WSLHD_CPH_Healthy High Density Living for Families with Chil

Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Western Sydney Local Health District Centre for Population Health

Cover image: Jubilee Park, Parramatta situated close to high density housing.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Darug people as the traditional custodians of the land covered by Western Sydney Local Health District and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork by Leanne Tobin. Leanne’s artwork reflects the vibrancy and traditional motions of the dragonflies as they move through their journey of life.

Contact: Centre for Population Health, Western Sydney Local Health District Email: WSLHD-CentreForPopulationHealth@health.nsw.gov.au Phone: +61 2 9840 3603 Website: www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/population-health Authors: Centre for Population Health, Western Sydney Local Health District Cities for Play

Acknowledgement: City of Parramatta Council Hayball Architects

Suggested Citation: Centre for Population Health, Western Sydney Local Health District. Healthy Higher Density for Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide. Western Sydney Local Health District; 2024. All material contained herein is the © copyright of Western Sydney Local Health District. The material may be copied and employed for education purposes and distributed on a ‘fair use’ basis but not for commercialisation purposes, whereupon the owner’s permission must be obtained.

ISBN: 1 74080 176 8

Western Sydney Local Health District

Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Image 2: Example of nature play near high density housing.

Overview From 2016 to 2021, multi-apartment developments have made up 70% of housing delivered in Greater Sydney, 1 signalling a significant shift in the urban future of Australia’s capital cities towards higher density living. With this shift, comes an increase in the number of families raising children in apartments, both through lifestyle choice and due to external pressures such as affordability and housing supply. In Sydney, over 25% of apartment households are families with children under the age of 15. 2 These trends are visible not only in inner-city areas but also in outer western suburbs such as Parramatta, where over 45% of preschool-aged children live in high-density housing. 3 With less families raising children within the “traditional” detached dwelling, designing liveable high-density environments which consider the needs of this demographic has never been more pressing. The Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy Planning and Design Guide (The Guide) has been developed with the recognition that good design can both improve the lives of families that are already living in higher-density and encourage more families to make that choice, resulting in a sustainable and compact city which accommodates for diverse needs. 4 Building on the results of the Healthy High Density for Kids qualitative study, in partnership with City of Parramatta, a joint working group including the Centre for Population Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, and Cities for Play have developed this document. The aim of the Guide is to showcase best practice projects and provide guidelines to support the health of children and families living in high density housing and neighbourhoods.

The document underwent extensive consultation prior to this edition being finalised.

5 Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

“ Children are a kind of indicator species, if we can build a successful city for children, we will have a successful city for everyone.”

Enrique Peñalosa (Former Mayor of Bogota)

Image 3: Jubilee Park, Parramatta.

Contents

Introductions

Introduction

8

Greater Sydney Context

10 12

About this Guide

PART ONE Building Scale

16

1.1

Building Configuration

18 20 24 26 28

1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5

Family-friendly Apartment Layout

Playable Outdoor Space Flexible Community Rooms

Social Lobbies and Circulation Zones

PART TWO Neighbourhood Scale

32

2.1 2.2 2.3

Child-friendly Travel Routes Diverse Play Opportunities Infrastructure for Caregivers

36 38 42

Next Steps

Designing with Children and Young People

46 48

Next Steps

Appendices

Building Considerations Checklist

51

Neighbourhood Considerations Checklist

60 64 66 68

Image and Diagram Credits

Further Reading

References

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Introduction

Housing and the built environment are fundamental to human health and can directly impact a child’s early development. 5

Most recently, CoP has identified access to affordable and diverse homes as a priority in their Social Sustainability Strategy: “Access to housing is a human right and a key social determinant of health. As more residents live in high density dwellings and continue to face cost of living pressures, Council recognises the need to ensure affordable and diverse housing options are available so residents can access appropriate housing options throughout their lives… We must ensure that high density dwellings are designed to meet the needs of larger households, including families with children”. 9 The Healthy Higher Density Living for Kids: Literature Review (2017), considered the effects of high density housing on children, within three domains of child development outcomes: physical health and development; psychosocial wellbeing and mental health; and language, cognition and communication skills. The evidence indicates the impact of living in high density environments on child health is context dependent; influenced by ‘the particular child, their social environment, the dwelling and building, and the surrounding neighbourhood’. 10 Applying an equity-focused lens, high density housing in the right location, with good design and accompanying amenity; ‘density done well’ can support and enhance health outcomes. 11 With the inverse being true; poorly designed, built, located,and managed high density have a number of known negative health impacts. 12 Low-income households are more likely to experience the latter. In the four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of WSLHD, approximately two thirds of families with children under 15 living in high density are renters, and born overseas.

