Michael Smith
@red-black-archi.bsky.social
Architect, advocate for better designed cities.
Melbourne / Naarm, Australia
Melbourne / Naarm, Australia
Warning: niche post
Attn: Australian architects.
I built a free to use ai tool that can help sift through the NCC, find compliant building products and help you consider risks.
You can take a look here:
www.specrephelpdesk.com
Attn: Australian architects.
I built a free to use ai tool that can help sift through the NCC, find compliant building products and help you consider risks.
You can take a look here:
www.specrephelpdesk.com
Spec Rep Help Desk
www.specrephelpdesk.com
October 14, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Warning: niche post
Attn: Australian architects.
I built a free to use ai tool that can help sift through the NCC, find compliant building products and help you consider risks.
You can take a look here:
www.specrephelpdesk.com
Attn: Australian architects.
I built a free to use ai tool that can help sift through the NCC, find compliant building products and help you consider risks.
You can take a look here:
www.specrephelpdesk.com
Saw a rant today by a prominent media commentator bemoaning the $ spent by parties on electioneering.
He rhetorically asked how many hospitals that could have built.
The answer is up to 1 as long as it isn’t one of the bigger ones.
Firstly he should have looked that up.
And…
He rhetorically asked how many hospitals that could have built.
The answer is up to 1 as long as it isn’t one of the bigger ones.
Firstly he should have looked that up.
And…
March 19, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Saw a rant today by a prominent media commentator bemoaning the $ spent by parties on electioneering.
He rhetorically asked how many hospitals that could have built.
The answer is up to 1 as long as it isn’t one of the bigger ones.
Firstly he should have looked that up.
And…
He rhetorically asked how many hospitals that could have built.
The answer is up to 1 as long as it isn’t one of the bigger ones.
Firstly he should have looked that up.
And…
Aussie Architects looking to specify furniture in their projects, I wrote this handy guide to help
The Architects and Specifiers Guide to Furniture (March 2025 Version 1)
australianfurniture.org.au/product/the-...
You can use this Coupon Code to access your free download: e6u3rd5d
The Architects and Specifiers Guide to Furniture (March 2025 Version 1)
australianfurniture.org.au/product/the-...
You can use this Coupon Code to access your free download: e6u3rd5d
March 19, 2025 at 5:38 AM
Aussie Architects looking to specify furniture in their projects, I wrote this handy guide to help
The Architects and Specifiers Guide to Furniture (March 2025 Version 1)
australianfurniture.org.au/product/the-...
You can use this Coupon Code to access your free download: e6u3rd5d
The Architects and Specifiers Guide to Furniture (March 2025 Version 1)
australianfurniture.org.au/product/the-...
You can use this Coupon Code to access your free download: e6u3rd5d
Reposted by Michael Smith
Just under a decade ago I asked then Vic planning minister about as of right development for small apartments.
It is interesting to see how far we have come since
It is interesting to see how far we have come since
February 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Just under a decade ago I asked then Vic planning minister about as of right development for small apartments.
It is interesting to see how far we have come since
It is interesting to see how far we have come since
Just under a decade ago I asked then Vic planning minister about as of right development for small apartments.
It is interesting to see how far we have come since
It is interesting to see how far we have come since
February 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Just under a decade ago I asked then Vic planning minister about as of right development for small apartments.
It is interesting to see how far we have come since
It is interesting to see how far we have come since
Nightingale housing has been campaigning on ‘housing people not cars’ for a decade.
Now the policy is catching up
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Now the policy is catching up
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Car park requirements slashed near Melbourne transport hubs
The premier and planning minister have released the new Plan for Victoria, dictating development for the next 30 years.
www.theage.com.au
February 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Nightingale housing has been campaigning on ‘housing people not cars’ for a decade.
Now the policy is catching up
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Now the policy is catching up
www.theage.com.au/politics/vic...
Reposted by Michael Smith
Exclusive: Melbourne’s first attempt at a fast-tracked “off-the-shelf” three-storey apartment building has failed after Banyule City Council rejected a proposal that already had state government approval:
www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
Council rejects off-the-shelf apartment proposal
The state approved a 17-dwelling plan but a council decision was described as a masterclass in adding to the housing crisis.
www.theage.com.au
February 25, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Exclusive: Melbourne’s first attempt at a fast-tracked “off-the-shelf” three-storey apartment building has failed after Banyule City Council rejected a proposal that already had state government approval:
www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
Wonderful to see this policy reform about to become reality.
