QUT researchers have found that ambiguous infrastructure planning codes and guidelines have created a disconnect between public expectations and the capacity of planning systems to evolve rapidly in the face of climate change.
PhD student YiSong Liu, teamed up with QUT School of Architecture and Built Environment researchers, Associate Professor Mirko Guaralda, Professor Tan Yigitcanlar, Dr Mark Limb and Associate Professor Veronica Garcia-Hansen for a study that specifically investigated urban climate design in Brisbane.
Mr Liu said the team conducted semi-structured interviews with built environment professionals with Brisbane experience.
“The aim of the research was to identify key challenges and provide recommendations for the operationalisation of urban climate responses in future development,” Mr Liu said.
“While the aim of urban densification is to enhance efficiency and house more residents and businesses close to existing community resources, it can sometimes lead to microclimate issues.
“If a development is done incorrectly, it can lead to diminished thermal and wind comfort, such as hotspots from heat absorbed by buildings and stronger gusts channelled through narrow streets, which affect pedestrian comfort.
“Scientific evidence of these sort of impacts has existed for decades but is rarely accounted for in developmental practices.”
Mr Liu said there were a number of challenges to overcome.
Pic: Shanenk/iStock/Getty Images Plus
“Ambiguous planning codes and guidelines have created a disconnect between public expectations and the capacity of planning systems to evolve rapidly,” Mr Liu said.
“While there is a high level of personal awareness among professionals about urban climate issues, that awareness is not consistently reflected in the client’s understanding.”
“There is definitely a knowledge gap on microclimate effects.”
“Also there has been a short-term focus on immediate economic benefits and political agendas, where market-driven development processes have prioritised cost-saving and tight industry deadlines.”
“But also, there is a general lack of microclimate modelling skill, data accuracy and data availability, and a lack of robust technical methods in early design stages that must be overcome.”
Mr Liu said the research team produced several recommendations in response to the research interviews.
“We identified the need to improve awareness through education and exemplar projects, and to develop detailed regulations that balance climate responsiveness with market feasibility,” Mr Liu said.
“Also enhancing technical competency among professionals by improving data accessibility and providing accurate modelling tools would be an important step forward.”
“Raising public awareness on the importance of incorporating climate-sensitive practices in urban planning and design is a major factor in making a positive change for the better.”
Main image: From left, School of Architecture and Built Environment researchers Associate Professor Mirko Guaralda, Associate Professor Veronica Garcia-Hansen, PhD student YiSong Liu, Professor Tan Yigitcanlar and Dr Mark Limb.
Media contact:
Pat Whyte, QUT Media, 07 3138 1150, media@qut.edu.au
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