The reality of piecemeal mid-rise development

Paris is often cited as a model for higher-density urban living. Yet the elegant streets and architectural cohesion of Haussmann’s Paris were the product of comprehensive master planning, consistent urban design and strict building controls.

Victoria’s planning changes rely primarily on piecemeal, market-led redevelopment rather than comprehensive master planning. Beautiful, cohesive cities are rarely the product of uncoordinated, site-by-site development. They emerge through long-term planning, consistent design standards and careful attention to the public realm.

The photographs below illustrate the kinds of outcomes that can result when redevelopment occurs incrementally under a predominantly market-led planning framework, including visual bulk, overlooking, overshadowing, hard-surfaced frontages, constrained tree planting, poor transitions between buildings and the gradual erosion of neighbourhood character.

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