Communal and Public Open Space
Communal open space is an important environmental resource that provides outdoor recreation opportunities for residents, connection to the natural environment and valuable ‘breathing space’ between apartment buildings. It also contributes to the appeal of a development and the wellbeing of residents. Some communal open space is accessible and usable by the general public.
Communal open space is designed to allow for a range of activities, respond to site conditions and be attractive and inviting.
The size, location and design of communal or public open space will vary depending on the site context and the scale of development. The function of open space is to provide amenity in the form of:
• landscape character and design
• opportunities for group and individual recreation and activities
• opportunities for social interaction
• environmental and water cycle management
• opportunities to modify microclimate
• amenity and outlook for residents.
The useable part of the communal open space area may be supplemented by:
• additional landscape area, circulation space and areas for passive use and outlook
• public land used for open space and vested in or under the control of a public authority.
High quality open space is particularly important and beneficial in higher density developments (for private open space requirements see section Private open space and balconies).
Quality landscape design of communal spaces and pathways is particularly important for high density developments
An adequate area of communal open space is provided to enhance residential amenity and to provide opportunities for landscaping.
Design Criteria
1.Communal open space has a minimum area equal to 25% of the site.
2.Developments achieve a minimum of 50% direct sunlight to the principal usable part of the communal open space for a minimum of 2 hours between 9 am and 3 pm on 21 June (mid winter).
Design Guidance
Communal open space should be consolidated into a well.
designed, easily identified and usable area.
Communal open space should have a minimum dimension of 3m, and larger developments should consider greater dimensions.
Communal open space should be co-located with deep soil areas.
Direct, equitable access should be provided to communal open space areas from common circulation areas, entries and lobbies.
Where communal open space cannot be provided at ground level, it should be provided on a podium or roof.
Where developments are unable to achieve the design criteria, such as on small lots, sites within business zones, or in a dense urban area, they should:
• provide communal spaces elsewhere such as a landscaped roof top terrace or a common room
• provide larger balconies or increased private open space for apartments
• demonstrate good proximity to public open space and facilities and/or provide contributions to public open space
Communal open spaces can be located on the podium or roofs and should offer gathering areas to provide opportunity for social interaction amongst residents
Design Guidance
Facilities are provided within communal open spaces and common spaces for a range of age groups (see also Common circulation and spaces), incorporating some of the following elements:
• seating for individuals or groups
• barbecue areas
• play equipment or play areas
• swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts or common rooms
The location of facilities responds to microclimate and site conditions with access to sun in winter, shade in summer and shelter from strong winds and down drafts.
Visual impacts of services should be minimised, including location of ventilation duct outlets from basement car parks, electrical substations and detention tanks.
The principal usable part of communal open spaces should be consolidated
Communal open space is designed to maximise safety.
Design Guidance
Communal open space and the public domain should be readily visible from habitable rooms and private open space areas while maintaining visual privacy. Design solutions may include:
• bay windows
• corner windows
• balconies
Communal open space should be well lit.
Where communal open space/facilities are provided for children and young people they are safe and contained.
Recreation areas such as the communal garden setting above allow residents to relax and connect to the natural environment
Public open space, where provided, is responsive to the existing pattern and uses of the neighbourhood.
Design Guidance
The public open space should be well connected with public streets along at least one edge.
The public open space should be connected with nearby parks and other landscape elements.
Public open space should be linked through view lines, pedestrian desire paths, termination points and the wider street grid.
Solar access should be provided year round along with protection from strong winds.
Opportunities for a range of recreational activities should be provided for people of all ages.
A positive address and active frontages should be provided adjacent to public open space.
Boundaries should be clearly defined between public open space and private areas.
Well designed public and communal open spaces invite informal recreation and outdoor activities
Play facilities and spaces should be safe, overlooked by development and provide shade areas for children to play
The location and design of open space responds to microclimate and site conditions
The public open space should be well connected with public streets along at least one edge
Communal open space and public domain should be readily visible from habitable rooms and private open space areas while maintaining visual privacy
Community gardens incorporated into residential developments foster interaction amongst residents of all ages
Attractive and inviting communal open spaces with good solar access should be provided
This communal courtyard provides gathering spaces, seating facilities, pergolas and barbecue facilities for residents
This semi-public courtyard connects to the surrounding inner- city neighbourhood and offers a central water feature, seating and convenient pedestrian through-site links
Part 3 Siting The Development
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