Experiences in a child’s early years (0-5), are ‘a critical time for physical, cognitive, social and emotional health’ and have been shown to have long term impacts on their health and wellbeing. 6 Therefore, it is important to design environments that consider and apply all known protective factors, enabling children to thrive. 7 Given the supporting evidence, this Guide’s focus is on the early years, however, the differing needs of primary and secondary school aged children are considered and included in our recommendations for ‘family-friendly’ high density buildings and neighbourhoods. This Guide is informed by City of Parramatta (CoP) and Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD), Centre for Population Health (CPH), ‘Healthy Higher Density Living’ series. The latest component which heavily informed the development of this Guide is the qualitative study which asked parents about the perceived health effects of their children (aged 0-5) living in high density housing in CoP. 8 It provides valuable insight into the needs of families with children living in high-density housing and adds to the local evidence base.

The series includes: • Healthy Higher Density Living For Kids: A Qualitative Study (2020) • Healthy Higher Density Living For Kids: Literature Review (2017)

• Healthy Higher Density Living Survey (2017) and • Healthy Higher Density Living Issues Paper (2017)

Healthy Higher Density Living For Kids

Healthy Higher Density Living Summary Survey Report

Lucy Fokkema and Katie Wearne, City of Parramatta Council Melissa O’Neill, Centre for Population Health, Western Sydney Local Health District

THE EFFECTS OF HIGH DENSITY HOUSING ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT:

A literature review to inform policy development in Western Sydney

DR RACHEL HEENAN.

Image 4: Jubilee Park, Parramatta.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

With low-income households (as per ABS definition), ranging from approximately 20% in The Hills Shire to 40% in Cumberland LGA. 13 Additional high density data relating to the LGAs within WSLHD can be found on our CPH website. To maximise positive health outcomes, it is essential to consider the health impacts of high density through local and state government planning controls and policies. Children can be understood as ‘indicator species’, what is good for children is likely to be good for everyone. 10 Design and development that caters for children will therefore have a widespread benefit for all age groups.

Definition of Terms High density includes flats and apartments in 3-storey and higher blocks. 14 Within the above definition there are different typologies and impacts of high density housing, these include: • Height variance, from 3 to 40+ floors • Scale variance, from precinct/master plans to single site developments • Shop top and mixed-use developments. While the Guidelines aim to be applicable to various high density typologies, certain Guidelines will apply more easily to buildings of a particular size/scale. For example, smaller developments may not have communal spaces and larger high rise may not be able to easily apply passive surveillance to outdoor play areas. Families refers to families with children (under 15 years). The Guide adopts a broad definition of families, with recommendations intended to support the needs of those caring for children (this may be a parent, guardian, or caregiver) in an apartment and children themselves. Children can be defined within three broad categories: • Early years (0-4 years) • Primary school aged children (5-12 years) • Secondary school aged children (12-18 years) Their levels of dependence/independence, skills and interests will vary according to their age, individual capabilities, and social circumstances. Given the importance of the early years, this Guide focuses predominantly on the 0-4 years group, however at both the building and neighbourhood scale we aim to consider the differing needs of all children. 6

Image 5: External walkway large enough for storing prams and open to the communal area.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Greater Sydney Context

45% 0-4 year olds in City of Parramatta are living in high density. 2,3

The ‘upwards’ trend of increasing high density housing is being experienced across Greater Sydney. With the traditional notion that households with a child/children will relocate to a detached house also being challenged, resulting in more children living in high density than ever before. 15, 16 City of Parramatta (CoP) exemplifies both these trends and provides an ideal case study. CoP’s population is growing, with more people than ever living in a high density environment. According to CoP’s Local Housing Strategy , 70% of all dwellings in 2036 may be apartments (without intervention). 17 Currently, almost half of CoP’s residents live in high density dwellings, and the 2021 Census indicates over 45% of 0-4 year olds in CoP are living in high density. 2,3 This is a significant increase from 2016, which was 37%. With population doubling by 2041, the number of children living in apartments will accelerate in the medium to long term. In addition, 69% of families with children under 15 years living in high-rise in CoP are renters, compared to 63% in Greater Sydney. 18 A key issue for families with children remaining in apartments (as their family expands or their children age) is the lack of space and storage in a two-bedroom apartment. However, the supply of three- and four bedroom apartments, that might provide this additional space and encourage families with children to remain living in apartments, is significantly lower and the

increase slower, compared to the supply of studio and one-bedroom apartments. Diagram 1 (below) shows the supply of three-bedroom dwellings has decreased significantly over the past two decades. The trends imply that families with children will experience greater difficulty finding suitable dwellings in CoP. Addressing the shortage of suitably-sized apartments, alongside a focus on designing housing which considers the needs of families raising children, will enhance liveability and encourage others to choose high density living as a viable option. This will in turn have numerous positive impacts to the future viability of our urban cities, ensuring a successful transition to a more compact and sustainable urban future. Promisingly, some Councils from across Greater Sydney have implemented controls in Local Environmental Plans (LEP) and Development Control Plans (DCPs) to address this shortage. For some examples of how this is being achieved, refer to The Hills Shire, Canada Bay and City of Sydney Councils.

