Design principles
Private versus public space
In broad terms, the private control of external spaces by their adjacent households should be maximised and the provision of shared spaces should be minimised.
For instance, ground level garden space in apartment complexes should generally be 'attached' to the adjacent ground floor units.
Where, on a case by case basis, shared space is specifically required or is an unavoidable outcome of the site planning, the space should be carefully designed for its communal purpose. The shared nature of the space should be made clear by design and the reasonable privacy and territorial control of nearby dwellings should be thoughtfully protected.
Wherever possible, communal open space in larger developments should be 'normalised' in council control and care as a neighbourhood park.
Reasons:
- Privately controlled space is consistent with the common experience of traditional suburban living (from which residents may have come or towards which they may desire to move).
- It can help avoid conflicts between group activities and individual household amenity.
Last updated 18 February 2008
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