Site Thinking, Future Flexibility, Infill Thinking, an alternative approach to greenfield subdivision design in Melbourne's growth areas

This thesis argues that the initial subdivision design in Melbourne’s growth areas presents a critical opportunity to get the fundamentals right to ensure the creation of more human scaled, sustainable and climate resilient communities. More flexible, adaptable subdivision models are needed in growth areas that enable more dense and diverse housing options, and that have a more meaningful engagement with place, creating greater areas for biodiversity and land regeneration. To address this need, this thesis argues for ‘Site Thinking’, ‘Future Flexibility’ and ‘Infill Thinking’ approaches to greatly improve subdivision design outcomes. This thesis demonstrates the potential and important role that design thinking and design research could play in enabling positive change in suburban growth areas.

NOTE:   This manuscript is best viewed by downloading and using the 'two-page view option' of your PDF reader.