45%

40%

2 bedrooms

35%

30%

3 bedrooms 4 bedrooms or more

25%

20%

15%

0 or 1 bedroom

10%

5%

0%

1991

1996

2001

2006

2011

2016

2021

Diagram 1: Dwelling supply by number of bedrooms in Parramatta from 1991 to 2021 (ABS Census).

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Image 6: Parramatta River and CBD.

About this Guide

Who the Guide is for: The Guide is intended to assist architects, urban designers, planners, consent authorities, multi-apartment residential developers and other industry professionals to embed family-friendly high density housing design principles within their work by: • Providing evidence to support advocacy efforts of stakeholders and community for improved high density living environments for families with children. • Informing the planning system via amending LEPs, DCPs, state guidelines and/or other regulatory mechanisms, to reflect family-friendly design principles. • Supporting designers and architects to embed family-friendly high density housing design principles within their work. How to use the Guide: The Guide is structured into two parts: Part One (Building Scale): outlines key design guidelines relating to the building scale, which includes the apartment layout, building and communal space. Part Two (Neighbourhood Scale): provides guidelines relating to the neighbourhood scale of high density developments, which includes streets, public spaces and outdoor infrastructure.

Despite the increase in the number of families with children living in high density environments, to date no Australian city has a policy on family friendly high density housing, which signals a substantial gap within planning policy. 19 The effect of neglecting this issue is two-fold. First, it affects the health and wellbeing of the significant and increasing number of families with children who are currently living in apartments, with building and neighbourhood design largely being inadequate for their needs. Second, it restricts the long-term viability of the compact city vision as many families do not see apartments as a desirable housing option for raising children. In the absence of legislative controls, this Guide aims to address this gap by highlighting the specific needs of families with children living in apartments and provide non-mandatory best practice guidance and examples of how to enhance liveable outcomes for this demographic. Aims of the Guide: • To highlight the importance of designing liveable high density housing and urban environments for families with children. • To provide recommendations and guidance for the delivery of excellent high density housing and urban design which positively contributes to the health and wellbeing of children and their families. • To showcase best practice exemplars in the design of high density environments for families with children. • To promote apartment living as a viable choice for families with children through high quality design outcomes. • To inspire leaders, inform practitioners and engage communities-including children-to know what is possible for family-friendly built environments.

Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children

Part 1 Building Scale

Part 2 Neighbourhood Scale

This Guide should be read in conjunction with the relevant mandatory local and state planning and design policies as outlined in the adjacent diagram, including any new policies such as the amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 – Amendment (Transport Oriented Development) 2024 and the NSW Housing Pattern Book (2024). In addition to, consideration and adoption of best practice accessibility standards. In particular, this Guide should be used alongside the NSW Apartment Design Guide (ADG). 20 By promoting best practice for families with children living in apartments, some of the guidelines listed go beyond the minimum standards, as currently outlined in the ADG (Refer to the Building Considerations Checklist in the Appendices for a direct comparison). The Guide also builds on some of the key principles from previous draft State Government Planning documents.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Planning Context:

State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021

Apartment Design Guide (ADG)

Greater Sydney Regional Plan

LOCAL REGIONAL STATE

District Plan

Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Local Council’s Community Strategic Plan

Western Sydney Local Health District Centre for Population Health

Healthy High Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide (this document)

Other Strategic Documents, such as: Local Housing Strategy Public Domain

Local Strategic Planning Statement

Guidelines Community Infrastructure Strategy

Local Planning Controls, including: Local Environmental Plan

Development Control Plan

Diagram 2: A diagram of how the Guide is intended to explore the opportunity to influence state, regional and local levels of strategic plans and planning controls.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Family-friendly Design: PART 1

