Turning urban sprawl into a net-zero city. Lessons from Melbourne
Melbourne is on its way to becoming a net-zero city. How did it become one of the world's most liveable cities?
Prof. Rob Adams AM, City Architect, City of Melbourne, Australia
Commenced with City of Melbourne in November 1983. Rob has had over 46 years’ experience as a practising designer in both private enterprise and the public service. Rob has a Masters in Urban Design, a Batchelor of Architecture, and in 2016 was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Architecture from the University of Melbourne and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. As a Director City Design & Projects, Rob put into place in 1985 the first comprehensive urban design strategy for the city. Since then, Rob has made a significant contribution to the rejuvenation of central Melbourne. In 2008, Rob was awarded the Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year and the Order of Australia in 2007 for his contribution to Architecture and Urban Design. In 2018, Rob was the recipient of the Australian Institute of Architect’s National President’s Award.
Some key projects include Postcode 3000, CH2 – Australia’s first 6 star green commercial office building, Birrarung Marr, Swanston Street, City Square, Return to Royal Park, the Open Space and Urban Forest Strategies and numerous community buildings including Docklands, Boyd, East Melbourne and Kathleen Syme Libraries. His team is currently involved in two major city shaping projects, the Queen Victoria Market Renewal and Metro Tunnel and is the recipient of over 150 international, state and local awards for Design in the Urban Environment.
Melbourne is on its way to becoming a net-zero city. How did it become one of the world's most liveable cities?
In 35 years, Melbourne has transformed from a dying city into one of the world’s most vibrant urban centres. But it faces challenges in adapting to its rapid growth.