Forum Forum: The value of design review in major urban projects

An evening of presentations followed by a discussion on the role of design review in shaping better places.

Design review is a critical tool for ensuring high-quality outcomes across both private and public sector projects. Whether guiding major infrastructure or influencing the design of complex urban precincts, design review panels and design quality teams can play a critical role in ensuring projects align with client objectives while maximising public value.

Join us for an engaging conversation exploring the role and value of Design Review Panels and similar urban design review processes across a range of project types— from housing, transport and public realm projects through to strategic planning and design processes.

Our Speakers:

Lisa Dunlop – Urban Design Manager, Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP)
Lisa brings her expertise from the public sector, sharing how urban design reviews influence large-scale infrastructure and transport projects. She will discuss the value of design governance, and establishing design frameworks that inform review processes from the client perspective and how they contribute to design quality in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Bianca Elencevski – Principal Urban Designer, Department of Transport and Planning (DTP)
Bianca offers insights from her role as a design advisor across both private developments and public realm projects, having worked in both State and Local Government and across a range of project types. Bianca will focus on her experience of design review processes adjacent to and integrated with the planning process in the evaluation of private development projects.

Moderator:

Kevin Begg – Technical Director, Urban Design GHD
With more than 30 years of experience in urban design and architecture across Australia, England, Asia, and the Middle East, Kevin has led multidisciplinary teams on complex, large-scale urban renewal and transit-oriented developments. For the last ten years he has supported the Victorian State Government with the Big Build, as a technical advisor and UDAP member for the Level Crossing Renewal Project and the North East Link Program.

What to expect:

A deep dive into the purpose and benefits of urban design review processes, their governance and statutory context.
The tactical lessons and insights on how to approach the provision of effective design review that drives positive project transformation.
Real-world examples from both private and public sector projects
Perspectives from clients and designers skilled in provision of independent design review
An open Q&A session
Snacks and chats!

Who should attend:

Urban designers, architects, planners, council officers, developers, students, and anyone interested in how good design is reviewed, challenged, and delivered.

Place: GHD offices (180 Londsdale Street - Level 9)

Time: Arrive from 5:30 for 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm event