We are advocating for a shift in the development of Western Sydney that truly reflects and serves the region’s distinct identity, community needs, and environmental context. Having grown up here, we have seen Western Sydney transformed from rural landscapes into sprawling suburban developments that often overlook the needs of the local demographic, resulting in a disconnect between people and place. The current approach to development focuses on maximising land use and profit, with minimal regard for how residents actually live, interact, or connect to their surroundings. This approach fails to consider essential factors that support genuine well-being: community integration, cultural resonance, and housing that accommodates the everyday realities of local residents.
Western Sydney has a rich multicultural demographic, with many residents from backgrounds where multigenerational living is the norm. These groups need flexible and spacious housing that can accommodate extended family members and support communal activities, rather than cramped homes designed purely for nuclear households. By ignoring this, current development practices are creating housing that forces families to adapt their lifestyles to fit restrictive spaces, instead of designing spaces that enhance and support their way of living. Western Sydney’s climate and ecology should be fundamental considerations in building practices, yet too many developments prioritise quick construction over environmental compatibility. Homes are built without adequate shading, green spaces, or ventilation suited to the region’s hot summers, making them energy-intensive and uncomfortable to live in. This means creating homes that stay cool naturally, reduce energy costs, and provide residents with outdoor spaces that connect them to their environment. Green roofs, community gardens, and shaded pathways are not luxuries, they are necessities for sustainable living in Western Sydney’s climate. Residents’ quality of life depends on easy access to community amenities, public transport, and green spaces. Instead of fostering car-centric cities, developments should be designed with accessible public transport and active pedestrian networks to ensure connectivity. We need developments that encourage walkability and social interaction through well-designed public spaces where people can meet, rest, and play, reinforcing a sense of community rather than isolation.
Our advocacy is rooted in the belief that if Western Sydney’s development continues on its current path, it will become a patchwork of disconnected housing blocks rather than a cohesive, resilient community. In our research, presented at the CAADRIA 2024 conference, we highlighted the potential for thoughtful design to transform urban growth into a means of strengthening communities, not just filling space. By addressing the specific needs of Western Sydney’s diverse and multigenerational population, respecting the regional environment, and fostering connectivity, we can create developments that genuinely enhance the quality of life for current and future residents.
Our goal is not to impede development but to ensure that it supports the unique needs of Western Sydney’s residents and promotes a sense of belonging, resilience, and sustainability. We believe it’s time to challenge current practices, engage local councils and developers in dialogue, and work towards a future where housing supports the way people live, connects them to each other, and respects the environment they inhabit.
APRIL_ 2023
APRIL_2024
SEPTEMBER_2024
OCTOBER_2024
APRIL_2025
APRIL_2026
ACTION PLAN
Concurrent Avenues of Activation & Cross-connections
Commencements
//
1_INQUIRY > SEPTEMBER_2024
2_CASE STUDY > APRIL_2023
3_ALLIES >APRIL_2024
4_LIVING LAB > AUGUST_2023
1_INQUIRY
Activation > Questionnaire //
Part A_Developers (Rustifa & Partners, Deicorp, 2 anon.) Part B_Residents of Western Suburbs (Fairfield Heights, Box Hills, Wetherill Park, Schofields)
Screening & Analysis
//
Screen responses for Parts A & B and identify gaps between developer > cost > community.
Deliver this analysis in digestible format for delivery to allies.
Methods of Bridging //
Once suggestable gaps have been identified, conduct research into methods for problem minimisations or higher performing alternatives.
This will be achieved via a combination of the following:
30%_Indepdent Inquiry
20%_Case Study Reflections
50%_Allies
2_CASE STUDY
Research //
Select Case Study City (Oran Park) & conduct preliminary site investigation
Selection & Filtration //
Extract 16 pareto front solutions based on fitness performance. Run three levels of filtration to arrive at single solution.
Publication //
Publish and present research in paper at the CAADRIA 2024 Conference for Accelerated Design in Singapore with co-authors > connect with potential allies
Screen for new solutions (sustainability, cost, circularity, etc.)
Investigate // Formulate list of 15+ potential allies and identify points of mutual interest & opportunities for support (informational or social)
Data Collection //
Collate data from research of, or conversations with listed allies.
Initiate Collaboration //
Pursue collaboration with stronger suited allies towards developing design alternatives/solutions for item 4_pattern book
Pattern Book Framework //
Organise categories of relevent investigations, methodologies and solutions. Forumlate a book layout that best translates this information targeted to architects, builders, council & developers.
