An evolving (sub)urbanism – uncovering spatial potentials in Melbourne’s residential fabric for future development

This thesis argues that Melbourne’s suburbs could better adapt to changing environmental and social needs if residential areas were considered with the same level of spatial complexity as more urbanised centres. By shifting the typical frame of spatial inquiry from the private dwelling to the thresholds in between dwellings, the research examines the lived qualities of contemporary suburbs at a collective level. Design speculations investigate how the assembly of semi-public spaces in residential areas could amplify a range of social economies (identified through the spatial analysis) as catalysts for ongoing transformations, revealing new design possibilities in an evolving (sub)urbanism.