Talking Architecture & Design Podcast (Episode 225) - 2024 AIA Gold Medal Winner Philip Thalis on urban density, transport design and how to fix Sydney Listen Now
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    Victoria’s fire alert has knocked Australians out of complacency. Under climate change, catastrophic bushfires can strike any time
    Victoria’s fire alert has knocked Australians out of complacency. Under climate change, catastrophic bushfires can strike any time

    Victorians were braced for the worst on Wednesday amid soaring temperatures and gusty winds, creating the state’s worst fire conditions in years. Authorities have declared a “catastrophic” fire risk in some parts of the state.


    Paint it black - or not
    Paint it black - or not

    When selecting outdoor paints, stains and coatings for residential buildings, homeowners are increasingly looking for products with a low environmental impact that can help reduce the thermal load of their homes. Lighter colours are also popular, not only for achieving the sought-after earthy, coastal look but also for the added benefit of reflecting the sun and helping to reduce the thermal load.


    Is there an alternative to 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines? Yes – but you may not like it
    Is there an alternative to 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines? Yes – but you may not like it

    Building transmission lines is often controversial. Farmers who agree to host new lines on their property may be paid, while other community members protest against the visual intrusion. Pushback against new lines has slowed development and forced the government to promise more consultation.


    Is there a standard door size in Australia?
    Is there a standard door size in Australia?

    The standard size of a door will vary greatly depending on its type. Front doors, internal doors, sliding doors and double doors all have vastly different dimensions.


    The liveability ecosystem: Why a systemic shift is key to effectively addressing Australia’s housing crisis for the long-term
    The liveability ecosystem: Why a systemic shift is key to effectively addressing Australia’s housing crisis for the long-term

    The continued decline in Australian housing affordability has highlighted the need for an overhaul in how governments, councils and planners are addressing the complex problems at hand.


    When homes already hit 40°C inside, it’s better to draw on residents’ local know-how than plan for climate change from above
    When homes already hit 40°C inside, it’s better to draw on residents’ local know-how than plan for climate change from above

    Weather extremes driven by climate change hit low-income communities harder. The reasons include poor housing and lack of access to safe and comfortable public spaces. This makes “climate readiness” a pressing issue for governments, city planners and emergency services in fast-growing areas such as Western Sydney.


    Design notes for week 9/2024 from Tone on Tuesday
    Design notes for week 9/2024 from Tone on Tuesday

    A column about design process, design policy, design and politics.


    Working from home is producing economic benefits return-to-office rules would quash
    Working from home is producing economic benefits return-to-office rules would quash

    More of us have been in paid work this past year than ever before. A big part of that is because more of us have been able to work from home than ever before.


    Fire is a chemical reaction. Here’s why Australia is supremely suited to it
    Fire is a chemical reaction. Here’s why Australia is supremely suited to it

    Over the last 15 million years, Australia has slowly dried out. After humans arrived more than 65,000 years ago, they learned to use fire to their advantage. Today, fire weather is getting more frequent – and fires are following as the world heats up. This month, fires have flared in Victoria, destroying 46 houses, while Western Australia endures a heatwave and braces for potential fires.


    Asbestos in mulch? Here’s the risk if you’ve been exposed
    Asbestos in mulch? Here’s the risk if you’ve been exposed

    Mulch containing asbestos has now been found at 41 locations in New South Wales, including Sydney parks, schools, hospitals, a supermarket and at least one regional site. Tests are under way at other sites.


    The architecture of Perth: Famous heritage buildings in Western Australia
    The architecture of Perth: Famous heritage buildings in Western Australia

    Perth is a city rich in history and culture which has resulted in some deeply fascinating architectural designs, influences, and subversions.


    The shifting surface: Residential laminates and surfaces
    The shifting surface: Residential laminates and surfaces

    When choosing solid surfaces for residential builds, many customers are looking for surfaces that are sustainably produced and reflect some aspect of the natural world. This ranges from surfaces such as natural stone through to high-pressure laminates that look and feel like wood or stone.


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