The Highs and Lows was a citizen science project exploring the lived experience of residents from higher density communities in the Northern Sydney region. This project was conducted by Northern Sydney Local Health District, in partnership with Macquarie University and the University of Sydney.
What is the issue?
Population and household growth in the Northern Sydney region is projected to translate to an additional 92,000 homes by 2036.
With limited infill development opportunities across the region and expected changes in household and age structures, the number of people living in higher density dwellings is expected to increase.
Councils have been set housing targets to meet the demand for various housing types, tenure, price points, locations and design.
What does the evidence tell us?
Connections & Connectivity
- Higher density living, when done well, can be an important form of housing for people across various stages of their lives and can support residents remaining in the communities they are connected to.
- Current evidence suggests that well designed higher density housing in compact neighbourhoods can support physical activity, social interaction and access to daily living needs.
- This can be attributed to higher residential densities bringing destinations closer together and supporting the presence of local shops, services and public transport with more people, which encourage walking and cycling.
Design
- Design of higher density dwellings can also impact on the health and wellbeing of residents. Circulation routes and spaces in apartment buildings can create opportunities to form social ties and communal areas can encourage longer interactions.
- Good design fosters social interactions include shaded seating, communal space, green space, regular maintenance, adequate storage, car and bicycle parking.
- Conversely, poor quality apartment design and densely populated communities without the infrastructure to support them, have the potential to detrimentally impact the health and wellbeing of residents.
- Higher density housing can have lasting negative influences on generations of residents and communities, as defects and poor design are difficult and costly to retrofit.
What was the purpose of this study?
The purpose of the study was to better understand the lived experience of people residing in medium and high-density communities across the Northern Sydney region. Medium and high-density dwellings include semi-detached, row and terrace housing, townhouses and villa units, as well as flats and apartments.
We wanted to know what those residents love about living where they do, as well as those things they think could be improved.
What did this study involve?
This study was conducted over a two-week period for each study site location. Residents were asked to text us images, with brief descriptions of any features where they live, that positively and negatively impact their health and wellbeing.
What were the features we wanted to know about?
Examples of features we wanted to know about included:
- elements of the actual dwellings or buildings residents live in
- access to facilities such as public transport, playgrounds, open space and daily living needs (e.g. supermarkets)
- the look and feel of their neighbourhood
- those things that made them feel part of the community.
Results
The study found that residents value a plentiful choice of amenities (e.g. supermarkets and playgrounds), public/shared spaces, neighbourhood walkability, a sense of community, intergenerational appeal, adequate indoor space and accessibility.
Residents also identified features of higher density living that could be addressed including reducing pollution (noise, air and litter), reducing barriers to social interactions, improving safety e.g. improving building security and reducing hazards such as poor quality footpaths and reducing traffic.
What will happen with the results?
We shared our initial findings with all participants and provided the opportunity for them to comment on our interpretation of the results. Watch the video of the participant feedback session below.
A report will be used to generate resources to support our local councils engage with their communities and create healthier higher density neighbourhoods.
