Balancing place and sustainability in metropolitan planning

While continual change and evolution has been an enduring characteristic of the Australian city, the magnitude, speed and complexity of the emerging population and environmental pressures are challenging the models and methodologies that have traditionally underpinned our urban and regional planning. This paper identifies some of the key issues facing communities and policy makers and demonstrates how architects and urban planners might respond in their practice to these changes. It highlights, through case studies, mechanisms that can balance valued attributes of our culture and places with the need for change in response to changing community profiles, needs and environmental imperatives.