Building Scale

PART 1 14 Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

15 Image 7: Jubilee Park, Parramatta.

Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

PART 1 Family-friendly Design: Building Scale Introduction Part 1 of this Guide focuses on incorporating the specific needs of children and their families within the design of apartment developments. The considerations within this document should be applied in conjunction with a holistic understanding of good apartment design principles as outlined in the NSW Apartment Design Guide (ADG), see Appendix 1 Building Considerations Checklist that compares these guidelines with those of the ADG. The recommended Guidelines should be considered in conjunction with any mandatory state or local planning policy with the aim of improving liveability of apartments, whether this be new builds or to a lesser extent apartments that are retrofitted, for families with children. Why it’s important With the increasing number of families with children living in apartments, it is critical for developers, architects and planners to consider the specific needs of these residents. A well designed home environment will have a positive impact on both the children’s life by enhancing their physical, social and emotional development, as well as liveability for parents/ guardians. Additionally, designing affordable high density housing which is suitable to the needs of families with children will help keep diverse populations in cities and promote more sustainable, compact neighbourhoods for all to enjoy. 4

Objectives: • Provide a diversity of affordable housing options suitable to the needs of families with children living in higher density neighbourhoods. • Strive for best practice in the design of apartment complexes which consider the movement and daily activities of families with children; including the optimal siting and location of apartment buildings. • Ensure a percentage of apartments are designed to address the specific needs of families with children through various life stages. • Support social and play opportunities to occur near the home within communal outdoor and indoor spaces. caregivers with the aim of creating inclusive and healthy higher density communities. • Prioritise the Connecting with Country Framework within the planning, design and delivery of high density housing and neighbourhoods. 21 • Provide welcoming and safe environments for children and

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Family-friendly Apartments

Indoor Communal Facilities

Outdoor Communal Spaces

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

Diagram 3: An apartment development which demonstrates the Building Scale Design Considerations.

Building Scale Design Considerations Building Configuration Consider the needs of families with children in the configuration, siting, and location of apartment buildings. Family-friendly Apartments Design apartment layouts which consider the needs of families raising children. With a greater percentage of three-bedroom apartments. 1.2 1.1

Playable Outdoor Space Integrate dedicated play space within communal outdoor spaces. Flexible Community Rooms Provide dedicated indoor community space within apartment buildings. Social Circulation Zones Provide opportunities for social interaction and play within circulation zones and lobbies.

1.3

1.4

1.5

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

1.1 Building Configuration

Why it’s important To provide suitable housing choice for families with children in higher density neighbourhoods, special attention should be paid to accommodating their needs within apartment buildings. This includes the affordability of apartments, the height (preference for 3 to 6 storeys) and location of buildings (for example, not on major arterial roads). 8 This will ensure families with children can remain living in apartments throughout various life cycles, creating more diverse and sustainable compact neighbourhoods.

How it can be done Affordable, well designed and located apartment buildings, can enhance the health and wellbeing of families with children by providing secure housing, opportunities for outdoor play, social interactions between residents and improved lifestyle. 4 Considering the everyday needs of families such as easy building access, direct outdoor space for play, storage and shared communal facilities will contribute to the healthy development of children and provide more inclusive and welcoming environments for all residents. Planning and consent authorities play a crucial role in maximising opportunities to increase housing affordability through bonuses and incentives. Currently, 25% of families with children are living in high density housing across the Greater Sydney region. This provides a baseline for the region and is used in determining the minimum percentage specified in Key Design Guideline 1 on the next page. The context of the local government area, surrounding suburbs and projected population growth are essential considerations for ensuring the amount of family-friendly apartments within an apartment building are sufficient to meet the needs of the community. 22

Image 8: Balconies and windows/external walkways should face play areas for passive supervision.

Image 9: Integrate childcare facilities within an apartment complex to enhance liveability for families with small children.

Image 10: Direct access from private yards to communal play space enables easy use and passive supervision.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Family-friendly Apartments

8

Indoor Communal Facilities

1

2

Childcare Facility

4

6

5

3

7

9

Diagram 4: An apartment building that is configured to consider the everyday needs of families with children which demonstrates the relevant key design guidelines.

1.1 Key Design Guidelines Apartment buildings should be configured to the everyday needs of families with children including the following considerations: 1 Provide a higher ratio of three-bedroom apartments in line with local context and housing needs. 12 Of the two- and three-bedroom apartments in the development, a minimum 25% are required to be larger family-friendly apartments as defined in section 1.2. Locate family-friendly apartments including three bedroom apartments on ground or podium level, with direct access to outdoor space to enhance children’s opportunities for everyday outdoor play. Where direct access is not possible, ensure that family-friendly apartments have visibility to communal outdoor space for passive supervision of playing children. 2 3 Position apartment buildings to utilise the surrounding landscape and/or tree canopy to maximise a green outlook. Where tree canopies do not exist, provide additional landscaping, including the planting of trees, around the apartment building to increase green infrastructure, for the health and other co-benefits trees and other vegetation provide. 23, 24 Consider grouping family-friendly apartments together to encourage social interaction and a sense of community between families with children. Consider the movement of families with children between the home and carparking areas by co-locating family-friendly apartments close to lifts. 5 6 4

