The Life and Death of the Australian BackyardA substantial backyard has long been considered an iconic feature of the Australian suburb. Nevertheless, since the mid 1990s, substantial backyards have largely disappeared from new suburban houses in Australia. Whatever the size of lot, the dwelling now covers most of its area. The minimal backyard is not just a matter of higher densities in existing urban areas; it is at its most extreme in the new outer suburbs. The loss of the backyard has serious ecological implications, notably for biodiversity, microclimate and drainage, a trend rendered permanent by the changes to the housing stock. It appears to be the physical expression of the way that Australian lifestyles are changing for the worse, in particular longer working hours. This in turn raises issues about health and wellbeing, especially for children. This book discusses the nature, uses and meaning of the traditional backyard, presents an understanding of the changes that have been happening and suggests possible remedies. Key Features: * Investigates the backyard as a physical expression of the way that Australian lifestyles are changing * Highlights issues about health and wellbeing, especially for children * Discusses that while planning policy does not promote the death of the backyard, it does nothing to prevent it |
Contents
Chapter 1 The origins form and function ofthe backyard | 1 |
Chapter 2 The meaning of the backyard | 27 |
Chapter 3 The death of the backyard | 41 |
Chapter 4 Why is the backyard shrinking? | 73 |
Chapter 5 Why does the planning system notprevent the shrinkage? | 95 |
Colour plates | 123 |
Chapter 6 What should be done to preservethe backyard? | 139 |
Conclusion | 147 |
| 151 | |
| 159 | |
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Common terms and phrases
accommodate achieved activities aerial view appear Australian average backyard become boundary Brisbane British building built centre century codes Colour Plate comparatively consolidation contains councils cover create cultural density described in Chapter dimensions discussed distance dwelling effect evidence examples fences Figure footprint front function garage garden given higher important increase interest issue lack land landscape larger least less living meaning minimum natural Note objectives older original outdoor physical planning planted play prevent private open space problem properties range rear reduced regulations relating requirements residential residents result road seen setback shown shows side significant situation sizes smaller social specified standards street scene studies substantial suburban suburbs Table Tony Hall traditional trees trend urban vegetation wide yard