TERRY WALSH: The Urban Development Institute of Australia has many members who are architects. Theirs is an important discipline in the urban development industry.
So Richard Hosking’s comments (RAH competition a ‘radical shift’, say architects, InDaily, June 27, 2013) suggesting “developers were singularly focussed on economic returns not community benefits and were being given free rein (by Government) on sites” are a bit rich!
This is an extraordinary statement of self-interest. Good development includes good design – fit for purpose, based on community needs current and future, and providing a legacy for future generations to appreciate for its functionality and its statement.
Of course, good design includes connection of land or building development with its adjacent space. Of course, a focus on community outcomes is important. But Richard and his institute must realise that ‘someone must pay’ and more intensive design and time costs money – and that must be paid by the users.
If cost (to the developer and thus the purchaser) were not an issue, we would be building award-winning buildings and spaces everywhere. There are many examples of high budget projects that are epics. Our community’s challenge is to include good design at a reasonable cost.
Developers work with architects and other design professionals in creating fit for purpose structures that meet the needs of end users (payers).
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Terry Walsh is the Executive Director of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA)
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