INTERVIEW
REVIEWING URBAN DESIGN
Outdoor Design Source interviews landscape architect Angela Koepp, Principal at urban planning and design firm RobertsDay
W
ith over 17 years’ experience in urban design, Angela Koepp was recently invited by Government Architect NSW to join the NSW State Design Review Panel (SDRP). Selected for her highly regarded knowledge of and experience in urban design and placemaking, Angela will advise on and provide technical and design insight into all State Significant projects submitted to SDRP for design review; specifically, as an independent panel member for the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 design excellence panel. With such insight into our built environment,
shape greener, more people-friendly places. Personally, being part of group contributing to the healthy evolution of our communities and a safer, happier, more enriching future for our families is very close to my heart.
Outdoor Design Source couldn’t resist asking Angela for her views on the state of urban design in Australia today.
design review by the SDRP. A core objective is to provide a statewide coordinated and consistent design review process. This process is endeavouring to lift the quality of design across these projects by bringing independent thought-leaders, government and agency representatives together to inspire and facilitate best practice, place-led development outcomes. The SDRP is elevating development discussions beyond models of basic compliance and business as usual; reinforcing our responsibility to deliver great, lovable places designed for people.
Q. I would imagine it is a career highlight for anyone, getting the chance to have a say in shaping our built environment. What does your nomination to SDRP mean to you personally and professionally? A. I’ve always held the NSW Government Architect Office in the highest regard. Being invited to join their “design excellence” team is an honour. With my expertise in place-led masterplanning, I look forward to helping
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Q. The State Design Review Panel is a fairly new programme. What do you see as its key objectives, and how much of an impact do you believe it is having on urban planning in Australia? A. The SDRP aims to provide multidisciplinary technical and design insight into and advice on all State Significant projects that undertake
Q. What do you believe is the biggest driver influencing the development of public infrastructure and greenspace projects in our urban centres today? A. A mainstream behavioural shift towards the stewardship of our planet, whereby an increasingly sophisticated community demands infrastructure to support a reduced reliance on private vehicles, and green systems that support environmental and social resilience. Q. In your opinion, what do our urban centres and public spaces need to be “wellbeing habitats” for humans? Where do you feel the focus should be? A. At RobertsDay, we believe in seven essential elements: identity, equity, greenery, urbanity, mobility, wellness and resilience. I am passionate about the benefits of meaningful attachment to places established through a genuine understanding of country, culture, community values and unique challenges. Q. What do you see as being the major impediments to the effective creation of great people-centric urban environments, how do you see us overcoming them? A. Place-led communities instil common values
