WSLHD_CPH_Healthy High Density Living for Families with Chil

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