NEWS

DLA RECOGNISED AT PLANNING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 19/10/09

On Friday the 16th of October DLA in association with Banyule City Council and others received an award and a commendation at the Planning Institute of Australia (Victorian Division) Planning Excellence Awards. The Heidelberg Structure Plan received the Urban Design Award and the Urban Planning Achievement Commendation as part of the Heidelberg Project completed for the City of Banyule.

Award for Urban Design for the Heidelberg Structure Plan as part of the Heidelberg Project

Citation: The Heidelberg Project is ambitious in its scale and complexity, encompassing a comprehensive suite of initiatives to strengthen, intensify and integrate a major activity centre and the adjoining biomedical specialised activity centre, which together encompass 215 hectares.

The centrepiece Heidelberg Structure Plan informs about 20 subsidiary outputs, ranging from three-dimensional modelling, built form guidance and strategies for releasing the potential of opportunity sites, to implementation actions including public realm initiatives and statutory planning mechanisms.

The judges noted that as an entry in the Urban Design category the project has integrated and sustained an urban design perspective through its many component outputs, responding to local conditions (such as utilising its distinctive topography to absorb intensified development forms) and providing a framework for reconciling and unifying the sometimes disparate elements of this activity centre.

The judges were particularly impressed with Council's recognition of the scale and importance of this project through commitment of resources and time proportionate to the scale of the task. This is complemented by a robust engagement process, strong internal leadership and recognition that design quality is an essential prerequisite for acceptance and success.

This has resulted in an exemplary approach to enhancing Heidelberg's sustainability through intensified development form, enhanced employment opportunities and improved amenity and connectivity.

Commendation for Urban Planning Achievement for the Heidelberg Structure Plan as part of the Heidelberg Project

Citation: An interconnected series of projects, undertaken over five years, the Heidelberg Project, is a sound strategic planning framework for planning, governing and managing Heidelberg. The project not only includes the Heidelberg Structure Plan but detailed and specialised planning studies and other well thought out community implementation programs.

The project demonstrates a high level of integrated strategic planning combined with a strong focus on innovation, policy creation, planning scheme and on the ground implementation, place making and ensuring ongoing attraction of investment.

DAVID LOCK GIVES ADDRESS ON PRINCIPLES FOR SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT-CENTRED DEVELOPMENT 23/4/09

Professor Lock, Chairman of DLA, gave a keynote address on Designing for 2050: Principles for Sustainable Employment-centred Urban Development at the Project Visioning Workshop for the Werribee Employment Precinct on 20 April 2009. He focused on the need to identify and build on a competitive advantage, and to foster a creative culture, in order to achieve substantial employment growth. The address drew on a series of international case studies, which also demonstrated innovations in sustainable development. Professor Lock is continuing to advise the Victorian Government on the Werribee Employment Precinct.
For further information please contact:

Mark Sheppard
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
e-mail marks@dlaaust.com
or phone 03 9682 8568

DAVID LOCK ASSOCIATES PRESENTS AT PIA NORTHERN EXPOSURE ON ECOTOWNS AND HOUSING AFFORDABILITY 11/4/09

On Wednesday April 1st David Klingberg presented at the National PIA Conference in Darwin - Northern Exposure. David identified the need for the comprehensive large scale masterplanning of sustainable places in order to deliver affordable housing and other sustainability benefits. The presentation drew strongly from the UK Government Eco-towns program in conjunction with other international and local examples. Lessons learned and illustrated include:

• We should have a Master Plan led creation of sustainable, affordable, innovative places so that all of the community can share in the benefits through the provision of certainty
• We need to lock in the 'Planning Gain'
• We need agreed across the board - public and private - set of standards and targets - A Shared Vision
• We need to set up the conditions for innovation and continual 'raising the bar'
• We need a long term commitment to maintaining and promoting planning and design policy

For a copy of the presentation(6.3mb), click here.

