It is instructive to reflect, with some focus, on the changes that have occurred in our cities and regions over the past 25 years. Because the changes have usually been incremental, we sometimes don’t appreciate just how radical they have been. It is now clear that the future will not be just ‘more of the same only faster’.
It is equally clear that the planning and urban design challenges will not be met by simply applying the same approaches, skills and techniques that have been developed over recent decades.
While the main intent of this book is to celebrate the progress of urban design over the past 25 years, many of the contributors have also reflected on the challenges ahead of us, making suggestions, and stimulating our thinking. We are challenged to go into territory which will sometimes be uncharted and uncomfortable. We are not there yet! Are we up to the challenge?
…The pace of redevelopment gives reason to pause; how do we plan a liveable city for the future?…As we imagine a bright future, let’s not get too carried away, let’s be careful and let’s make a plan…Exciting changes have happened in my city over the past 25 years. Called for by my generation, and those that follow, and delivered by all, including us, the process of sustainable change must continue energetically… Leila Griffiths
…These comments, ideas and proposals are firmly based in an international perspective. That is the essence of global sustainability. However, if Australia is to ethically capitalize on the economic, social and environmental advantages of moving to a sustainable future, it is critical that planning and design in our cities, towns and regions take the significantly different approach outlined, now… Peter Droege
Vauban, Freiburg, Germany
…Urban designers, and the wider community, have significant challenges in maintaining a strategic perspective – the macro and the micro scale, the short term and long term. They need to balance a creative capacity for innovation with rigorous evaluation of potential outcomes, and they need to maintain a commitment to high quality practical outcomes. Perhaps this is a tall order, but would we as individuals or a group want to aim for anything less? Our shared task and responsibility now is to influence and manage urban and regional change, and deliver the necessary transformation to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We have choices. Let’s celebrate the legacy we have been given, and let’s commit to the positive legacy we will leave… Bill Chandler and John Byrne
Cycle path at Velo Cycles, North Carlton, Melbourne
