Trees are fast-disappearing from Gold Coast streets and parks, leaving gaps in arbours of natives and avenues of Norfolks. In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred clean-up crews have been efficiently cutting down, chopping up and macerating trees that blew down in the storms. It’s obvious that most of these can’t be saved. A felled … Continue reading Uprooted trees and the art of rescue
While trees can affect power lines, they are not the only factor contributing to power outages. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits in resilient subtropical cities. Fragile power infrastructure needs urgent re-thinking to avoid overheated unlivable cities amid climate change.
On eve of the ShapingSEQ 2023 Update, this article reprises a presentation I made 17 years ago, following the first Subtropical Cities Conference in Brisbane. The 2006 presentation proposed two scenarios to describe what SEQ would be like in 2050 depending on whether or not we took climate-based landscape and lifestyle as our cue in the policy environment. Hot and paved, or transformed and green.
In February 2020, 121 professionals explored longevity in the built environment, focusing on baby boomers' impact through a creative charrette. Outcomes were shared via videos and articles.
On the eve of a city wide forum to create a Charter of Principles that will guide strategic decisions and make sure Brisbane thrives as a friendly and liveable place for future generations, I propose two scenarios to focus our minds.
Australia's summer heat poses challenges for walkability in Brisbane, where aspirations for a pedestrian-friendly city clash with ongoing suburban design shortcomings. While some public spaces reflect subtropical planning, many infill developments lack shade and greenery. Effective urban design must prioritize pedestrian comfort to enhance community interactions and ensure sustainable living spaces.
Shenzhen showcases tree-lined streets that enhance urban life, supporting climate design principles. Research confirms street trees boost property value and ecological benefits, outweighing maintenance costs.
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