Interesting that a good overview of
five trends in architecture in Australia by
Emily D'Alterio involve green buildings, precinct development and green roofs:
Green BuildingIn terms of a trending focus for the Australian architecture community, there is no greater ‘uber-trend’ than Green Building. As the carbon tax is set to take effect, climate change naysayers are on thin ground, allowing green innovation to hit the mass public and the industry at large. So strong is the shift, it can hardly even be seen as a trend anymore; in fact, it is becoming an industry staple.
The reason for its strong reception in Australia – after a notably sluggish start – is that it makes logical sense, for both the climate and our pocketbooks. The industry sees the value of green building due to the ‘green premium’ which is bolstered by the strong investment quality of green properties. Furthermore, Australia’s extreme climate lends itself to taking to green measures such as water tanks naturally.
This is a trend that is not going away. It is valued by the Australian people almost as much as the Australian architecture sector itself.
Precinct Developments Over the past five years, Australian has undergone an extraordinary facelift. Local and state governments have driven what are commonly known as the Australian precinct development phases, in which major cities Australia-wide have received, and are continuing to receive, architecture-focused upgrades.
From the Perth Waterfront Project, Cairns’ latest – and largest – majorentertainment precinct development and the highly acclaimed Barangaroo, government forces are thinking bigger and focusing funding on major community-based architectural projects rather than on singular buildings.
With the success of Melbourne’s Federation Square and ongoing Southbank precinct extension, this architectural trend is infusing a spark into the different cities and reinforcing their varied cultures and values through design.
Collaborative Design ...
Downsizing
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Rooftop Design...
Not only are architects lapping up the use of city rooftops as the density crush increases, but the concept of green roofing is changing the ways in which the tops of buildings are now treated. The rooftop is a lucrative and exciting space for designers, and this trend is only set to increase.
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