Raising the Standard: How Policy Shapes Better Cities
Six Degrees has developed a well-recognised expertise in residential architecture, and we regularly provide advice to councils and government bodies, helping them develop policy and guidelines around housing development and neighbourhoods.
We see this policy work as a natural extension of the way that we approach architecture and placemaking, and we value the way it can have strong, positive impacts for broader communities.
For us, developing policy is much like a design process. It starts with a vision for what makes great neighbourhoods and cities. We test and refine that vision against real-world challenges, and then use the resulting policy as a tool to help achieve those ideals.
Recently, we’ve worked closely with the state government to support its housing goals, including contributing to the ResCode Codification Project through peer review and testing. We’ve also been involved in policies aimed at increasing housing supply and improving liveability.
Our thinking about neighbourhoods continues to evolve. Last year, Six Degrees had the opportunity to collaborate with the Dja Dja Wurrung traditional owners on the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village in Bendigo.
This experience deepened our understanding of the concept of Healing Country and has since informed much of our policy work.
Our vision for neighbourhoods and housing begins with empathy. We consider what it’s like to live in these spaces: can residents walk their dog to the park and greet neighbours along the way? Does the area feel inclusive and foster a genuine sense of community?
This approach shapes the way we contribute to housing policy, ensuring it reflects the lived experiences of residents.
As architects, we also focus on how buildings interact with the character of their surroundings. Elements like a welcoming entry with a window, a small canopy, or a communal bench might seem simple, but they play a vital role in making a place feel connected and neighbourly. These design details inform our policy work as well.
At the heart of everything is our commitment to creating meaningful, liveable homes. We believe homes should support residents’ physical and emotional needs throughout their lives, providing comfort and stability.
By applying these design principles to housing policy, we aim to create broader communities that are not only functional but truly supportive and enriching for all who live there.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the potential for our policy contributions to not only shape housing and neighbourhoods but also improve ecology, promote diversity, and drive better social outcomes.
