Akshaisankar Sabu, Zahin Chowdhury, David Tickle, Denver Alcantara, Philip Graus

Issue 2 of Scale features the depth of expertise that comprises urban design practice and its operation across scales from the strategic to the detail. The collection of articles explores the complexity of the city and its environments through the systems and procedural levers that shape the detail of daily life and experience of place. Articles investigate a diversity of themes from regional strategies and design frameworks to infrastructure networks and natural systems.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Scale and invite you to contribute to future issues. Reach out to us via email, on any of our social media platforms, or through the contact us form on this website to get involved.

Alexandra McRobert, Roderick Simpson, Johanna Schacht, Russell Olsson, Marco Geretto

Welcome to SCALE, a collection of opinion articles written by our members. This is our inaugural publication and delves into the complex landscape of housing in NSW. Read fascinating articles about improving housing affordability, transport oriented development, perspectives of recent migrants on our housing system, views on housing approvals and the way housing contributes to the social fabric of NSW.

SCALE provides a platform for our members to showcase their diverse perspectives and solutions, empowering members to share their expertise and experiences. We encourage active participation, inviting submissions for future editions to continue fostering meaningful dialogue and driving positive change in the built environment.

Roderick Simpson Director at simpson + wilson architecture + urban design, and Adjunct Professor at UNSW.

March 2024

Henry Black interviews Rod Simpson about planning, cities and his time as the Inaugural Environment Commissioner at the Greater Cities Commission.

This article was featured in New Planer, a publication by the Planning Institute of Australia.

Tanya Vincent Place and Urban Design, TfNSW and UDA NSW President.

December 2023

A short article on three current issues, the lack of affordable homes, the announcement of a design competition and housing pattern book, and collective amnesia in the design sector.

Tanya Vincent Place and Urban Design, TfNSW

Philip Graus FRAIA MPIA (UDA NSW Member and PIA Fellow), Architect, Urban Planner and PhD Candidate (University of New South Wales)

31 January 2023

Urban design considers the combined outcome that buildings, streets and landscapes have on our urban places. It assesses and shapes these effects at a range of scales from individual sites to cities and regions. Urban designers are in demand in design, strategic planning, policy and leadership roles, working with government, communities and private companies to shape our built environments over the long term.

Within three months, UDA membership has grown to over 120 members and events like debates and talks in the pub have been popular. There is clearly a pent-up demand for exploring and engaging with the big challenges of urban design.

Diana Griffiths RPIA (UDA NSW Member and PIA Fellow), Director, Studio GL

Philip Graus FRAIA MPIA (UDA NSW Member and PIA Fellow), Architect, Urban Planner and PhD Candidate (University of New South Wales)

December 2022

Consultation on the draft Design and Place State Environmental Planning Policy (Design and Place SEPP) identified opportunities to promote urban design excellence. There is a need for the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) to continue advocating for better designed places and encourage robust discussions to ensure a better future for all across NSW.