Planningxchange

In PX36 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Gavin Queit a Director of GK Solutions Pty Ltd (motto 'Securing Your Tomorrow'). Gavin discusses the design issues associated with protecting cities from criminal and terrorist attack and explains that security measures can be designed in such a way as to enhance the public realm whilst remaining 'fit for purpose'. He also discusses the 'duty of care' aspects of holding public festivals and the range of measures that can provide citizen safety. This interview will be of interest to all those involved in the design of public places, community events and those involved in the preparation of urban design guidelines. Podcast released 5 April 2018. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX35, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Natasha ('Tash') Swan. Tash is the manager of planning at the Manningham City Council. Manningham is a relatively affluent middle - middle outer ring suburb on the eastern side of the Melbourne metropolitan area. It has a population of 114,000 and is experiencing many of the development trends associated with changing demographics, changing housing preferences and the ageing of post war low density suburban areas. Tash discusses managing staff, mentoring new planners, emerging trends and influences, and leading developers. A wide range of discussion subjects with a lively and thoughtful subject. Podcast released 4 March 2018. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX34, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Peter McIntyre one of Australia's most awarded architects. Peter started helping out at his father's architectural firm aged 7. He is now 90 and extremely active with a diverse and extensive portfolio of design projects. Peter was involved in revolutionary designs in the 1950's and since then has continued to re-invent his output. He has also been heavily involved in the education of students over several decades. An architect whose work and thoughts have inspired many. The expression 'wise words' can be aptly used to describe his comments in this PX interview. Podcast released 9 February 2018. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX33, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Jane Keddie and Gerhana Waty both of whom work with Hansen Partnership. Their company has offices in Melbourne and Vietnam. Jane and Gerhana talk on a wide range of issues including what the East can teach the West with regards evolving cities. Jane talks of her work in regional areas and the importance of sincere consultation with local communities. Gerhana talks on a range of urban design issues and identifies the need for professionals to bring a positive attitude to what they do. Podcast released 21 December 2017. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org  

In PX32, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Larry Parsons of Ethos Urban. Larry has had a distinguished overseas career spanning several countries. Recently he has moved from a senior managerial Government design assessment position to a role in the private sector promoting excellence in development form and substance. Larry talks about 'Transfer Development Rights' (TDR's) and other means to facilitate master planning. Larry provides insights from both sides of the 'fence', what he has learnt in both Government and the private sector. An engaging and lively interview subject who is passionate about improving urban environments. Intro: Dirty Man - Kingfisha, Outro: Sunny - James Brown. Podcast released 4 December 2017.  

In PX31, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Phil Borelli of SJB Planning. Phil started his career at the former Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) in the 1970's as a cadet planner. Afterwards he worked at the State Government Planning Department overseeing development activity within the Melbourne CBD then onto private practice with SJB Planning. Phil reflects on his early mentoring, his work on the nearly emerging Southbank Precinct and talks of the ground breaking mid 1980's planning system of developer incentives to create improved public domain outcomes. The interview includes discussion on optimum city size, the problems with lengthy commute times, experimental planning and the need to accommodate ever greater densities whilst providing acceptable amenity outcomes. Podcast released on the 9 November 2017. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX30, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Jessie Hochberg of Nightingale Housing. Jessie studied Art History at University and then made a series of transitions into the housing creation sector. Nightingale Housing offers a different approach to housing development by making the process from conception one of collaboration between designers and end users. Jessie explains the 'template' and the benefits both financially, environmentally and socially for those involved. Podcast released 20 October 2017. For more details go to www.planningxchange.org.

