Forum Forum: Retrofitting Our Suburbs | Urban Design Forum

Join us for an engaging panel discussion and presentations exploring the future of suburban development. As our communities evolve, retrofitting our suburbs has become a crucial focus for sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and enhanced quality of life.

81% of Melbourne’s land is residential, of which the majority could be categorised as suburban. With so much focus in planning reform and housing supply targets, Melbourne’s suburbs are expected to transform significantly over the coming decades. Will this change be for the better or worse? Where can we learn from positive examples of suburban retrofit and transformation, small and large, strategic and opportunistic that inspire a vision for a climate resilient, community-centric suburban Melbourne?

This event will feature three insightful presentations from leaders in the field:

Lisa Garner – Co-Founder of Lian Architects Pty. Ltd., a Melbourne-based architecture practice dedicated to responding to Australia’s necessary urban transitions, particularly in housing. Lisa will discuss her notable project, Greening the Greyfields, a pioneering government-led initiative aimed at master planning the transformation of suburban areas.

Jac Semmler – A multi-disciplinary horticulturist and the creative force behind The Super Bloom, Jac brings dynamic living beauty and diversity to gardens and landscapes. She will share insights from her work, including the Greening the West strategy and projects in the Melbourne Arts Precinct, focusing on innovative planting design and high-skill horticulture.

Tim Ström – An editor at Arena Publications and postdoctoral fellow at Western Sydney University, Tim is also the author of the forthcoming book Cybernetic Capitalism (Verso). Living in Hood Central, he passionately engages in urban gardening, DIY building and retrofitting, community organising, and cooperative childcare—all inspired by his six-year-old daughter.

This panel promises to provide diverse perspectives on retrofitting our suburbs, highlighting the intersection of architecture, horticulture, and community involvement.

We look forward to seeing you there!