This collection of essays, first published in 2000, was the first systematic attempt to explain the social, administrative, technical and cultural history of 'European' housing in Australia. Written by a collaborative team of scholars from a wide range of disciplines, it explains how Australian housing has evolved from the ideas brought by the first settlers, and what makes Australian housing distinctive in social terms. This book covers a broad range of topics including the ways in which houses reflect social values and aspirations, the relationship between houses and gardens, the home as a site of domestic production and consumption, and an exploration of how housing provides the basis for developing a sense of community. The book will be invaluable for students of urban affairs and those engaged in housing and the design professions, as well as policy-makers and analysts in the public and private sectors.

This collection of essays, first published in 2000, was the first systematic attempt to explain the social, administrative, technical and cultural history of 'European' housing in Australia. Written by a collaborative team of scholars from a wide range of disciplines, it explains how Australian housing has evolved from the ideas brought by the first settlers, and what makes Australian housing distinctive in social terms. This book covers a broad range of topics including the ways in which houses reflect social values and aspirations, the relationship between houses and gardens, the home as a site of domestic production and consumption, and an exploration of how housing provides the basis for developing a sense of community. The book will be invaluable for students of urban affairs and those engaged in housing and the design professions, as well as policy-makers and analysts in the public and private sectors.

The problems faced by urban Australia became more prevalent in the years prior to publication of this 1995 book. They sprang from the public cost of urban growth, the negative environmental impact of cities, the importance of global competitiveness, tensions between the three tiers of government and declining standards of living in our cities. This book, written by a team of leading authors, offers an exploration of key issues in the debates about our cities. Incisive and up-to-date, it will be an important contribution to discussion about urban planning and policy. Edited by Patrick Troy, Professor of Urban Research at the Australian National University, Australian Cities describes the options and limitations of Australian urban planning practice. It will be read by students and academics in urban studies, political science, sociology, town planning and public policy as well as policy-makers and professionals.

The problems faced by urban Australia have become more pressing in recent years. Decisions made by past governments on housing regulations, planning procedures and public transport have shaped today's urban Australia. Now, with urban sprawl leading to inherent car dependence and placing increasing demand on government services, the decision-making process - in all three tiers of government - is under trial and has sometimes been found inadequate or unresponsive. The negative environmental impact of cities, the need for global competitiveness, and declining standards in the quality of city life have added to the urgency of the debate. Edited by Patrick Troy, Professor of Urban Research at the Australian National University, Australian Cities describes the options and limitations of Australian urban planning practice. It is a book of interest to students and academics in urban studies, political science, sociology, town planning and public policy, as well as policy-makers and professionals.