DLA APPOINTED MASTER PLANNERS FOR WERRIBEE EMPLOYMENT PRECINCT 11/4/09

DLA has been appointed by VicUrban and the Department of Planning and Community Development to prepare a strategic conceptual master plan for the Werribee Employment Precinct. The 925ha site is the largest piece of undeveloped Government land in metropolitan Melbourne. In its “Melbourne @ 5 million” policy statement, the Victorian Government announced that it will be developed as a mixed use precinct with a focus on providing jobs closer to where people live so there is less need to travel into the city for work. It is also intended that the precinct will “showcase sustainable design with an emphasis on water, energy and transport efficiency.”
For further information please contact:

Mark Sheppard
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
e-mail marks@dlaaust.com
or phone 03 9682 8568

DLA PROJECTS WIN HEART FOUNDATION AWARD 19/11/08

DLA’s work for the City of Greater Geelong to support walkability; the clause 56 Walkability toolkit, the Leopold Community Hub and Strategic Footpath Network and the Accessible Coastal Environments Guidelines have been recognized in 2008 Heart Foundations awards.

For a copy of the clause 56 Walkability toolkit, click here.

DLA RECEIVES PLANNING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 20/10/08

On Friday 17 October David Lock Associates received two awards for Planning Excellence from the Planning Institute of Australia Victoria Division. In collaboration with City of Greater Geelong we received an awards for Social and Community Based Planning and Planning for Health and Wellbeing. Information about the awards given follows below

Award for Social and Community Based Planning for Leopold Community Hub and Strategic Footpath Network Projects

Citation: The judges were impressed with the thoughtful integration of multiple projects and also the way the nominees have developed an integrated social planning approach that incorporates principles of social sustainability.

The projects have had strong community involvement over an extended period of time, and provide a model for community engagement in projects of this nature. Integration of the proposed Hub with the strategic footpath network will encourage development of linear social places, increasing opportunities for social connection throughout the Leopold area. The projects are clearly based on the social model of health.

These projects are exemplars of what can be achieved when there is a strong working relationship between Council, consultants and the community. The judges are keen to see the learnings from this project disseminated around Victoria.

Award for Planning for Health and Wellbeing for Implementing Clause 56 – Walkability Toolkit: making walking not just possible but preferable

Citation: We congratulate the City of Greater Geelong in recognising the importance of how to apply the new “walking-focussed” Clause 56 provisions in the VPPs, and their consultants, David Lock Associates, in creating a toolkit to guide developers and planners in ensuring that new subdivisions will be walkable.

Local “walkability” is vital in providing healthy communities. As such, the toolkit provides the means to shape developing areas to create improved physical, social and economic health.

An excellent project which should become compulsory reading for all planners who are required to implement the goals and intent of Clause 56. We look forward to seeing some case studies of the application of this toolkit and the way that it either shaped or modified subdivision design on the ground.

FAREWELL TO LAWRENCE REVILL 08/10/08

Lawrence Revill, Managing Director of DLA UK has now departed Australia after a very busy two weeks downunder. During his time here we set him to work presenting at a number of events including the UDIA New South Wales and Victoria October Luncheons and a seminar for VPELA. We have had great feedback from his presentations which focussed on the role of Eco Towns in addressing emerging planning issues

For a copy of Lawrence’s presentation, click here.

FOOD SECURITY URBAN PROVOCATION EVENING 29/09/08

Recently DLA led a forum on the topic of food security to key representatives of Victorian state government and local Councils, NGOs and health advocates. The forum explored a number of ways in which planning and urban design can play a role in securing adequate food for all Australians and considered the opportunities to reconcile this objective with a wider range of planning and design objectives.

