As more people in NSW rent for longer periods, often across multiple life stages, apartment living is no longer a short-term choice, or the remit of single, young urban professionals. Increasingly, families with children live in residential flat buildings (RFB), making the quality and suitability of apartment design an important consideration to support diverse and strong communities, and allow families to raise the considerate and thoughtful city residents of tomorrow.

In this context, family-friendly apartment design is essential for creating communities where people of all ages can thrive. Thoughtfully designed spaces – such as safe play areas, accessible circulation, generous storage for prams and bikes, and adaptable apartment layouts – support the day-to-day needs of families.

Shelter NSW has been a champion of inclusive, all-ages residential buildings design for many years. And we have been raising the issue of strata bodies as a ‘fourth level of government’ that can sometimes impact on people’s lives as much if not more than other pieces of policy and legislation. We will continue to advocate for RFB design that supports liveability and wellbeing, encourages social connection, and helps ensure apartment living is a stable, viable and attractive option for families, supporting inclusive and resilient neighbourhoods across NSW.

Next month, we will be partnering with Shelter NSW long-standing friend – and ex Board member – Dr Michael Zanardo for a seminar looking at principles and characteristics underpinning family friendly apartments design. Michael is a registered architect, urban designer and director of Studio Zanardo. He has been involved in the design of affordable and diverse housing, has in-depth knowledge of housing planning policy and is on the City of Sydney Design Review Panel Residential Subcommittee. Michael is also Associate Professor in Architecture and Housing at UNSW.

While we warmly recommend this seminar to town planners, people involved in urban design and architecture in a professional capacity, and those working in local government, registration is open to all.

Register now for an interesting and productive conversation about how we can design the family friendly residential flat buildings Sydney needs today, tomorrow and beyond!