Australia's Urbanity

Australia’s cities are undergoing a profound transformation. The way people live, work, and interact is changing as urban environments change due to the interaction of public spaces, architecture, and economic expansion. Through an extensive collection of case studies that showcase the country's most ambitious urban undertakings, Australia's Urbanity: Architecture, Place, and the Pulse of Urban Life explores this progression.
The book depicts the dynamic changes that characterize contemporary Australian urbanity, from the reimagining of public areas and waterfronts to the growth of major business districts and the emergence of high-density dwelling. It looks at urban infill projects that strike a balance between progressive redevelopment and heritage preservation, master-planned communities created for long-term sustainability, and economic innovation precincts that propel technological growth. The book presents a convincing picture of how cities are adjusting to changing societal demands, environmental issues, and population increase through these five topics.
At the heart of this exploration is the question of resilience and sustainable development—how can Australian cities evolve without losing their identity? The case studies show that combining sustainable infrastructure, smart design, and public involvement is essential for a successful urban change. While many key initiatives demonstrate the need of sustainability and innovation in forming future communities, some development-oriented projects demonstrate how urban renovation can improve both economic vitality and social inclusion. The book ends with a discussion of Australia's urban future, highlighting the necessity of planning frameworks and policies that strike a balance between ecological responsibility and expansion. Australia's Urbanity is a guide to comprehending the forces that will define the cities of the future, not merely a mirror of the present.
- Showcases iconic urban projects shaping Australia's evolving cityscapes and public spaces.
- Explores sustainability and innovation in master-planned communities and economic precincts.
- Blends architecture, history, and policy to reveal the pulse of Australian urban life.
- Features 25 compelling case studies from waterfront redevelopments to high-density CBD expansions.
- Offers a forward-looking perspective on resilience, growth, and the future of Australian cities.

Ali CHESHMEHZANGI is a Professor and Head of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning (ADP) at The University of Queensland. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at Hunan University. He is the Brisbane Olympics Committee member for Games Legacy and Growth Sub-Committee as well as the Expert member of the 2032 Games led by UQ. He has been in the World’s top 2 percent field leader since 2021, recognised by Stanford University. He is among the top 20 global scholars in the urban sustainability research area.
Ali has a wealth of experience, expertise, and a strong commitment to innovation and excellence in the fields of architecture, design, and planning, the three core disciplines of his School at UQ. With a career spanning over two decades, he has made significant contributions to the academic and professional communities, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious design. Prior to joining UQ, Ali held several strategic leadership and senior managerial roles, such as Vice-President for International Engagement and Global Partnership, Founding Director and Head of the Center for Innovation in Education and Research, Head of the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Founding Director of the Urban Innovation Lab, Director of a university-wide Teaching and Learning platform, Founding Director of International Research Network for Rural and Urban Development, Founder and Head of Research Group for Sustainable Built Environment, co-director of university-wide research priority areas, Director of Center for Sustainable Energy Technologies, and Interim Director of Digital Design Lab. So far, Ali has published over 500 journal papers, articles, conference papers, book chapters, and reports. This is his 44th academic book, alongside his many poetry collections that he has written in Parsi/Persian and English. Some of his previous academic books have received awards at the national, provincial, and municipal levels. He also has received international awards and recognition for his research on urban resilience studies and sustainability research, as well as a 2018 Vice-Chancellor’s award for his impactful contribution to higher education.