Our involvement in the Density + Diversity program and its importance
Social and affordable housing is a hot topic at the moment and for good reasons. As we build more housing to keep up with demand as well as to stimulate the economy we hope it is with well-designed developments that leave a positive future legacy considerate of the environment and people.
Density & Diversity Done Well Competition
In 2017 the Office of Queensland Government Architect ran an open competition seeking contemporary medium density housing design ideas. A great initiative as many of the schemes were able to demonstrate the value design brings to our urban areas, communities and people.
The demonstration projects
In 2018 the Minister for Housing and Public Works announced that in partnership with the Office of Queensland Government Architect and private sector architects will deliver 20 demonstration projects to be built on the ideas that came out of the Density Diversity Done Well competition.
Once complete, the first 10 demonstration projects will inform new social housing design guidelines which will ultimately form part of the Q Design suite of documents. These demonstration projects and guidance material is supporting better housing design through 10 key ‘Essential Ingredients’ of good design.
Its wonderful to see the first few projects recently being completed and ideas realised as built outcomes able to be experienced first hand. We were fortunate to have been chosen to deliver one of the first 10 demonstration projects, and looking forward to its completion in early 2021.
Design for livability, well-being and health
The initial design process of Anne Street Garden Villas involved research and site visits into existing social housing developments locally and abroad, as well as meetings with housing managers and two half day workshops with two sets of social housing tenants. This in-depth research was supported by State Government representatives who participated alongside us. The research helped to form a clearer picture into the key challenges and opportunities within social housing.
The majority of social housing residents who participated indicated the following would improve their homes:
Access to nature and a garden
Natural light and ventilation to all rooms
Connection with people to help feelings of isolation
Adequate privacy to private areas
Safety and security
These key principles might seem simple yet too many new and existing housing developments are not making these a priority. Offering variety of space and choice for occupants requires careful consideration of competing factors. Studies have shown homes designed with these principles in mind can improve a persons well-being and health however on the flip side if done poorly can be detrimental.
Our final design is a synthesis of ideas responding to our findings; a response which aims to improve social connection, safety and quality of living of the Anne Street Garden Villa residents.
Once the project is complete we look forward to feedback from Anne Streets residents through a post occupancy evaluation so we can continue to improve and to inform future social housing projects.
We’ll be sharing a series of posts over the coming months about how we resolved our findings through design.