The Australian Institute of Architects Victoria Chapter is calling for a significant commitment to higher design and quality standards for apartments, to improve Victorians’ homes and lifestyles.
Ahead of the November State Election, the Institute’s Victorian Chapter is seeking endorsement from both parties on key recommendations from a recent Legislative Assembly probe into apartment design standards.
The Institute’s Victorian Chapter President, David Wagner FRAIA, said high quality design was a critical success factor for good social, economic, health and sustainability outcomes.
“The apartment design decisions made today will impact at least the next two to three generations of Victorians,” he said. “Too many apartment complexes currently being built in Victoria are poorly designed.
“We need to ensure there are sound processes in place to support good design to deliver fit-for-purpose apartment complexes that stand the test of time.”
In August, the Legislative Assembly’s Planning and Environment Committee inquiry into apartment design standards recommended that apartment designs should be verified by a qualified architect.
Further, it called for a state-wide framework to be established to support local council design review panels to improve standards and innovation.
It proposed legislating mandated settings for the design review process to ensure the advice given was enforceable.
With Victoria’s population set to double by 2050 and growing concerns about housing affordability and containing urban sprawl, apartment living is only going to grow in popularity.
Mr Wagner said sound processes were needed in place now to ensure good design for the thousands of Victorians who will be calling apartments home in the coming years.
“Dwindling housing affordability and increasing demand mean apartments are increasingly becoming a mainstream housing choice for many people,’’ he said.
“The incoming Victorian government should commit to these recommendations and rigorously pursue much higher quality design standards for apartments.”
The Institute has released a comprehensive pre-election policy.
For interviews, please contact: Rosanne Barrett on behalf of the Australian Institute of Architects
M. +61 (0) 425 420 024 | hello@barrettcomms.com.au
