Planningxchange

In PX21, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview John Henshall, an urban economist with over 40 years experience in Australia, Europe and Asia. Topics discussed include ethics, disruptive economic trends, common mistakes in economic assessments, what eastern cities can teach western cities, the revitalisation of small towns and the necessity of failure. On a personal side, John talks of his joy in being involved in the revitalisation of Clarksdale Mississippi, a pivotal place in the emergence and evolution of the blues. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' by Ladi6. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66. Podcast released in October 2016, remastered November 2017. For more details visit www.planningxchange.org.

IN PX20, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview prominent and widely respected barrister Nick Tweedie. Nick specialises in planning related disputes with frequent appearances before VCAT and Panels Victoria. Nick orginally hails from Perth Western Australia and discusses what he enjoys about his new home town of Melbourne. He talks about the respective roles of advocate, expert witness and decision maker. The discussion also examines the structural and inherent difficulties in developing sound planning policies. Although based on the Victorian experience it will be of interest to practitioners in other states and countries. Nick recently appeared before the Independent Panel that considered the built form review for central Melbourne. Of this most important of reviews, Nick explains his disappointment at the quality of the submissions that sought to justify the changes. A reminder that planning policy has significant implications on the well being, choice and opportunities available to citzens. A broad rangin

In PX19, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview David Song and Dan Bowden co directors of Song Bowden planning consultants. Both Dave and Dan are experienced planning consultants who represent both the private and government sector. They appear regularly at VCAT, the Victorian Tribunal which considers planning disputes. In a broad ranging interview the double D's discuss what brought them together, working as a team, the strengths in difference and their take on how the planning system muddles through challenging times. Both subjects are candid in their answers and provide zesty and thoughtful insights into some very serious planning topics.  Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix. Outro - Spooky by Dusty Springfield (Quinten 909 Extended Mix). Podcast released in August 2016. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org  

In PX18, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Brian 'Harry' Haratsis a Director and founder of  Macroplan Dimasi. Harry is an economic planner / forecaster and author of three books. His books 'Australia 2050', 'Beyond the Fringe' and the recently released 'Destructive Cities' make a provocative and engaging assessment of urban issues in light of societal, economic and technological changes. Harry finds that the traditional 'Garden City movement' no longer serves our citzens and diverts attention away from where planners should be focused. In a sparkling interview, Harry describes much of planning theory and practice as outdated and a situation akin to the 'emperor having no clothes'.  Harry is an original thinker, a planning philospher who surfs. One of Australia's foremost planning intellectuals, he presents challenging ideas in a straight forward accessible manner.  Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix. Outro - This Girl (Kungs vs. Cookin' on 3 Burners). Podcast released August 2016. For more details se

In PX17, Jess and Peter interview Chris Goss of Orbit Solutions. Chris is trained as an architect and has branched out into high end computer visualisation. Chris discusses his path from being a wilderness guide in the depths of the Tasmanian bush whilst at uni to now producing cutting edge computer visualisation, BIM  and graphic presentation. During the interview he discusses how technology is shaping our cities and citizen's experiences. He brings an optimistic approach to what the future holds and provides us with the 'Goss Law' (with apologies to Moore's Law). Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix. Outro - Lekker Niet (feat. Willem de Bruin) by Faberyayo X Tony. Podcast released in June 2016. For more details see www.planningxchange.org.

In PX16, Jess and Peter interview Jo Garretty a Director at Salt 3, a premier traffic engineering firm. Jo talks bikes, cars, trains and emerging traffic systems. She responds to criticisms that traffic engineers are too focused on roads at the expense of other urban elements. A refreshing talk about the prospects for great change in our urban transportation systems with technology creating opportunities of using spare capacity and facilitating new forms of transport. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' by Ladi6. Outro: 'Like you want' to by Kita Alexander. Podcast originally released in June 2016 but re-recorded in November 2016. For more details see www.planningxchange.org. 

In PX15 Jess and Peter interview Shelley Penn who has recently been appointed to head the City Design Studio at Melbourne City Council. Shelley has worked in a range of private and government roles and has been included in the list of the top one hundred most influential contemporary Australian women. Shelley brings a critical analysis to the challenges associated with creating good buildings and enjoyable city spaces. Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix. Outro: Intentions by Frames and Elizabeth Rose. Podcast released in March 2016. For more details see www.planningxchange.org.

