The new Council building in Melbourne not only has high environmental credentials (eg the facade responds to the sun) it also reinforces a small, but quality, urban place.  Apparently the additional costs in the 'healthy' building were justified by the reduction of sick leave.  We believe that an urban environment that displays the annual passing of the climatic seasons also helps us to connect with the rhythms of life and time.

We exist because of our environment – we are a part of it. The environment is not just there for our benefit. UDAL (Agenda for Urban Quality, 2003)

Places need to strike a balance between the natural and man-made environment:

• ecology;
• climate;
• landform; and
• landscape.

We need to find opportunities to celebrate the environment in cities – easiest at our river and harbour edges and creek crossings?

Places that strike a balance between the natural and man-made environment and utilise each site's intrinsic resources - the climate, landform, landscape and ecology - to maximise energy conservation and amenity.

(Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 14)

Place Drivers

1. Character
2. Diversity
3. Accessibility
4. Fit & function
5. Animators
6. Continuity and enclosure
7. Consistency & variety
8. Legibility
9. Structure
10. Features
11. Social Fabric
12. Sustainability

Place Preference

1. Quality of the public realm
2. Safety
3. Creativity
4. Sensory pleasure