Living Lab // Long-Term House Construction sampling GAP solutions in real life (test, assess & promote)
1_INQUIRY
Activation > Questionnaire //
Part A_Developers (Rustifa & Partners, Deicorp, 2 anonymous)
Part B_Residents of Western Suburbs (Fairfield Heights, Box Hills, Wetherill Park, Schofields)
Part A_Developers
Response Screen + Analysis
Time_
concern for time factor in sustainable methods as they often 'delay' the process, incurring additional costs for all parties. Developing high resolution designs takes time that developers believe the owners cannot afford.
Part B_Residents of Western Suburbs
Response Screen + Analysis
Receptive Where it Pockets_
most respondants in Part A were receptive to proposals for new approaches where they 'outperformed' low-quality solutions. Long-term cost minimisation was raised as a relevent consideration for the developer, rather than necessitating tradeoffs.
Community Feedback_
expressed a lack of pathways for conversations around urban and housing developments in local areas. Residents felt they could not be part of the process and access it to consider and ask questions (as following in the activation questionnaire).
Access for Agency_
felt it was the developer's/builder's responsibility to share new information on what is available to the resident. Most maintained the belief that better housing quality at the same cost felt 'unavailable'. (note to further investigate individuals definitions of 'better housing' and urban living). Additionally, a lack of resident agency over the process stemmed from limited access to resources and information, alongside misconceptions around standardised living quality in Western Sydney.
Cost_
identified cost as the most signficant influencing factor in limited design quality. Most stakeholders skip the 'luxuries' when a more financially appealing option is made available.
Sustainability, Misunderstood_
some answers exhausted a frustrattion towards the topic of sutainability, however discussions (outside the questionnaire) revealed misunderstandings around the definitions of sustainability in the lense of architecture and living.
Cost_
initial concerns for heightened cost elevated barriers to some conversations. These individuals felt there was an ignorance from designers surrounding quality and achievability. More receptive respondants queried more tangible solutions before engaging in discussions (outside the questionnaire).
Western-Regulated Design_
the multi-cultural setting of Western Sydney is locked into a heavily westernised and singular approach to design. The highly regulated design methods barricade developments from developing a sense of autonomy over the space which is vital in defining its quality.
Part A_Developers
GAPS time-efficient solutions // celebrate long-term cost minimisation // outperform financial appeal of cheap solutions (via^ long term cost minimisation) // re-brand sustainability for positive consumption
Part B_Residents of Western Suburbs
GAPS pathways for conversations around urban and housing developments
// understanding ndividuals definitions of 'better housing' and urban living + limited access to resources and information = misconceptions // offer tangible solutionsto kick-off discussions //
de-regulate Westernised design culture
Methods for Bridging
//
30%_Indepdent Inquiry via CPD & IPD Data Collection > current GAP solutions
20%_Case Study Reflections via Conference publication > defining quality 50%_Allies via Data Collection + Promotion > future GAP solutions
ST_OUTPUT 1 BOOK "New Normal" style collation of 'Bridges'
LT_OUTPUT 2 LIVING LAB House model with implemented GAP solutions
Re-Imagining the Urban Development of Western Sydney: The Case Study of Oran Park
Identify_
Challenges of balancing rapid development with environmental, social and economic sustainability. + How to inetgrate sustainable practices into urban planning to create resilient communities
Methods_
Collaborative research between UTS abd SJB architects, employing data analysis and case studies to explore patterns of urban growth.
Models_
Re-designed Superblock in Oran Park optimising 5 quantified 'quality' objectives via algorithmic processes.
2_CASE STUDY
Conference Publication // Resources > Allies
_ABS. (2021). "2021 Oran Park, Census All persons QuickStats." Australian Bureau of Statistics.Deb, K., Agrawal, S., Pratap, A., Meyarivan, T. (2000). "A Fast Elitist Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm for Multiobjective Optimization: NSGA-II." In: International Conference on Parallel Problem Solving From Nature. Springer, France, pp. 849 858.
_DPIE (2019). "Projections." Viewed 28 September 2021.
_Farid Uddin, K., & Piracha, A. (2023). "Urban planning as a game of power: The case of New South Wales (NSW), Australia." Habitat International, 133, 102751.
_Forster, C. (2006). "The challenge of change: Australian cities and urban planning in the new millennium." Geographical Research, 44 (2), 173-182.
_Gardiner, W. (1987). "How the West was lost: urban development in the western Sydney region." Australian Quarterly, 59 (2), 234-244.
Johnson, L. (2016). "Western Sydney and the desire for home." Australian Journal of Social Issues, 32 (2), 115-128.
_Lawton, A., & Morrison, N. (2022). "The loss of peri-urban agricultural land and the state-local tensions in managing its demise: The case of Greater Western Sydney, Australia." Land Use Policy, 120, 106265.
_Lewins, D. (2023). "Why Western Sydney is feeling the heat from climate change more than the rest of the city?" The Conversation.
