Planningxchange

In PX41, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview David Bissell about his recently published book Transit Life - How Commuting is Transforming Our Cities (MIT Press). David is Associate Professor and Australian Research Council Future Fellow at the School of Geography, Melbourne University. In prepartion for the book, David undertook extensive field research and comprehensively reviewed previously published works. He brings new insights on how 'the commute' is changing citizens. The commute is a separate space in citizens lives and too often treated poorly. He identifies new means and approaches to making life better within these jorneys. Fresh and insightful, Transit Life brings humanity to a sometimes dry analysis of commuting times and means. The podcast interview includes discussions on the 'commute corridor' and how authorities, designers and practitioners can improve this space/sphere. Podcast released 31 August 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more informatio

In PX40, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Ged Hart the founder of TOM (Total Outdoor Media). Ged talks about the role of outdoor advertising within urban and regional areas. He talks of the broader role played by the medium not often appreciated, that is of a public messaging outlet for public wellbeing campaigns. Ged a long standing veteran of outdoor talks of the digital technology that is transforming the industry. Outdoor advertising is often a maligned aspect of the urban environment dismissed by many in the planning and design professions. Ged discusses the cultural association of outdoor in the popular psyche and argues that the 'creative' display on outdoor billboards is akin to public art. He makes the case that outdoor can co-exist with pleasant urban spaces. The demise of 'traditional media' and the rise and partnering of outdoor with new outlets of advertising (Google, Facebook and Instagram) is raised. A fascinating discussion on an aspect of city life rarely discussed in urban planning. Po

In PX39 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview landscape architect Tim Vernon of the CDA Design Group. Tim talks about the changes since he started work in the 1980's, the influence of travel, sources of inspiration and the contemporary challenges (and joys) of landscape architecture. Podcast released 6 July 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX38, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Dr Elizabeth Taylor (RMIT) and David Nichols (Melb. Uni). Elizabeth and David produce 'This Must be the Place', an urban planning/history podcast also produced in Melbourne. In this 'cross interview' with our podcasting 'cousins' we talk about the divide between the academic world of planning and the 'practising' world of planning. The discussion ranges across the different spheres of planning and how academic research can be made more relevant and applied to the practising world of planning. Discussions also include observations on the pressures within the academic world and the nature of contemporary students, finishing off with an outlook on how technology is changing the workplace and world. Podcast released 5 June 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org.

IN PX37, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Brett Davis - Executive Director Regional Victoria of the Victorian Planning Authority. Brett discusses the particular issues and merits of regional planning. He also discusses his experiences as a Panel Member sitting in judgement of planning proposals at Planning Panels Victoria. Brett has worked at different levels of government and in private practice. A strong advocate of the value of town planning in making the life of citzens better. Podcast released 2 May 2018. Technical production by Zak Willsallen of Complete Podcast Services. For more information about the PX series go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX36 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Gavin Queit a Director of GK Solutions Pty Ltd (motto 'Securing Your Tomorrow'). Gavin discusses the design issues associated with protecting cities from criminal and terrorist attack and explains that security measures can be designed in such a way as to enhance the public realm whilst remaining 'fit for purpose'. He also discusses the 'duty of care' aspects of holding public festivals and the range of measures that can provide citizen safety. This interview will be of interest to all those involved in the design of public places, community events and those involved in the preparation of urban design guidelines. Podcast released 5 April 2018. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX35, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Natasha ('Tash') Swan. Tash is the manager of planning at the Manningham City Council. Manningham is a relatively affluent middle - middle outer ring suburb on the eastern side of the Melbourne metropolitan area. It has a population of 114,000 and is experiencing many of the development trends associated with changing demographics, changing housing preferences and the ageing of post war low density suburban areas. Tash discusses managing staff, mentoring new planners, emerging trends and influences, and leading developers. A wide range of discussion subjects with a lively and thoughtful subject. Podcast released 4 March 2018. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX34, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Peter McIntyre one of Australia's most awarded architects. Peter started helping out at his father's architectural firm aged 7. He is now 90 and extremely active with a diverse and extensive portfolio of design projects. Peter was involved in revolutionary designs in the 1950's and since then has continued to re-invent his output. He has also been heavily involved in the education of students over several decades. An architect whose work and thoughts have inspired many. The expression 'wise words' can be aptly used to describe his comments in this PX interview. Podcast released 9 February 2018. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX33, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Jane Keddie and Gerhana Waty both of whom work with Hansen Partnership. Their company has offices in Melbourne and Vietnam. Jane and Gerhana talk on a wide range of issues including what the East can teach the West with regards evolving cities. Jane talks of her work in regional areas and the importance of sincere consultation with local communities. Gerhana talks on a range of urban design issues and identifies the need for professionals to bring a positive attitude to what they do. Podcast released 21 December 2017. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org  

In PX32, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Larry Parsons of Ethos Urban. Larry has had a distinguished overseas career spanning several countries. Recently he has moved from a senior managerial Government design assessment position to a role in the private sector promoting excellence in development form and substance. Larry talks about 'Transfer Development Rights' (TDR's) and other means to facilitate master planning. Larry provides insights from both sides of the 'fence', what he has learnt in both Government and the private sector. An engaging and lively interview subject who is passionate about improving urban environments. Intro: Dirty Man - Kingfisha, Outro: Sunny - James Brown. Podcast released 4 December 2017.  

