The Australian Institute of Architects’ Victorian Chapter has called for a commitment to higher design standards for apartments ahead of the November state election.
Victorian chapter president David Wagner said the Institute is seeking endorsement from both parties on key recommendations from a recent Legislative Assembly inquiry into apartment design standards.
“The apartment design decisions made today will impact at least the next two to three generations of Victorians,” said Wagner. “Too many apartment complexes currently being built in Victoria are poorly designed.”
Wagner said the government needs to ensure there are sound processes in place to support quality design and deliver fit-for-purpose apartments that will stand the test of time.
In August, the Legislative Assembly’s Planning and Environment Committee inquiry into apartment design standards recommended that designs should be verified by a qualified architect.
The inquiry also called for the establishment a state-wide framework to support local council design review panels to improve standards with mandated processes.
The Institute said that apartment design standards are a growing priority as Victoria’s population is set to double by 2050. With rising concerns about housing affordability and containing the urban sprawl, “apartment living is only going to grow in popularity,” it said.
“The incoming Victorian government should commit to these recommendations and rigorously pursue much higher quality design standards for apartments,” Wagner concluded.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