_Makki, M., Showkatbakhsh, M., & Song, Y. (2018). Wallacei: An evolutionary and Analytic Engine for Grasshopper 3D. Wallacei. https://www.wallacei.com/
_Mee, K. (2002). "Prosperity and the Suburban Dream: quality of life and affordability in western Sydney." Australian Geographer, 33 (3), 337-351.
_Minns, C. (2023). "More planning resources to focus on the delivery of new houses and infrastructure."Press release.
_Minns, C. (Premier & Minister for Education and Early Learning). (2023, September 11). "Minns Labor government invests $3.5 billion to tackle school infrastructure backlog for Western Sydney." Press release.
_Morgan, G. (2005). "A city of two tales: Distinction, dispersal and dissociation in Western Sydney." In After Sprawl: Post-Suburban Sydney: E-Proceedings of the Post-Suburban Sydney: The City in Transformation, pp. 22-23.
_Morrison, N., Cmielewski, C., O'Mara, A., O'Neill, P., Pfautsch, S., & Power, E. R. (2022). "Wicked Urban Challenges in Western Sydney: Researchers Respond."
_NSW. (2005). "City of cities: A plan for Sydney’s future."
_Showkatbakhsh, M., & Makki, M. (2022). "Multi-Objective Optimisation of Urban Form: A Framework for Selecting the Optimal Solution." Buildings, 12 (9), 1473.
_Trinder, J., & Liu, Q. (2020). "Assessing environmental impacts of urban growth using remote sensing." Geo-Spatial Information Science, 23 (1), 20-39.
_Wikramanayake, M. (2023, November 6). "Minns Reveals Medium-Density Overhaul for NSW." The Urban Developer.
2_CASE STUDY
RESOURCES > ALLIES
3_ALLIES
Networking List //
Data Collection + Promotional
Allies // Commencing List
Urban Design Forum Australia (UDF) //
_Data Provided: Case studies on successful community-integrated urban designs.
_Value to Developers: Insight into balancing highdensity housing with community spaces, addressing residents’ desires for family-friendly areas.
Council Members //
_Data Provided: Local housing data, zoning and development approval times, and reports on infrastructure bottlenecks.
_Value to Developers: Information to streamline development timelines and improve local transport access, easing residents’ transport concerns.
SJB Urban Directors (e.g., Jordan Mathers) //
_Data Provided: Documentation of design trends that incorporate sustainable and affordable urban housing.
_Value to Developers: Models for cost-effective, ecofriendly materials and layouts, which can help bridge the affordability gap.
ASBEC - Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council //
_Data Provided: Research on sustainable building performance metrics (e.g., energy, water savings).
_Value to Developers: Data to enhance costeffectiveness and inform residents about long-term savings, addressing financial concerns.
Australian Sustainability Council //
_Data Provided: Comprehensive climate impact reports and urban resilience frameworks.
_Value to Developers: Context for promoting sustainable living’s value, aligning with residents’ concerns about the environment.
Al Gore + ACF Climate Reality Project //
_Data Provided: Education materials and community engagement data on sustainability benefits.
_Value to Developers: Enhanced communication strategies to inform residents, improving buy-in for sustainable features.
Architect Accreditation Council of Australia: //
_Data Provided: Standards for sustainable and community-responsive architectural designs.
_Value to Developers: Guidelines to align designs with resident preferences for eco-friendly, socially integrated spaces.
Australian Institute of Architects: //
_Data Provided: Best practices for resilient, adaptable housing.
_Value to Developers: Design insights that ensure spaces are family-friendly and visually appealing, addressing aesthetic and communal concerns.
Planning Institute of Australia: //
_Data Provided: Policy trends and case studies on strategic urban planning.
_Value to Developers: Policy-aligned designs to facilitate smoother approvals and meet council and resident expectations for sustainable urbanism.
UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF): //
_Data Provided: Research on renewable energy and water-efficient systems specific to Western Sydney.
_Value to Developers: Technical insights on efficient installations, directly addressing resident demand for sustainability.
3_ALLIES
Networking List
University of Sydney, Design and Planning Research //
_Data Provided: Studies on human-centered design and its impact on well-being.
_Value to Developers: Evidence to support including green spaces and communal areas for family-centered living.
Community Housing Providers Association (CHIA NSW): //
_Data Provided: Data on affordable housing needs and effective integration of social housing.
_Value to Developers: Information to create more inclusive housing options, aligning with residents’ affordability concerns.
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) //
_Data Provided: Reports on affordable, high-density housing models.
_Value to Developers: Research-based recommendations on balancing density with residentfriendly designs.
Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) //
_Data Provided: Certification data showing the impact of sustainable building materials.
_Value to Developers: Evidence to advocate for sustainable design decisions and reassure residents on long-term benefits.
