Introduction
A brief word on Sydney’s past, present and possible futures.
Sydney XXXL examines the history of urban development in Sydney, commencing as a distant colonial outpost but quickly morphing into a twenty-first century global city.
Sydney’s transformation in less than 250 years has not only been rapid but also radical, with its once sparsely populated, serene, natural environment now replaced by infrastructure and buildings for millions of residents.
A desirable city for migrants because of its prosperity and beauty, Sydney continues to grow at the rate of some 100,000 residents a year and in 2018 its population exceeded five million citizens. But is Sydney ready for this continued growth, and, if not, what needs to be done?
Currently in the midst of the biggest building boom in its history, Sydney’s continued urban survival and success hinges on effective urban planning, visionary architecture and sound governance. At the same time, as humanity faces critical existential challenges, cities like Sydney must share responsibility for environmental degradation and social inequality on a global scale.
Resilient cities are cities that adapt and grow in response to these physical, social and economic challenges. Sydney’s ability to be a resilient city depends on the collective determination of its citizens, institutions, businesses and governments to thrive in the face of growth, change and stress.
Sydney is fortunate to have an enviable location, climate and comparatively high living standard — but it can’t rely on luck or its natural inheritance any longer. Historically, its growth has been characterised by opportunistic development, incoherent planning and lack of a clear, long-term vision. If Sydney is to become a better, more livable and sustainable city, the time for change is now.
Continue reading Sydney XXXL. Next: Chapter 1. A World of Cities
