Sydney XXXL, Ed Lippmann Architecture Book, Architecture Publication, Australian Architectural Design
Sydney XXXL – Ed Lippmann
23 July 2020
Sydney XXXL
Written by Ed Lippmann
In less than 250 years, Sydney has evolved from fledgling colonial outpost to thriving global city. It’s emerald harbour, iconic opera house, sparkling beaches and subtropical climate are the envy of the world. But behind the postcard-perfect images, it’s a city struggling against its own success.
A city quite literally bursting at the seams, with a population of 5 million, and growing at a rate of 100,000 every year. A city with a proud past that can have a wonderful future. Yet, for that to happen, it needs something that it’s never had – an effective, comprehensive plan for urban development and design.
“I heartily commend Ed Lippmann’s book. It comes at a critical time in the life of his city and will contribute to the crucial debate now underway on the future form of Sydney.” — Lord Richard Rogers
This is the point of departure for Ed Lippmann, renowned and respected Sydney architect. Lippmann’s practice has been delivering major projects in and around Sydney for more than three decades. He’s seen firsthand the problems that have come from the city’s lack of planning and he has a unique perspective on how they might be avoided in the future. His new book, Sydney XXXL, digs deep into Sydney’s history, charting the financial and political interests that have shaped its development, and – most importantly – identifying the key decisions that have to be made to accommodate future population growth in a more livable, sustainable city.
Drawing on a range of resources, and Lippmann’s extensive experience, Sydney XXXL makes a compelling and
detailed argument for specific planning and design measures, from polycentric planning, restrictions on urban sprawl, higher urban dwelling densities and legislated architectural design standards, to renewed investment in
public transport and preservation of natural landscapes.
But the future won’t wait. As Lippmann says, “the time for change is now.” Sydney XXXL is a vital, timely call to arms for politicians, developers and architects, and a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of Sydney, and the future of cities.
Ed Lippmann is one of Australia’s most respected architects. Since establishing his own practice in 1985, he’s been involved in many significant public projects, including the Barangaroo Masterplan on Sydney Harbour and the 8 Chifley Square office tower in the heart of Sydney’s financial district (in collaboration with Rogers, Stirk, Harbour + Partners), and has overseen the design and delivery of many other public, commercial and private buildings, such as the Andrew “Boy” Charlton Pool, Emanuel Synagogue and the Butterfly House.
Lippmann Partnership has been acknowledged by the Australian Institute of Architects Awards for Public Buildings, Urban Design and Commercial Buildings, the Property Council of Australia for Sustainable Architecture, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Urban Task Force, Architecture AU and the London International Creative Competition Awards.
Ed’s clear-minded opinions on architecture, urban planning and sustainability will be familiar to listeners of Eastside Radio, for whom he’s been hosting the radio program, Sydney as it Could Be, since 2006.
The book is available in the libraries of the RIBA in London, COAM in Madrid, COAC in Barcelona and Cite de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris. It can be purchased on Amazon here
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