OF PRACTICE
Monika Krncevic Niousha Zendehdel
4_LIVING LAB
Long Term Action Framework
// Living Lab > Operations Guide
The Living Lab
_Hands on and experimental site for testing sustainable housing prototypes in Western Sydney. Developers and councils will collaborate to design, build, and evaluate eco-friendly housing models that prioritise local ecology, human well-being, and environmental sustainability.
_The lab offers an opportunity for the community to actively participate in feedback and evaluation, helping refine designs that could be scaled across the region. This project addresses the current issues in Western Sydney, providing a real-world solution that challenges the cookie-cutter housing developments criticised in recent research.
Proposed Advocacy Tools //
_Physical Prototypes: Sustainable housing models built for testing in real-world conditions.
_Workshops and Tours: On-site educational experiences for developers, council members, and the community to learn about sustainable construction techniques and principles.
_Data Monitoring Systems: Sensors and data collection tools to track energy efficiency, water usage, and overall sustainability performance of the prototypes.
_Community Feedback Channels: Surveys, interviews, and interactive stations allowing residents and participants to share their experiences and suggestions.
Interface //
_Means of Distribution: On-site tours, events, and workshops held at the Living Lab location. Possibly virtual tours and webinars for broader access.
_Medium: Physical space, supported by virtual content like videos, live-streamed events or presentations.
_Method: Workshops and tours will be advertised through council networks, social media, and via partnerships with sustainability and architectural organisations. (Urban Design Forum Australia + SJB Quantifying Quality)
Mediation //
On-site project managers, workshop leaders, and sustainability experts would lead the engagement. (Members of Urban Design Forum Australia + Council Members + SJB Urban Directors e.g. Jordan Mathers) Online channels (virtual tours, community feedback platforms) will allow remote participation and
4_LIVING LAB
Long Term Action // Operations Guide
Long Term Activation Plan
//
Phase 1: Planning and Partnerships (Months 1-6)
_Research other organisations that speak to our agenda
_Partnership Formation
_Secure partnerships with key developers, councils, universities, and architects to collaborate on the Living Lab.
_Identify a suitable site in Western Sydney, and begin the process of securing permits and approvals.
_Prototype Design:
_Begin designing the first sustainable housing prototypes with input from experts in energy efficiency, green materials, and urban design.
_Outreach to Stakeholders:
_Meet with local councils and developers to explain the vision of the Living Lab and its potential for scaling sustainable housing.
Phase 2: Site Preparation and Construction (Months 7-12)
_Lab Setup
_Prepare the Living Lab site by installing key infrastructure (e.g., energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials).
_Community Engagement:
_Host open forums or online discussions with community members to gather input on sustainable housing needs and priorities.
_Begin documenting the lab setup process via social media and blog updates to build anticipation.
Phase 3: Lab Activation (Months 13-24)
_Grand Opening Event:
_Organise an opening event or media day to showcase the first prototypes, inviting developers, councils, sustainability advocates, and the public.
_Workshops and Tours:
_Offer workshops, guided tours, and panel discussions with architects and sustainability experts to showcase the benefits of the prototypes.
_Community Feedback:
_Use surveys and real-time feedback stations at the lab to gather insights from participants and local residents on their experiences.
Phase 4: Expansion and Reporting (Years 2-5)
_Expansion of Prototypes:
_Use the success of the first phase to attract additional partners and funding for new prototypes and innovations.
_Monitoring and Reporting:
_Publish annual reports detailing the lab’s findings (e.g., energy savings, resident feedback, material performance) and distribute these to developers and councils.
_Scaling:
_Partner with councils and developers to replicate successful prototypes across Western Sydney.
Year 1: Planning and Partnerships //
_Months 1-3: Secure partnerships with key developers, local councils, and universities to define the scope and purpose of the Living Lab.
Months 4-6: Identify a site in Western Sydney, preferably in an area slated for new development, and secure necessary permits.
Months 7-12: Begin planning the first sustainable housing prototypes, collaborating with architects, engineers, and sustainability experts.
Year 2: Construction and Initial Testing //
_Months 13-18: Begin construction of the first prototypes, incorporating innovative technologies (e.g., green roofs, solar panels, recycled materials).
Months 19-24: Open the Living Lab to the public, allowing developers and community members to tour the site and provide initial feedback.
Years 3-5: Experimentation, Evaluation, and Scaling //
_Year 3: Monitor housing prototypes for energy efficiency, sustainability, and community satisfaction. Hold workshops and tours for other developers and council planners.
Year 4: Expand the lab to include additional prototypes and technologies, continuing real-time testing and data collection.
Year 5: Develop a report on the most successful designs and practices, scaling up the use of these prototypes across Western Sydney with buy-in from developers and councils. Use the Living Lab as a blueprint for future sustainable housing projects.
