The Evolution of Suburban Form

Abstract

This enquiry has been prompted firstly by the question 'What makes a good suburb?', and secondly by the observation that recognised 'exemplars' of the past appear superior to the majority of contemporary suburbs that seem lacking in comparison. This study attempts to answer this question, developing an analytic framework to examine physical forms that have evolved in suburbs over time in a way that offers fresh insights into contemporary suburbs and provides useful guidance in the physical design and subdivision of the contemporary suburb. The key findings have been as follows: 1. The exemplars and Case Studies have been subject to a design process that has integrated the elements of form of the suburb, responding to contemporary social values 2. The analysis of the elements of each exemplar reveals that while new forms continue to develop in response to important social or other changes of the day, the most durable physical forms share common characteristics 3. It is the combination of common durable characteristics and the creation of responsive forms that distinguishes the majority of international exemplars and Australian Case Studies 4. A minority of international exemplars and half the Australian Case Studies include forms of elements that have not proved durable 5. Standard practice slowly assimilates new forms created by exemplars, often misinterpreting the exemplar by failing to incorporate the common characteristic. The reasons for this are not clear. As a result, Australian models, in a number of cases, have not proved as durable as the overseas exemplars 6. A more useful framework can be developed and is proposed here to better identify the underlying physical elements of suburban form, specifically durable characteristics and responsive forms. That can provide useful guidance in the design and subdivision of better urban environments