Our practice has been advocating for rule changes for small apartment buildings for years.
Our practice has been advocating for rule changes for small apartment buildings for years.
Automatic green light for townhouses, small apartments
Neighbours will lose appeal rights for three-storey projects if the plans meet a set of strict standards
www.theage.com.au
February 24, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Wonderful to see this policy reform about to become reality.
Our practice has been advocating for rule changes for small apartment buildings for years.
Our practice has been advocating for rule changes for small apartment buildings for years.
Reposted by Michael Smith
Here’s an article on a subject dear to my heart; Architects speaking up in the public interest!
So important to talk to society at large - I’ve found that people are super interested to see /comment on issues raised
architectureau.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?...
So important to talk to society at large - I’ve found that people are super interested to see /comment on issues raised
architectureau.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?...
Rory Hyde on how to broadcast the value of architecture to a wider audience
ArchitectureAu Asks the Melbourne architect, educator and broadcaster, “Architects are good talkers, but who listens matters more – how do we make soundwaves beyond the profession?”
architectureau.us1.list-manage.com
January 23, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Here’s an article on a subject dear to my heart; Architects speaking up in the public interest!
So important to talk to society at large - I’ve found that people are super interested to see /comment on issues raised
architectureau.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?...
So important to talk to society at large - I’ve found that people are super interested to see /comment on issues raised
architectureau.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?...
Reposted by Michael Smith
That fire perimeter polygon by the Eames house is new this evening. Eep!
January 10, 2025 at 1:58 AM
That fire perimeter polygon by the Eames house is new this evening. Eep!
Reposted by Michael Smith
So far the Eames House is OK: "While currently at risk, Case Study House 8 — the historic Eames House built in 1949 — as of this morning was unharmed by the wildfires raging in the Pacific Palisades, but the windblown fires continue to claim other homes in the community and bring the fires nearer."
January 8, 2025 at 6:07 PM
So far the Eames House is OK: "While currently at risk, Case Study House 8 — the historic Eames House built in 1949 — as of this morning was unharmed by the wildfires raging in the Pacific Palisades, but the windblown fires continue to claim other homes in the community and bring the fires nearer."
Hoping that the Eames House survives the California bushfire emergency.
January 8, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Hoping that the Eames House survives the California bushfire emergency.
Reposted by Michael Smith
And if you are going to have a city dominated by traffic & glass wall towers with inadequate openings, your population is going to suffer even more.
If there’s a power failure during extreme heat, those towers risk being death traps…
If there’s a power failure during extreme heat, those towers risk being death traps…
December 20, 2024 at 6:03 AM
And if you are going to have a city dominated by traffic & glass wall towers with inadequate openings, your population is going to suffer even more.
If there’s a power failure during extreme heat, those towers risk being death traps…
If there’s a power failure during extreme heat, those towers risk being death traps…
Reposted by Michael Smith
Imma say it - George St is the best urban environment in Australia.
Over 2km of a car-free (mostly) street with so many stunning architectural landmarks and non-stop life. An amazing public space.
What strip is bigger and better? (1/3)
Over 2km of a car-free (mostly) street with so many stunning architectural landmarks and non-stop life. An amazing public space.
What strip is bigger and better? (1/3)
December 19, 2024 at 7:47 AM
Imma say it - George St is the best urban environment in Australia.
Over 2km of a car-free (mostly) street with so many stunning architectural landmarks and non-stop life. An amazing public space.
What strip is bigger and better? (1/3)
Over 2km of a car-free (mostly) street with so many stunning architectural landmarks and non-stop life. An amazing public space.
What strip is bigger and better? (1/3)
Another very frustrating editorial from The Age.
On the one hand they identify donation transparency as critical to democracy.
But they didn’t endorse either candidate that disclosed donations in real time.
On the one hand they identify donation transparency as critical to democracy.
But they didn’t endorse either candidate that disclosed donations in real time.
Mayor’s donations show it’s time for laws – not words
The case for a prohibition on donations by property developers has only been strengthened by this week’s disclosures.
www.theage.com.au
December 14, 2024 at 3:15 AM
Another very frustrating editorial from The Age.
On the one hand they identify donation transparency as critical to democracy.
But they didn’t endorse either candidate that disclosed donations in real time.
On the one hand they identify donation transparency as critical to democracy.
But they didn’t endorse either candidate that disclosed donations in real time.
