This chapter is about the practice and development of urban design in Australia. After defining terminology, I plot the evolution of urban design in Australia. The chapter then sets out the qualities of a ‘successful’ place, before discussing some exemplars of urban design. I conclude with challenges for urban design in Australia through the 21st century. My message is communicated through both the text and accompanying illustrations.

Defining urban design

The response to the question ‘what is urban design?’ might seem simple and straightforward. The term ‘urban’ means all elements that constitute a city: its roads, buildings, parks, paths, public spaces and transport systems; its people, activities and culture. ‘Design’ is a broad topic. In an urban context, it is the creative application of thought and invention to the identification of a solution to a particular requirement or demand. Accordingly, urban design can be defined as an intervention in the urban environment that seeks to produce, or invoke, outcomes for urban spaces and places that ultimately impact upon human experience and use of towns and cities. Such experiences and use may be positive or negative, thus giving rise to the notions of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ urban design. Further useful definitions of urban design are provided in Discussion point 13.1.