Successful first Congress down under

The first Australian and New Zealand New Urbanism Congress held in Melbourne in late April attracted over 370 participants from six countries. The format included a two-day main “overview” congress, followed by local project tours and a two-day intensive workshop for experienced practitioners. The main event showcased leading new urbanist examples from Australia and New Zealand (well balanced between public and private sector initiatives), as well as new urbanist principles for both urban regeneration and urban extensions. US new urbanists G.B. Arrington, Vince Graham, and Peter Katz provided international keynotes. The highlight for many was the in-depth workshop, where practitioners shared experiences in 15 technical sessions, with topics ranging from regional structuring, to rear lanes, corner stores, collaborative design techniques, and space-efficient storm water cleansing. Reflecting on the Congress relative to practice in North America, Peter Katz observed a more systematized approach down under (“more science than just art”); a broader and deeper influence of the New Urbanism, especially in planning agendas; and overall higher standards of practice. Katz also noted the fascination with resolving urban models, and the higher levels of collaboration and interest in sharing expertise. He noted that there may be much to learn for US practitioners, and recommended that they consider attending future Congresses down under. The next Congress is provisionally scheduled for March 2003 in Auckland, New Zealand.