The City of Melbourne’s latest pocket park just arrived
December 13, 2024 at 6:55 AM
The City of Melbourne’s latest pocket park just arrived
Reposted by Michael Smith
One week after receiving the Marriner donation, Reece pledged to sell COM’s share of the Regent Theatre if elected. Marriner, which owns the Comedy Theatre, Princess Theatre and Forum Theatre, and operates the Regent,would be a likely potential buyer. @carawaters.bsky.social @adamlcarey.bsky.social
Lord Mayor Nick Reece accepted tens of thousands of dollars from donors with property interests in the City of Melbourne, including some with pending developments, despite promising he would not allow property developers to bankroll his mayoral campaign. www.theage.com.au/national/vic...
Donation revelations prompt fears Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece could be ‘mired in conflicts of interest’
Reece accepted tens of thousands of dollars from donors with property interests in the City of Melbourne despite pledging he would not allow developers to bankroll his mayoral campaign. See the full l...
www.theage.com.au
December 12, 2024 at 9:28 PM
One week after receiving the Marriner donation, Reece pledged to sell COM’s share of the Regent Theatre if elected. Marriner, which owns the Comedy Theatre, Princess Theatre and Forum Theatre, and operates the Regent,would be a likely potential buyer. @carawaters.bsky.social @adamlcarey.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Smith
HERE IT IS! My 1st Urbanism & City-Building Starter Pack. I’ll keep adding to it as more city champions arrive here on Bluesky & I discover more of you. Please share this far & wide to support and grow our urbanism community here. Our cities need all the help they can get! go.bsky.app/G7isZfk
November 11, 2024 at 3:16 AM
HERE IT IS! My 1st Urbanism & City-Building Starter Pack. I’ll keep adding to it as more city champions arrive here on Bluesky & I discover more of you. Please share this far & wide to support and grow our urbanism community here. Our cities need all the help they can get! go.bsky.app/G7isZfk
Reposted by Michael Smith
Strongly agree.
This is contributing to the costs & non-compliant construction.
Lack of alignment with National Construction Code too - this week we had an old standard called up in NCC, whereas we had referred to current AS1428, so had to change design.
Wasteful, inefficient, costly - must fix it!
This is contributing to the costs & non-compliant construction.
Lack of alignment with National Construction Code too - this week we had an old standard called up in NCC, whereas we had referred to current AS1428, so had to change design.
Wasteful, inefficient, costly - must fix it!
Ridiculous.
In my view Australian Standards are not fit for purpose and should be fully replaced with a freely accessible, coordinated, easily readable and illustrated set of rules.
In my view Australian Standards are not fit for purpose and should be fully replaced with a freely accessible, coordinated, easily readable and illustrated set of rules.
November 15, 2024 at 11:02 PM
Strongly agree.
This is contributing to the costs & non-compliant construction.
Lack of alignment with National Construction Code too - this week we had an old standard called up in NCC, whereas we had referred to current AS1428, so had to change design.
Wasteful, inefficient, costly - must fix it!
This is contributing to the costs & non-compliant construction.
Lack of alignment with National Construction Code too - this week we had an old standard called up in NCC, whereas we had referred to current AS1428, so had to change design.
Wasteful, inefficient, costly - must fix it!
Reposted by Michael Smith
Now this…is a Voice to Parliament. Solidarity.
November 14, 2024 at 11:17 AM
Now this…is a Voice to Parliament. Solidarity.
Royal Park near Ross Straw Field.
Better than a toll road.
Better than a toll road.
November 14, 2024 at 9:26 AM
Royal Park near Ross Straw Field.
Better than a toll road.
Better than a toll road.
Great to see you here @peterfitz1.bsky.social
November 13, 2024 at 12:04 PM
Great to see you here @peterfitz1.bsky.social
I have an interest in architectural media. Part of that is in the advertising that targets architects.
I noticed on X that there was a building product ad that wasn’t displayed properly.
So I reached out to the company.
They didn’t ask for or pay for the ad and didn’t even have an account
I noticed on X that there was a building product ad that wasn’t displayed properly.
So I reached out to the company.
They didn’t ask for or pay for the ad and didn’t even have an account
November 13, 2024 at 11:59 AM
I have an interest in architectural media. Part of that is in the advertising that targets architects.
I noticed on X that there was a building product ad that wasn’t displayed properly.
So I reached out to the company.
They didn’t ask for or pay for the ad and didn’t even have an account
I noticed on X that there was a building product ad that wasn’t displayed properly.
So I reached out to the company.
They didn’t ask for or pay for the ad and didn’t even have an account