News
ARTICLE POSTED — 18th Feb 22
Local Design Review Scheme now live
The Local Design Review Scheme became operational on 17 February.
The Scheme provides a consistent state-wide approach for councils to provide Design Review for local development proposals with the aim of:
- supporting high-quality design
- improving access to independent and expert advice early in the planning and design process
- supporting consistent and informed planning decisions
- facilitating collaboration between allied professionals
- supporting the State’s planning system to meet objects and principles in the Act.
With the Scheme now live, Councils can register to establish their own Design Review panels to provide independent and expert design advice to proponents before they lodge a development application.
You can learn more about Local Design Review by reviewing the information on the PlanSA portal or contacting the Office for Design and Architecture SA (ODASA):
- 8402 1884
- LocalDesignReview@sa.gov.au
Interested councils are encouraged to contact ODASA to learn more about the registration process and the support available to help get started.
ARTICLE POSTED — 31st Mar 21
Local Design Review Scheme approved
The Minister for Planning and Local Government has approved the Local Design Review Scheme for South Australia to come into effect on 1 July 2021.
The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (PDI Act) enables South Australia’s new planning system to place greater emphasis on the design quality of our built environments. One of the ways it is achieving this is by creating more opportunities to participate in Design Review under the new Local Design Review Scheme (the Scheme).
Design Review is an independent evaluation process where a panel of built environment experts review the design quality of a development proposal before it is lodged for assessment.
State Design Review has operated successfully in South Australia since 2011 and is currently available to larger-scale development proposals assessed by the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) and referred to the South Australian Government Architect. State Design Review will continue for these larger-scale development proposals in the new planning system.
The Local Design Review Scheme will expand the availability of Design Review to development proposals that are assessed by relevant authorities appointed by councils. Councils in South Australia are increasingly offering design advisory services to proponents in varying formats. The Scheme sets out a consistent approach to Local Design Review to support those councils who choose to provide the service within their communities, as well as independent Design Review providers.
The Scheme is designed to:
- support high-quality design
- improve access to independent and expert design advice early in the planning and design process
- support consistent and informed planning decisions
- facilitate collaboration between allied professionals
- support the State’s planning system to meet objects and principles in the PDI Act.
In 2020, the Office for Design and Architecture SA (ODASA) drafted the Scheme in close collaboration with the State Planning Commission, council staff from across the State, representatives from peak industry bodies and interstate government agencies with experience in Local Design Review.
The draft Scheme was available for public comment for eight weeks, from 26 June to 21 August 2020. A total of 39 submissions were received in response to the draft Scheme. ODASA updated the Scheme to reflect the feedback received and in early 2021 undertook a targeted consultation process with council staff and representatives from peak industry bodies to further test and refine it.
ODASA is now preparing for the Scheme to come into operation across the State. This involves completing a number of statutory and regulatory requirements and the supporting guidance material prior to the Scheme commencing.
ODASA has also prepared an Engagement Summary Report to summarise the drafting and engagement processes relating to the Scheme and discuss key themes that emerged from the feedback.
The approved Scheme and the Engagement Summary Report can be accessed below.
If you would like to speak with someone about Local Design Review, please contact ODASA on 8402 1884 during business hours (9am – 5pm, weekdays).
Further information
- Read the approved Local Design Review Scheme
- Read the Local Design Review Scheme Engagement Summary Report
- Read more about Design Review in South Australia
ARTICLE POSTED — 11th Mar 21
South Australian Design Review Panel Recruitment
Are you passionate about good design in South Australia?
Are you a strong, clear and confident communicator with experience reviewing significant construction projects?
The South Australian Design Review program is seeking new members for its Design Review Panel.
Since the Design Review program was established in 2011, 474 design reviews have been undertaken of over 216 significant projects throughout South Australia, with a total value of $8.4 billion.
The Design Review Panel assists the Government Architect in delivering independent design advice to the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP), informed by all aspects of best practice urban design.
The Office for Design and Architecture South Australia is seeking applications from all sectors of the design community to join the existing Design Review Panel, particularly professionals with experience within the fields of urban design, medium density residential design, sustainable development, education, landscape architecture, infrastructure and heritage. New members will be selected to complement the existing skills within the panel and build a broader range of expertise.
Successful applicants will be invited to be a member of the Design Review Panel for an initial term expiring 30 June 2023 (with an option to extend), and would attend approximately five to ten half-day sessions per year. There will also be an opportunity for suitable candidates to join the panel periodically as the Design Review Panel is now an open panel.
If you are interested in supporting good design in South Australia, please apply here at https://www.tenders.sa.gov.au/tender/view?id=231080. Applications closing Tuesday 6th April 2021.
ARTICLE POSTED — 2nd Sep 20
CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT LOCAL DESIGN REVIEW SCHEME FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA HAS NOW CLOSED
Public consultation on the draft Local Design Review Scheme for South Australia was open from 26 June to 21 August 2020.
A What We Have Heard report based on feedback received will be prepared and published on this website and PlanSA.
The Office for Design and Architecture South Australia thanks all who provided feedback on the draft Scheme.
ARTICLE POSTED — 25th Jun 20
Consultation on the draft Local Design Review Scheme for South Australia is now closed
The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 enables South Australia’s new planning system to place greater emphasis on the design quality of our built environments. One of the ways it will do this is by creating more opportunities to participate in Design Review under a new Local Design Review Scheme.
Design Review is an independent evaluation process where a panel of built environment experts review the design quality of a development proposal before it is lodged for assessment.
The draft Scheme set out a consistent approach for the delivery of Local Design Review across the State and to support those councils who choose to offer the service within their communities, as well as independent Design Review providers.
The draft Local Design Review Scheme seeked to:
- support high-quality design
- improve access to independent and expert design advice early in the planning and design process
- support consistent and informed planning decisions
- facilitate collaboration between allied professionals that can positively contribute to professional development
The Office for Design and Architecture South Australia (ODASA) prepared the draft Scheme on behalf of the Minister for Planning in collaboration with the State Planning Commission, local government staff from across the State and representatives from peak industry bodies who might provide Local Design Review.
ARTICLE POSTED — 8th Nov 19
Creating Greener Places for Healthy and Sustainable Communities
Events
Exhibitions at 28 Leigh Street
The 28 Leigh Street Gallery is currently closed due to COVID restrictions.
28 LEIGH STREET GALLERY
The 28 Leigh Street Gallery is a vibrant, flexible and modern exhibition space within a beautifully maintained heritage building in the heart of Adelaide. Located on one of the city’s busiest pedestrian streets, the Gallery offers great exposure to different displays throughout the year which aim to promote good design in South Australia’s built environments.
Our 2021 exhibition program provides a platform for upcoming initiatives within the design, architecture and related industries, and further celebrates the achievements of outstanding projects, professional bodies and organisations within our state.
If you are interested in exploring your idea for a temporary exhibition or installation with us, please contact the Office for Design and Architecture SA.