LAWRENCE REVILL, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF
DAVID LOCK ASSOCIATES UK DUE TO VISIT AUSTRALIA 4/09/08

Lawrence Revill was appointed to the position of Managing Director of David Lock Associates in the UK earlier this year.  To gain a good understanding of our Australian operation, Lawerence will be visiting us in Australia in late September through to mid October.  While in Australia, Lawrence will be presenting at a number of different venues on topics such as Eco Towns and Water sensitive urban design.  If you would like to know more details about Lawrence’s presentations please dont hesitate to contact Teresa Qualtrough on 03 9682 8568.

*UPDATE* SRI LANKA PROJECT WINS PRESIDENT'S APPROVAL 20/10/07

The Sri Lanka Post Tsunami Planning and Reconstruction Project received the President’s Award at the 2007 PIA (Victoria) Awards for Planning Excellence.  The project has to date involved three teams of Australian planners working in the country over a period of 18 months to help plan appropriate housing and infrastructure that reflects the highest standards of planning and urban design and is not vulnerable to further catastrophe.
 
Team 3, led by DLA’s Jenny Donovan, was responsible for designing a series of key public spaces along the Matara-Kataragama Road in Hambantota and Tangalle, including the Hambantota Beach Park.  The team also prepared an overarching Urban Design policy document for Sri Lanka and more detailed guidelines for neighbourhood planning and design.  Jason Black, President of the Victorian Division of PIA, said “The team of volunteers led by David Lock Associates has demonstrated a commitment to capacity building and engagement with the local community”.
 
The citation notes that the project “distinguishes our profession and the institute as a consequence of the contribution of our members to a country devastated by natural disaster and ongoing civil war”.

For further information please contact:
Jenny Donovan
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
e-mail or phone 03 9682 8568

DLA COMPLETES UN HABITAT COMMISSION 20/06/08

Jenny Donovan, DLA director has finished her second United Nations consultancy to assist in the reconstruction of Kosovo.  Jenny designed a series of public open spaces, led several inclusive design processes and prepared placemaking guidelines in the former Serbian province as part of the UN’s Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT.

The aim of the project is to create safer public spaces open to all social, ethnic, and age groups.

The project forms part of UN-HABITAT’s Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme ‘Making Better Cities Together’.

For further information please contact:
Jenny Donovan
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
e-mail or phone 03 9682 8568

DAREBIN TRANSPORT STRATEGY LAUNCHED BY MINISTER FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT 4/03/08

The Darebin Transport Strategy (DTS) was launched today by the Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky. DLA played a key role in the preparation of the strategy, contributing planning and urban design expertise, facilitating meetings of the Steering Group which involved senior executives from a range of government departments, and writing and designing the final report. Described by the Minister as “a very exciting plan”, the DTS aims to double walking, cycling and public transport use by 2027. A key element of the strategy is the refocusing of Darebin’s high streets towards ‘local living’, with priority for public transport, walking and cycling. It also proposes a redistribution of public transport resources to areas of greatest need.

For further information please contact:

Mark Sheppard
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
e-mail or phone 03 9682 8568

 

DLA APPOINTED TO VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT EXPERT PANEL 20/02/08

DLA has been appointed to the Victorian Government’s Standing Panel for the Expert Assistance Program, in the category of Urban Design, Built Form, 3D Modelling and Public Realm.  The purpose of the panel is to assist local government in completing and implementing structure plans for activity centres.  The panel is funded by the Melbourne 2030 Activity Centres Expert Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Planning and Community Development.

For further information please contact:

Mark Sheppard
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
e-mail or phone 03 9682 8568

 

DAVID LOCK ADDRESSES VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT ON ECO-TOWNS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 06/02/08

David Lock, Chairman of DLA, gave a presentation to Victorian Government staff today on the UK Eco-towns program and its affordable housing and community development initiatives.

David is Chairman of the UK Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA). The TCPA with David have been appointed by the British Housing Minister to advise the UK government on the design and implementation of their Eco-towns program. David spoke about the research he is currently directing into the nature and delivery of Eco-towns.

For a copy of David’s presentation, click here.

