The NSW Government has launched an international pattern book design competition to allow architects and architecture students from around the world to design the future face of Sydney and NSW as the state addresses the current housing crisis.
A recent NSW Productivity Commission report found that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, putting it at risk of becoming a city with no grandchildren.
This once in a generation opportunity to confront the housing crisis will mean the winning designs used by developers will have access to an accelerated approval pathway, said Premier, Chris Minns.
“Pattern books have been used in NSW by architects and builders since the 19th century, and we’re committed to using these new designs to deliver more homes faster for those who need them,” said Mr Minns.
“These designs will offer ease of approvals for builders while delivering quality homes that shape our city’s future.”
The accelerated pathway will allow builders to have homes approved and built faster, providing homes to those who need them sooner, he said.
The competition jury will be chaired by the NSW Government Architect, Abbie Galvin and is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects.
The jury is looking for designs which are liveable, buildable, replicable, cost effective, sustainable and that meet the needs of the industry and local communities.
“We look forward to seeing the creativity and skills of architects from around the world contribute innovative designs for the Pattern Book and have the opportunity for these designs to be built as demonstration projects,” said Ms Galvin.
“Good housing design goes beyond just the look of a building and its architectural style. Thoughtful design can add to a better quality of life and improve our streets and neighbourhoods.
“The development of low-and-mid-rise housing patterns will support our reforms to build up and not out, with more diverse housing close to transport, green space, amenities and jobs.
“The Pattern Book will be a useful resource for industry, architects, planners, councils and the community,” she said.
The final designs will initially be built by the government on five sites provided by Homes NSW, Landcom and Sydney Olympic Park.
This will allow people across NSW to see the physical homes contained in the patten book while providing winning architects with the opportunity to see their designs in built form.
“Our planning reforms to low and mid rise housing are fundamental to the Pattern Book competition and will provide diversity of housing for our diverse community,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.
“The NSW Government Architect is working closely with our valued partners the Australian Institute of Architects, Regional Architects Association, Housing NOW! and other industry stakeholders so that the patterns cater to accessibility and gaps in the market – such as intergenerational housing and family friendly housing.”
To apply, registered architects and students must express their interest to take part and design a terrace house or mid-rise apartment building.
Short-listed candidates will then submit detailed designs with the winners to be announced later this year.
The competition opens on 2 July 2024 and the final Pattern Book will be launched in 2025.
To learn more about the Pattern Book Design Competition or to submit an EOI visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/pattern-book-design-competition.