In PX14 Jess and Peter interview Mark Sheppard one of Australia's foremost urban design experts. Mark has recently published 'Essentials of Urban Design', an A - Z guide to the fundamental concepts of urban design, providing the understanding and tools needed to achieve better design outcomes. In a broad ranging discussion, Mark discusses what went wrong with cities in the post war period and provides a host of remedies to improve the city experience. The interview covers such issues as reinventing the suburbs to cater for an increasingly diverse range of household types, place making, apartment design and how many different professions which influence city spaces can contribute to good urban design outcomes. He also makes various predictions about the shape of city form to come and the use of technology in making better decisions. PX14 is the final podcast for 2015. Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix, Outro - From the Basement to the Roof (radio edit) Club Cheval. Podcast released December 2015. Planningx

In PX13 Jess and Peter interview one of Australia's foremost heritage architects, Bryce Raworth. Bryce talks of his formulative years, including a classical education, his love of Rome, the value of overseas study and digs in Syria. He discusses trends in heritage architecture over recent decades and makes various predictions. He discusses the rise of urban conservation from being a part consideration in urban redevelopment to being very much a valued primary element. On a personal level he discusses his families efforts in the restoration of a derelict 1840's country farm house, these efforts were recently recognised with a national conservation award. A delightful and wide ranging interview on all things heritage. Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix, Outro - Magnificat in D: Johann Sebastian Bach. Released December 2015. Planningxchange (PX) releases podcasts on a monthly basis, go to www.planningxchange.org for further details.

In PX12 Jess and Peter interview Nicola Smith. Nicola is a private consultant planner and Director of Niche Planning Studio. She has experience across three states of Australia as a land development manager, consultant, local government statutory planner and state government policy writer. She has a thirst for knowledge, is passionate about innovation in planning through social media and supports a strong mentoring system within the planning profession. The interview covers a broad range of urban planning issues and considers future trends including the question of how soon will it be until computers are making planning decisions. Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix, Outro - Define (Cassian Remix) Dom Dolla & Go Freek. Podcast PX12 first released in October 2015, remix released November 2015. Planningxchange (PX) releases podcasts on a monthly basis, go to www.planningxchange.org for further details.  

Melanie Lowe is a PhD student and research assistant with Place, Health and Liveability Research Program at the McCaughey VicHealth Community Wellbeing Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne. Her research examines how to plan urban environments that support the social determinants of health. Melanie discusses factors which make cities more enjoyable and healthy places to live and the responsibilities of urban professionals to aim for these outcomes. The knowledge gained through research can be applied in first world and developing cities. An interesting interview which ties urban planning and public health research together. Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix, Outro - How Deep is your Love by Calvin Harris & Disciples PX 11 Podcast first released in September 2015, remix released in November 2015. Planningxchange (PX) releases podcasts on a monthly basis, go to www.planningxchange.org for further details.

Rose Iser is a community activist, lecturer and communicator. How can urban planners and government cope with the rapid advances of social media? Does social media 'dumb down' urban planning debates or is it a liberating tool that enhances the planning commons. PX10 delves into these issues. Rose talks of the evolving role of social media on city management, governance and urban change. Rose outlines the enabling features of social media for citizen participation and the consequences for better urban environments. Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix, Outro - Don't Sound Right by Qronix. The interview was recorded at the VPELA conference in Lorne, Victoria in August 2015 and released shortly afterwards. The podcast has been remixed in November 2015. PX releases podcasts on a monthly basis, visit www.planningxchange.org for further details.

Jonathan Gardiner is a director of Cox Architecture, a national architectural and urban design practice. His interest is in the development of future cities, and the positive role that public spaces and buildings as well as urban design can have in this process. His projects include AAMI Park in Melbourne, The North Melbourne Railway Station and the recently completed Adelaide Oval. In a wide ranging interview Johno discusses what he has learnt about how cities function best, the delight in working with good project teams and the need for cultural sensitivity. Architecture and urban planning go hand in hand but there is often conflict. The interview allows the listener into the mind of the architect. Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix, Outro - Don't Sound Right by Qronix. Interview first published in August 2015, remixed in November 2015.  PX Podcasts are released on a monthly basis, go to www.planningxchange.org for further details.

