Rather than simply making new rules and prescribing residential space, we think that good design (of course) should be the prime consideration for cities seeking to expand their housing stock.

Design Review Panels provide a way of slowly but surely raising the quality of the design discussion and the ensuing dwelling spaces. Architecture Workshop went through a similar Design Review Panel process during the design of twenty new houses for design builder Universal at Hobsonville. The discussion during the three design critiques with our peers on the panel was very helpful and ensured that RMA approval was streamlined when the application went forward to the Auckland City Council. The 20 houses in Liquid Amber Crescent have all sold off the plans and are now under construction.

For an example of how the debate around denser living is playing out in New South Wales, visit this link. Our take is that the new NSW minimum studio apartment size of 35m2 should be a fall back position only if there is not a cohesive and quality driven architecture - something the Design Review Panel seek to instil.