Provide flexible community rooms with direct access to outdoor space to encourage seamless transition between indoor and outdoor activities, as well as passive supervision of playing children. See sections 1.3 and 1.4 for further design guidance on playable outdoor space and flexible community rooms. Where contextually appropriate, encourage the integration of childcare facilities within the apartment complex, to provide convenient care arrangements to families. Consider shared-use arrangements for smaller daycare operators, where viable. When locating the childcare facility within the building complex, prioritise access to daylight and natural landscaping including the provision of deep soil zones, to ensure that children have access to natural landscaped areas. Environmentally Sustainable Design to prioritise the health and wellbeing of children and parents, for example use of renewable energy sources, insulation for thermal performance and ‘cool materials’ for outdoor areas. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 Incorporate adequate and accessible waste infrastructure, including bulky waste storage, within the apartment configuration which meets local Council requirements. 30 Include best practice standards relating to

7

8

9

10

Diagram 5: Diagram showing possible adjacencies between family-friendly apartments, outdoor space, communal indoor facilities and childcare facilities.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

1.2 Family-friendly Apartment Layout

Why it’s important A portion of larger apartments within any multi-apartment development should be designed to address the specific needs of families with children. As families adjust to various stages of their child/ren’s development, their apartment should respond to their changing needs. Through good design, families will have the choice to remain living in an apartment through various stages in life, while at the same time ensuring the best possible health outcome for the child and parent/guardian. How it can be done A well designed apartment layout can anticipate the everyday needs of a family with children. This includes considerations for adequate internal storage, child-safe balconies large enough for play and acoustic considerations.

1.2 Key Design Guidelines Provide a minimum 25% of two-and three-bedroom apartments as family-friendly apartments to include the following considerations: 1 Family-friendly apartments are 10% larger than minimum Apartment Design Guideline (ADG) requirements as noted below: Minimum Internal Area (one bathroom) Minimum Internal Area (two bathroom) Additionally, the inclusion of best practice standards relating to sustainability and accessibility should be considered. Implementing these features can contribute to parents’ wellbeing and satisfaction of living in an apartment with young children. Diagrams 6 and 7 aim to demonstrate the key design guidelines. The three-bedroom apartment floor plan is slightly larger than the 10% minimum increase recommended for a family-friendly apartment. Reductions in walk-in wardrobe or living area size could achieve the recommended minimum. The definition used to calculate the Gross Floor Area (GFA) for these diagrams is the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan (PLEP) 2023. 31 It is noted that different LEPs have different GFA calculations. Please refer to the relevant LEP that the development is subject to.

ADG Min.

Family- friendly Min.

ADG Min. 75m 2 95m 2

Family- friendly Min.

Image 11: Consider the movement of families between living and sleeping spaces and the need for more generous circulations and storage areas.

2 Bedrooms 70m 2 3 Bedrooms 90m 2

77m 2 99m 2

82m 2

105m 2

Living rooms include floor area for play (2m x 3m flexible play space) with visibility to the kitchen for passive supervision. The size and layout of bedrooms anticipate various configurations of children’s furniture including two single beds/bunk beds, space for desks and space for play. A minimum bedroom size of 11m 2 (not including in-built storage) is recommended for bedrooms with the assumption that no more than two children may be sharing a bedroom and bunk beds can be used.

2

3

Image 12: Design bedrooms to envision a variety of furniture arrangements including bunk-beds, toy storage and desks.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Space for play must be designed into the living room configuration.

Courtyards should have direct access and visibility into communal outdoor space where possible.

07

01

02

08

09

Bedrooms should allow for a range of configurations including bunk beds, space for study desks and play space.

03

Additional storage space should be allocated within the apartment. This could either be distributed throughout or provided as a storage room for storing larger items such as prams, toys or outdoor gear. Opportunities for converting storage spaces into study/ work nooks should also be considered.

05

04

06

Diagram 6: A family-friendly three-bedroom apartment floor plan (approx. 110m 2 , excluding balcony) which demonstrates the key design principles.