In PX31, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Phil Borelli of SJB Planning. Phil started his career at the former Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) in the 1970's as a cadet planner. Afterwards he worked at the State Government Planning Department overseeing development activity within the Melbourne CBD then onto private practice with SJB Planning. Phil reflects on his early mentoring, his work on the nearly emerging Southbank Precinct and talks of the ground breaking mid 1980's planning system of developer incentives to create improved public domain outcomes. The interview includes discussion on optimum city size, the problems with lengthy commute times, experimental planning and the need to accommodate ever greater densities whilst providing acceptable amenity outcomes. Podcast released on the 9 November 2017. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX30, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Jessie Hochberg of Nightingale Housing. Jessie studied Art History at University and then made a series of transitions into the housing creation sector. Nightingale Housing offers a different approach to housing development by making the process from conception one of collaboration between designers and end users. Jessie explains the 'template' and the benefits both financially, environmentally and socially for those involved. Podcast released 20 October 2017. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX29, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview the two ladies behind the Gazella project. Justine Hadj and Danielle Savio are the dynamic young women behind the Gazella web and blog project. Gazella is an independent online publication offering insights into inspiring females within the built environment. Gazella has released over 100 interviews focusing on the work of women and topical issues in the built environment. Their website is at www.gazella.com.au. We consider them our 'new media' cousins in our parallel endeavours. In the interview, Justine and Danielle explain how Gazella started, how it works and describe their very busy working lives. A fully engaging interview with outstanding and truly inspirational professionals. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up'. Ladi6 Outro - 'Night Time (feat. Line Gottsche)' Borneland & Falcon Punch. Podcast released 7 October 2017. For more details visit www.planningxchange.org

In PX28, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Sean Hogan of ISPT. The views expressed are his own and not those of ISPT. Sean has been involved in development since the mid 1980's starting off designing nightclubs and now oversees major urban renewal projects. He is an active participant in industry bodies and has experience across Australia. He has a passion for good design that suits the needs of users and improves the urban fabric. Sean makes suggestions on how to improve the supply of affordable housing and makes robust observations about the state of our cities and town planning practices. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66'. Podcast originally released August 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX27, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Danni Addison the CEO of the UDIA. Danni has considerable experience across the private and public sectors in policy and the implementation of planning policies and reform. She is passionate about consumer choice and experience. Danni discusses future trends and the rapid rate of change that the development industry is experiencing and what is on offer. A dynamic interview subject who provides richly rewarding insights. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66'. Podcast released July 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX26, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview outdoor artist Clare McCracken. Clare is a Melbourne based mixed-media artists and PhD candidate at RMIT University. Clare's practice includes large scale immersive installations, fine art objects and contemporary performance. Clare discusses the potential for art to improve the urban fabric and well being of citzens. She talks to the ability of the arts to engage in urban isses including the transformation of suburbs. A dynamic subject and guest. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66. Podcast released 20 May 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX25, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview James Livingston a Melbourne based planning consultant. James has worked in local government, the advertising industry and over the past 15 years his own consultancy. James talks of the benefits and disadvantages of being a sole practitioner. He takes a positive view on future city development whilst casting an eye over the anxiety's of the age. A highly original thinker, James presents new ideas to well established problems in urban affairs. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66. Podcast released 29 April 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX24, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview town planner Nevan Wadeson from Tract Consultants. Nevan has been a practising planner since the late 1970's in both government and private fields. In this interview he discusses the various trends some of which have come full circle, the challenges cities face, the question of measuring the effectiveness of planning systems, the need for experimentation and looks into the future with particular comments about AI. A fresh and mature look at what planners can do well and the need for renewal. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66'. Podcast released 6 April 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX23, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview planning consultant Colleen Peterson. When highly restrictive residential zones were being prepared by the State Government of Victoria, Colleen was the leading advocate in the charge to have them abandoned. In this PX interview Colleen is asked about the ethical questions town planners face and the difficulties both for an individual and a company in taking a stance against Government directives. She also talks about the pressures imposed by modern communications and the blurring of work and homelife. Topics also covered are the failure of planning policies to provide for reasonable housing options and costs. A refreshing and frank discussion about contemporary planning practice. This is the first PX interview for 2017. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66. Podcast released 2 March 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org

In PX22, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Johnny Barnard, a 'population observer' - he is a demographer, with over 25 years experience. Johnny is a Director at ID Consulting an Australian and New Zealand firm that specialises in reviewing and providing analysis of population changes, past and future. In a broad ranging interview Johnny discusses the advances made in the profession, potential pitfalls with forecasting, the use of the data, value judgements in population analysis, emerging city issues, the census and makes predictions based on current trends. In additon he discusses the importance of city structure to the well being of communities and the desirability of creating equitable cities. This is the final PX podcast for 2016. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' by Ladi6. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66. Podcast released in December 2016, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.