

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7 - Inc.

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)