In PX29, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview the two ladies behind the Gazella project. Justine Hadj and Danielle Savio are the dynamic young women behind the Gazella web and blog project. Gazella is an independent online publication offering insights into inspiring females within the built environment. Gazella has released over 100 interviews focusing on the work of women and topical issues in the built environment. Their website is at www.gazella.com.au. We consider them our 'new media' cousins in our parallel endeavours. In the interview, Justine and Danielle explain how Gazella started, how it works and describe their very busy working lives. A fully engaging interview with outstanding and truly inspirational professionals. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up'. Ladi6 Outro - 'Night Time (feat. Line Gottsche)' Borneland & Falcon Punch. Podcast released 7 October 2017. For more details visit www.planningxchange.org

In PX28, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Sean Hogan of ISPT. The views expressed are his own and not those of ISPT. Sean has been involved in development since the mid 1980's starting off designing nightclubs and now oversees major urban renewal projects. He is an active participant in industry bodies and has experience across Australia. He has a passion for good design that suits the needs of users and improves the urban fabric. Sean makes suggestions on how to improve the supply of affordable housing and makes robust observations about the state of our cities and town planning practices. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66'. Podcast originally released August 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX27, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Danni Addison the CEO of the UDIA. Danni has considerable experience across the private and public sectors in policy and the implementation of planning policies and reform. She is passionate about consumer choice and experience. Danni discusses future trends and the rapid rate of change that the development industry is experiencing and what is on offer. A dynamic interview subject who provides richly rewarding insights. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66'. Podcast released July 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX26, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview outdoor artist Clare McCracken. Clare is a Melbourne based mixed-media artists and PhD candidate at RMIT University. Clare's practice includes large scale immersive installations, fine art objects and contemporary performance. Clare discusses the potential for art to improve the urban fabric and well being of citzens. She talks to the ability of the arts to engage in urban isses including the transformation of suburbs. A dynamic subject and guest. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66. Podcast released 20 May 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX25, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview James Livingston a Melbourne based planning consultant. James has worked in local government, the advertising industry and over the past 15 years his own consultancy. James talks of the benefits and disadvantages of being a sole practitioner. He takes a positive view on future city development whilst casting an eye over the anxiety's of the age. A highly original thinker, James presents new ideas to well established problems in urban affairs. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66. Podcast released 29 April 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

In PX24, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview town planner Nevan Wadeson from Tract Consultants. Nevan has been a practising planner since the late 1970's in both government and private fields. In this interview he discusses the various trends some of which have come full circle, the challenges cities face, the question of measuring the effectiveness of planning systems, the need for experimentation and looks into the future with particular comments about AI. A fresh and mature look at what planners can do well and the need for renewal. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66'. Podcast released 6 April 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information go to www.planningxchange.org

In PX23, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview planning consultant Colleen Peterson. When highly restrictive residential zones were being prepared by the State Government of Victoria, Colleen was the leading advocate in the charge to have them abandoned. In this PX interview Colleen is asked about the ethical questions town planners face and the difficulties both for an individual and a company in taking a stance against Government directives. She also talks about the pressures imposed by modern communications and the blurring of work and homelife. Topics also covered are the failure of planning policies to provide for reasonable housing options and costs. A refreshing and frank discussion about contemporary planning practice. This is the first PX interview for 2017. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' Ladi6. Midbreak - 'Green and Gold' Takuya Kuroda. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66. Podcast released 2 March 2017, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org

In PX22, Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview Johnny Barnard, a 'population observer' - he is a demographer, with over 25 years experience. Johnny is a Director at ID Consulting an Australian and New Zealand firm that specialises in reviewing and providing analysis of population changes, past and future. In a broad ranging interview Johnny discusses the advances made in the profession, potential pitfalls with forecasting, the use of the data, value judgements in population analysis, emerging city issues, the census and makes predictions based on current trends. In additon he discusses the importance of city structure to the well being of communities and the desirability of creating equitable cities. This is the final PX podcast for 2016. Music: Intro - 'Walk right up' by Ladi6. Outro - 'Mais Que Nada' Segio Mendes & Brasil 66. Podcast released in December 2016, remastered November 2017. For more information visit www.planningxchange.org.

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.