ARE WE BUILDING THE SLUMS OF THE FUTURE?
Doris Tran writes to ask….. Could we be building the slums of the future on Doncaster Hill?
A recent study has estimated that the majority of the tallest apartment buildings in Melbourne’s major activity centres, such as Doncaster Hill, are of a very “poor” quality, with common design flaws such as cramped layouts and a lack of natural light. Bedrooms without windows exist in over 40% of new residential developments studied, commonly described in the industry as “gun barrel” apartments, a long narrow design with one window in the living area.
Example of Gun Barrel Apartments Floor Space Comparison Good and Poor Design
(Click bottom right corner to enlarge)
The general feeling among designers is….
………………..that it’s ridiculous to be forcing architects to produce buildings that don’t deliver appropriate quality and amenity standards. The high cost of construction and the hefty sums paid for blocks of land are the factors being blamed for developers skimping on the quality of apartments, not to mention the risk factors of falling prices during the long period of construction and the current glut of apartments for sale.
It has been revealed some of the apartment developments are so dense that they would not pass laws in major cities throughout the world, prompting the need for an urgent review of apartment design. There are no laws in Victoria governing how apartments must be designed, beyond the National Construction Code. Some architects are so disappointed with the result of buildings they have been asked to design, even at the risk of losing work, have refused to have their name associated with them.
Labor will also support minimum design standards. Opposition planning spokesman Brian Tee said they wanted reforms that would “enhance liveability but not compromise affordability” which is like “having a bob each way” because affordability could only be associated with the asking price of smaller, lower quality apartments.
Doris Tran
4 Comments
My fear is that couples with children will have no option but to purchase one of these high rise apartments because they cannot afford a proper house.
If a slum is akin to an area where children are brought up in tiny concrete cages where you can’t swing a cat, where there is no place for children to play and where the police are attending on a nightly basis–then we are building them right here and now.
Emily T.
Why are our planners imposing these dog box apartments upon us? Why can’t they be made more affordable and attractive for families? Why aren’t there more high-rise apartments with three or four bedrooms, with large balconies and of a comparable size to “traditional” detached homes? What would need to change for that to happen? Why aren’t their nurseries set aside in these giant buildings for working parents to leave their children instead of having to hack their way through heavy AM and PM traffic to a far off child minding facility?
At the same time, is it possible that a family high-rise slum could still be a single person’s cosy and convenient urban retreat? There does seem to be a strong NIMBY streak in a lot of criticism of high-rise development in Australia. Besides not everyone can afford a detached house with a backyard, nor does everyone want to. Why are they regarded as “low quality” dwellings just because they are too confined and not suitable for families? Maybe people who live in very small apartments have different lifestyles, maybe they spend more time out enjoying Manningham’s conveniences than in their apartment. Is that so bad? Notwithstanding the question of where all these new Doncaster residents are going to come from.
Arnold
I Agree there is a demand for small apartments from international students, well paid singles and young professional couples but wouldn’t they be more attracted to the inner city lifestyle?
Sharing a home can enhance social support and extend resources but living in overcrowded conditions also increases stress and conflict, limits privacy and makes it difficult for adults and children to find a quiet place for work or study. These concrete tower blocks are not suitable for families because they fail to create strong communities, lead to isolation and a poor standard of living.