For further information please contact:

David Lock
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
email or phone 03 9682 8568

 

SRI LANKA PROJECT WINS PRESIDENT'S APPROVAL 20/10/07

The Sri Lanka Post Tsunami Planning and Reconstruction Project received the President’s Award at the 2007 PIA (Victoria) Awards for Planning Excellence.  The project has to date involved three teams of Australian planners working in the country over a period of 18 months to help plan appropriate housing and infrastructure that is not vulnerable to further catastrophe.
 
Team 3, led by DLA’s Jenny Donovan, was responsible for designing a series of key public spaces along the Matara-Kataragama Road in Tangalle, including the Hambantota Beach Park.  The team also prepared an overarching Urban Design policy document for Sri Lanka and more detailed guidelines for neighbourhood planning and design.  Jason Black, President of the Victorian Division of PIA, said “The team of volunteers led by David Lock Associates has demonstrated a commitment to capacity building and engagement with the local community”.
 
The citation notes that the project “distinguishes our profession and the institute as a consequence of the contribution of our members to a country devastated by natural disaster and ongoing civil war”.
 
For further information please contact:

Jenny Donovan
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
email or phone 03 9682 8568

 

DLA WINS UN HABITAT COMMISSION 20/10/07

DLA has been appointed by the United Nations to bring its urban design expertise to the reconstruction of Kosovo.  As part of the UN’s Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, Director Jenny Donovan will visit the troubled Serbian province to design a series of public open spaces.

The aim of the project is to create safer public spaces open to all social, ethnic, and age groups.

The project forms part of UN-HABITAT’s Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme ‘Making Better Cities Together’.

For further information please contact:

Jenny Donovan
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
email or phone 03 9682 8568

 

DLA RECEIVES PLANNING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 20/10/08

DLA has been appointed by the United Nations to bring its urban design expertise to the reconstruction of Kosovo.  As part of the UN’s Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, Director Jenny Donovan will visit the troubled Serbian province to design a series of public open spaces.

The aim of the project is to create safer public spaces open to all social, ethnic, and age groups.

The project forms part of UN-HABITAT’s Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme ‘Making Better Cities Together’.

For further information please contact:

Jenny Donovan
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd
email or phone 03 9682 8568

AWARDS

2008 AWARD Planning Excellence Award for Social and Community Based Planning (Victoria) – Leopold Community Hub and Strategic Footpath Network Projects

2008 AWARD Planning Excellence Award for for Planning for Health and Wellbeing (Victoria) – Implementing Clause 56 – Walkability Toolkit: making walking not just possible but preferable

2007 AWARD President’s Award (Victoria) – Tsunami Reconstruction Planning Support Project

2007 AWARD Urban Planning Achievement (National) – Preston Central Structure Plan

2006 AWARD Planning Minister’s Award (Victoria) – Preston Central Structure Plan

2005 COMMENDATION Rural and Regional Planning Achievement (Victoria) – Southern Grampians Shire Small Towns Urban Design Frameworks

2004 AWARD Urban Design Plans and Ideas (National) – Darebin High Street Urban Design Framework

2003 AWARD Urban Design Plans and Ideas (Victoria) – Darebin High Street Urban Design Framework

2003 COMMENDATION Planning for Health and Wellbeing (Victoria) – Bayside Bicycle Strategy

2003 COMMENDATION Community Planning (Victoria) – Chelsea and Bonbeach Residential Renewal Framework

2001 COMMENDATION Urban Design Education (Victoria) – Ballarat Urban Design Forum Programme

2001 AWARD Urban Design Plans and Ideas (National) – Rippleside Urban Design Guidelines

2000 AWARD Urban Design Plans and Ideas (Victoria) – Rippleside Urban Design Guidelines

1999 COMMENDATION Urban Design Plans and Ideas (Victoria) – Footscray Central Urban Design Framework

Local Government Excellence in the Environment Awards

2004/05 AWARD Division B – Sustainable Design, Planning and Building Award – Hamilton Valley Urban Design Project