Allow for sufficient space within laundries and bathrooms to anticipate everyday routines such as assisted bathing/ dressing children and increased frequency of laundry use/drying clothes. A minimum 1.2m length bench space should be provided in the laundry. Additionally, when two bathrooms are provided, ensure one bathroom has a bathtub for bathing of children. bedrooms, provide a minimum of 20% additional storage volume provision to ADG requirements for each family friendly apartment as outlined in the table below. At least 50% of the required storage is to be located within the apartment. Additional storage provision ADG Min. Family-friendly Min. 2 Bedrooms 8m 2 10m 2 3 Bedrooms 10m 2 12m 2 Storage within the apartment must accommodate items such as prams and larger toys. An indicative storage location for a pram (away from circulation and living areas) must be shown on floor plans. This can be within a dedicated walk-in storage closet, walk-in laundry or multipurpose space. External storage (either within private outdoor space or next to carparking) should be waterproof and designed to enable storage of seasonal items, outdoor toys, children’s bikes/scooters. In addition to storage in kitchens, bathrooms and

6 Provide minimum hallway width of at least 1.5m wide to allow for manoeuvring of prams and dressing children. Provide additional structure within entry corridor walls to anticipate wall hooks and shelving. Covered outdoor private space should ensure the safety of playing children by eliminating climbing hazards. Consider increasing the height of balustrades with additional glazed panels or louvred windows where appropriate. Balustrades should be designed to prevent finger entrapment and small items from Increase the sound insulation of apartment adjoining walls, floors and ceiling to provide for greater acoustic comfort between apartments, as well as between bedrooms and living spaces within the apartment. ‘Acoustically separable’ is a room with sound transmission of < 45 dBA (generally via a solid-core door). 32 Additionally, avoid bedroom doors opening directly into living areas to allow acoustic comfort for caregivers while children are sleeping. Consider apartment flexibility over time, allowing for reconfiguration of non-load bearing walls for changing family needs. 7 falling. Integrate a tap and floor waste within courtyards/ balconies to allow for outdoor water play, craft and gardening activities. 8 9

4

5

21

Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Balconies should be designed to eliminate any climbing hazards with additional glazed panels or louvres where appropriate.

7

8

Bedrooms should allow for a range of configurations including bunk beds, space for study desks and play space

1

9

3

Space for play must be designed into the living room configuration.

2

1.2m

Additional storage space should be allocated within the apartment. This could either be distributed throughout or provided as a storage room for storing larger items such as prams, toys or outdoor gear. Opportunities for converting storage spaces into study/work nooks should also be considered.

4

5

6

Diagram 7: A family-friendly two-bedroom apartment floor plan (approx. 82m 2 , excluding balcony) which demonstrates the key design guidelines. 1.5m

Image 13: Consider storage provision in “unusable” spaces such as under stairs, low ceilings or raised floors.

Image 14: Design entry zones with consideration for needs such as pram storage, coat and shoe shelving and space to dress children.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Image 15: Visual connection towards playful elements from private space, will ensure that children can play throughout the day with passive supervision.

23

1.3 Playable Outdoor Space

Why it’s important Research has shown that parents living in apartments greatly desired an outdoor play space located in their building that was convenient, offered access to nature and a ‘backyard’ similar to what they had grown up with. 33 Outdoor play is essential to the development of children aiding in their physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing. 34 Within high density neighbourhoods, there is often a deficit of public green open space, making communal playable space within an apartment building even more important. The provision of a communal, outdoor space for apartment buildings is a consistent recommendation through the literature 10 and reinforced by parents in the City of Parramatta (CoP) study, 8 addressing some of the physical, psychological and social needs of residents living in high density. 35

How it can be done Integrating designated and adaptable playable space and objects within communal shared areas ensures that children of differing ages have direct access to play every day in lieu of a traditional backyard, while at the same time enhancing social connections for children and their caregivers. The Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities guideline from the City of Toronto supports the integration of designated playable place, and provides guidance on the minimum required amenity space for children and youth. 35 This has been used to inform Guideline 1 on page 25. Acknowledging that outdoor space in apartments is regulated by strata management, inclusion from the outset of well-designed playable outdoor space signals to residents, whether they are owners or renters, that this is a family-friendly building. Siting and orientating playable outdoor space that maximises light, incorporates sound proofing elements, and allows for passive surveillance and supervision will further enhance its useability. Incorporating suitable trees and vegetation to maximise green infrastructure will enhance passive recreation, rest, and the wellbeing of all residents, as well as encourage active nature play opportunities for children. Consent authorities can consider the use of regulatory mechanisms, such as their Development Control Plan (DCP), to enforce the inclusion of playable outdoor space if a public park is more than 200m away. 22 Other amenities, such as toilets and storage, can also be included depending on the number of dwellings/residents.

