Beacon

To understand how a neighbourhood works and what it means for the homes and homeowners in it, we need to consider both the non-residential environment as well as the houses. A neighbourhood consists of buildings for various purposes, from shops to services to community facilities. It also includes public and open space such as streets, walkways and parks. 

Photo: Deborah Dewhirst

 

A neighbourhood analysis needs to include how both buildings and the spaces around them work together and their impact on the activities that take place within them. It must consider the state of the infrastructure systems and services available, such as public transport. 

The design, quality and aesthetics of the buildings and spaces all work together to shape the neighbourhood and influence how people behave and get together as a community.   In turn, this develops local social and cultural identity.

By understanding the nature of sustainable neighbourhoods, Beacon wants to help developers, planners and those in the building and construction industry to better understand and develop the designs and construction (techniques, products, materials) to build neighbourhoods that last.

 

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  31-Jul-2009 (Report NH3112/2)

  Valuing Sustainable Neighbourhoods (PDF 607KB)

  Kay Saville-Smith, Moira Dwyer, Julie Warren

  This report uses Beacon's Neighbourhood Sustainability Framework and data from Beacon's National Survey of Neighbourhoods to value the opportunities presented by the data collected by the National Survey of people's neighbourhood experiences and neighbourhood characteristics.