Design principles
Innovation and normality
The department looks for design excellence and the pursuit of better solutions and outcomes for its housing.
The solutions may arise through fundamental design advances, the introduction of new detailed products or changing client briefs. The department is open to change.
The department however, does not look for:
- experimentation where there are no resources and processes for rectifying any problems that might arise
- the pursuit of difference only for the sake of being different, rather than better
- the abandonment of conventional, comfortable and acceptable housing techniques or solutions for no gain, or
- inappropriate typecasting or attention seeking for departmental housing.
As in many other matters of good housing design, there are often judgements to be made about the right point of balance between innovation and normality.
Reasons:
- Good public housing should always look for better, cost-effective design solutions that add to the amenity of the household.
- Social acceptance of the housing by the local community is important.
Last updated 18 February 2008
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