Clay Lucas writes for The Age covering urban affairs and transport. Clay discusses the difficulties obtaining information and the occasional pleasures of his profession. He discusses the interplay between the development industry, government including 'media advisors', interest groups and the public. The restrictions on access to information and the reluctance of parties to engage pose significant constraints on his reporting. Clay shines the light on areas that others wish to keep dark or at least gray. He also discusses the significant technological changes he has experienced in journalism and how he now contributes to a multi platform news agency. An interview of interest for those concerned about how urban planning is reported in the press which remains a primary source of citizen understanding of city change and the forces behind it.  Music: Intro - Breezy House by Qronix, Outro - Don't Sound Right by Qronix Podcast first released in June 2015, remixed November 2015. Further podcasts will be released on

Andrew Dixon was the keynote speaker at the 2015 Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) National Congress. He is an agent of change in the revitalisation of cities in the UK. Andrew is not a city planner or architect his background is in the arts. We at PX describe him as a 'place - smith'. Andrew talks of the benefits of cultural awareness and various 'identifiers' of different places. In a world of 'High Street sameness' and homogeneity compelled by mass marketing and retail economics, Andrew calls for cities and towns to celebrate their identity and bring the arts and cultural events to the forefront. In this process of revitalisation, different elements of the city community must pull together. Andrew has worked extensively in Newcastle/Gateshead, Scotland and Hull. He believes broader perspectives including the input of artists will benefit enlivening urban spaces and help foster pride in place. He encourages the arts to be brought to the people and the people to be brought to the arts. The interview will

Cameron defies all stereo types of property 'developers' and by so doing calls into question common prejudices against 'housing creators'. Cameron describes his formulative years, the benefits of research, engagement with projects, and the broad scope of developing housing. On a personal side, he outlines the motivations and joy of his work. Bright and engaging in this episode we are given a rare insight into the mind of the developer.  Certain sections of the urban planning profession have a love/hate relationship with developers and vice versa. The interview gives hope better understanding and of a more mature approach from all parties.  Intro - Breezy House by Qronix Outro - Cacophany by Qronix  http://www.soundcloud.com/qronix/. This podcast was originally released in April 2015 and has been remixed in November 2015.

Stephen talks about his book on film and cities titled 'Movie Towns and Sitcom Suburbs'. He outlines how our perceptions of cities, lifestyles and community are shaped by film. He also discusses the feedback loop between film and city living. Stephen is an experienced town planner. He now lectures at RMIT. He discusses the pleasure of lecturing and alludes to the 'burnout' or fatigue that sets in after many years of working at local government level.  Intro - All For U by RJD2 Outro - Cacophany by Qronix. Podcast first released in April 2015, remix released November 2015. Future interviews will be released on a monthly basis. See the website www.planningxchange.org for further details.  

Jane discusses her early influences 'Out of Africe', uni days and the complex tasks facing urbanists. In a wide ranging discussion she ends on a note of confidence. Intro is 'Breezy House' by Tom Jewell soundcloud.com/qronix, outro is Girl (featuring Kaytranada) The Internet. Podcast first released in March 2015, remixed Nov 2015. Future interviews will be released on a monthly basis. See the website www.planningxchange.org for further details.  

Jess and Peter interview Stuart Morris QC. Stuart has been a major figure within the Victorian planning scene over several decades. As a Tribunal member (later President of VCAT) he wrote many landmark decisions that are widely cited. He is now a well sought after QC. Stuart discusses not only the rights of the individual but the societal benefits of individual rights. He cautions against inertia and puts the spotlight on the dynamics of change. Podcast originally released February 2015, remixed Nov. 2015. Future interviews will be released on a monthly basis. See the website www.planningxchange.org for further details.   Intro - Breezy House by Qronix, Outro - Cacophany by Qronix  http://www.soundcloud.com/qronix/

Tim Biles a well experienced urban planner states the case for greater courage in dealing with urban problems. He outlines the experiences that have shaped his outlook on city development and offers insights into the future of our urban spaces. Tim was one of the first planners to recognise the importance of urban design in city environments. Through this process he promoted design outcomes and less emphasis on a strict application of statutory rules. He talks of his special interest in refugee policy and for more enlightened thinking. A thought provoking discussion from one of the most original thinkers in the planning eco-system. Intro - Sly Fox by Koan Sound Outro - The Girls From Art School by RJD2. Podcast remix Nov. 2015, original released in Dec. 2014