Vision: Broadmeadows 2032
By Chris Ryan, Dianne Moy, Kate Archdeacon and Michael Trudgeon
Over the coming decades we will face significant increases in the price of oil, a price on carbon, greater variability in weather patterns (e.g. rainfall) and a probable increase in extreme weather events. How do Australian cities and communities respond to these changes? One of the great challenges for the design of Australian cities is the re-visioning and retro-fitting of the existing low-density suburban fabric, the principal urban form of greater Melbourne and many Australian cities. How do we transform these locations into resilient low-carbon neighbourhoods and precincts, which are healthy to live in and support local employment and industry with appropriate provision of food, water, energy and transport?
The design research and visioning project, Eco-Acupuncture 2010: Broadmeadows 2032, is the most ambitious project yet to be undertaken by VEIL. It has involved a review of the large body of work from the earlier EBD (Ecological Business District) project and exploring ways in which it could be used as a guide to ‘re-vision’ – and progressively transform – an existing urban precinct in Melbourne. It has involved all areas of design and sustainable development – from the built environment to services, public infrastructure, new businesses and the provision of resources.
This publication reflects on VEIL’s year-long project to revision Broadmeadows through eco-acupuncture.