Image 16: Opportunities for imaginative play within communal outdoor space can welcome playful behaviours with the provision of elements such as cubby houses.

Image 18: Areas for play can be multi-use and encourage intergenerational play opportunities.

Image 17: Storage areas for gardening tools, toys and children’s bikes should be easily accessible from communal outdoor space.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

6

5

2

3

7

1

4

Diagram 8: A playable green space within an apartment communal area which demonstrates the key design guidelines.

1.3 Key Design Guidelines Integrate designated and adaptable playable space within communal shared areas incorporating the following considerations: 1 As a minimum, provide 25% of communal outdoor area as ‘playable space’. 36 2 Where family-friendly apartments are located adjacent to communal outdoor space, provide direct access (through a gate) to encourage children to easily move between private and communal spaces. Consider sight lines from private courtyards and balconies to maximise passive supervision and safety of playing children, while also maintaining privacy. Integrate permanent playable elements within the outdoor space and/or building facades/blank walls to welcome children and their families to use shared areas for play. Consider playable elements for various ages and abilities including: • Areas for toddler play with a focus on sensory experiences with water, sand and nature play. • Zones for primary school aged children and teenagers focusing on more active play opportunities such as scooters, table tennis and creative play. • Vegetable gardens, tables and seating for encouraging intergenerational interaction. • Play elements such as chalk boards, climbing structures and games on blank walls and/or in underutilised spaces. 3 4

Integrate shared outdoor storage for loose toys and larger equipment such as gardening tools, bikes, and scooters to enable self-directed play and provide residents with a sense of ownership of communal areas. Storage areas should be waterproof, visible and easily accessible by children. Consider the location of playable elements under trees or shading devices to ensure sufficient sun and UV protection throughout the summer months. 37 Provide access to an outdoor tap to allow for water play and gardening activities, as well as wash-down of toys. Consider the acoustics of the communal outdoor area design, including surfaces and the location of play spaces.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

1.4 Flexible Community Rooms

Why it’s important Evidence shows that parents valued social opportunities for their child/children and it was evident that a communal building space would help to facilitate and strengthen their own social connections in the community. 8, 10 Designing quality, flexible community rooms enables regular gathering of familiar children and carers and provides opportunities for organic friendships to form. Having stronger connections to other residents also contributes to feelings of safety and belonging.

How it can be done Indoor communal rooms should be designed to create the opportunity to externalise activities from the home which require more space or acoustic separation including birthday parties, music practice or large craft projects. Communal rooms can also support and accommodate residents’ working from home needs. As with playable outdoor space, strata management has a role in regulating the use and maintenance of community rooms. The inclusion from the outset of well-designed and flexible community rooms signals to residents, whether they are owners or renters, the intended use of this space.

Images 19 and 20: Opportunities for a range of activities should be provided within flexible communal rooms including space for games, socialising or dining together.

Image 21: Smaller spaces which are acoustically sealed and enabled with technology (TV screen and power-points) can provide additional flexibility for residents working from home.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

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Diagram 9: A flexible community room which demonstrates the key design guidelines.

1.4 Key Design Guidelines Provide flexible community rooms within an apartment complex, incorporating the following considerations: 1 Provide accessible and flexible community rooms which can be used for a range of gathering and common activities. For smaller developments (2,000m 2 , approx. 20 dwellings), a minimum sized room of 30m 2 should be provided. For larger developments (over 5,000m 2 ) a total indoor communal area of 50m 2 minimum should be provided. Integrate smaller rooms and nooks adjacent to the large flexible space for activities requiring acoustic separation such as meetings, focused work, homework or music practice. Provide direct access and visibility from the flexible community room to communal outdoor green space, to ensure passive supervision and safety of playing children and opportunities for activities to flow outdoors. Integrate a small kitchenette with a sink to provide facilities for food and drink preparation as well as enabling messy activities such as craft opportunities for all residents. 2 3 4

Image 22: Direct access from the flexible community room to outdoor space can enable supervision of playing children and easy transfer of toys and furniture outdoors.

Ensure that storage space is provided within the flexible community rooms to enable storage of shared communal items. Provide a canopy cover at the threshold to encourage indoor-outdoor connection and UV/sun protection. A shared accessible toilet with the provision for baby change, should be provided adjacent to the flexible community room/communal outdoor space.

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Image 23: Integrated benches with access to an outdoor sink can encourage more messy activities (such as gardening or crafts) to easily shift from inside to outside spaces.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

1.5 Social Lobbies and Circulation Zones

Why it’s important While not as critical as communal indoor and outdoor spaces, entrance lobbies and circulation zones were identified as important spaces which can support social interaction between residents, enabling neighbours to get to know one another and providing opportunities for children’s play and socialisation. 38 Similar to the function of a front yard within a detached dwelling, well designed lobby and circulation spaces that are relevant and useful to families and respect the diversity of residents, can enhance liveability for families with children by supporting incidental neighbour interactions and play directly outside the home. This has a positive effect on overall resident wellbeing, enhancing children’s social and emotional development, while providing opportunities for parents and caregivers to grow support networks and develop a sense of community.

How it can be done Creating a sense of ‘home’ can be achieved through the integration of items such as furniture (with storage options for communal items), community notice boards and artwork. Such design elements promote opportunities for incidental social exchange among residents, increasing connections to their neighbours, and enhancing their sense of collective belonging and safety. Designing the detail and amenities of an entrance lobby and circulation spaces to respect the diversity of residents is crucial, including privacy and acoustic considerations to ensure the needs of all residents are equally considered. Lobbies and circulation zones are not static spaces, but are dynamic and evolving ones that need strata support to keep them updated, relevant and functional for the residents using them.

Image 24: Generously sized and well lit circulation zones can enhance opportunities for play and socialisation between residents.

Images 25 and 26: In-built or loose furniture within lobbies alongside space for pining up artwork or notices can create a welcoming atmosphere and enable social exchange between residents.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

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Diagram 10: A social lobby that facilitates social interaction between residents and demonstrates the key design guidelines.

1.5 Key Design Guidelines Design lobbies and circulation zones to support safe socialisation and play and function as an “indoor street” by incorporating the following considerations: 1 Ensure corridors (aiming to be above 1.55m width) and lobbies are generously sized with ample natural 2 Design lobbies and circulation zones to increase safety and security of residents through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) features, such as passive surveillance, adequate lighting and well designed access control. Create opportunities for residents to linger, socialise and share information and resources by integrating seating and storage for books or toys within lobbies and by providing community notice boards nearby to letterboxes or lifts. Consider resident visual and acoustic privacy when locating areas intended for socialisation or play. Promote a sense of belonging, by using materials, colours and textures in nominated social areas, which create a welcoming and homely atmosphere. Consider customisation of front doors and the integration of interactive wall elements for children to engage with. 3 4 light and ventilation to create more enjoyable spaces for residents to use for socialising.

Diagram 11: Homely and welcoming circulation zones, with opportunities for personalisation, can provide residents with a sense of belonging to their building community.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Family-friendly Design: PART 2

Neighbourhood Scale

PART 2 30 Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide

Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide Image 27: Nature Play incorporated into park near high density housing.

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PART 2

Family-friendly Design: Neighbourhood Scale

Introduction Part 2 of this Guide focuses on incorporating the needs of children and caregivers within the public realm of higher density developments. The design considerations within this document should be applied in conjunction with a holistic understanding of good urban design principles as outlined in documents such as the Good Urban Design Guide and the Greener Places Design Guide published by the NSW Government Architect’s office, Transport for NSW guidelines such as the Walking Space Guide and the NSW Public Spaces Charter as well as planning documents as outlined in local council Public Domain Guidelines. 23, 39, 40, 41 Appendix 2 Neighbourhood Considerations Checklist provides a summary of the key design guidelines within this section and supporting reference documents. Why it’s important A well designed built environment can play a significant part in a child’s life, by improving their physical, mental and emotional health. 42 A consideration of how children move through their local neighbourhoods and how they use the public realm for play and socialising can improve liveability for families with children. Aspects such as access to diverse play opportunities, safe active transport routes and social connections can all be enhanced through good design. These aspects contribute to the development of 15-minute neighbourhoods which aim to revitalise local communities and encourage independent mobility of children. 43 Additionally, designing urban environments which are welcoming to families with children within higher density developments, will encourage more families to consider living in more compact neighbourhoods which will in turn create more diverse and sustainable communities.

Objectives: • Plan for mixed-use developments where key services such as schools, childcare centres and shops with fresh, healthy and affordable food, are in close proximity to homes, work places and public transport. • Provide good access to diverse and stimulating spaces for children to play and socialise within their neighbourhood. This includes access to natural and “wild” spaces for children to engage with. • Design urban environments which allow children (either independently or with caregivers) to easily and safely move around a neighbourhood. • Provide welcoming and safe environments for children and carers within the urban realm. • Plan to cool urban environments by providing tree canopy, shade structures and use of cool materials along travel routes and within parks. • Prioritise the Connecting with Country Framework within the planning, design and delivery of high density housing and neighbourhoods. 21

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide