The Life and Death of the Australian Backyard (Paperback)

A substantial backyard has long been considered an iconic feature of the Australian suburb. Nevertheless, since the mid 1990s, substantial backyards have largely disappeared from new suburban houses in Australia. Whatever the size of lot, the dwelling now covers most of its area. The minimal backyard is not just a matter of higher densities in existing urban areas; it is at its most extreme in the new outer suburbs.The loss of the backyard has serious ecological implications, notably for biodiversity, microclimate and drainage, a trend rendered permanent by the changes to the housing stock. It appears to be the physical expression of the way that Australian lifestyles are changing for the worse, in particular longer working hours. This in turn raises issues about health and wellbeing, especially for children.This book discusses the nature, uses and meaning of the traditional backyard, presents an understanding of the changes that have been happening and suggests possible remedies.Key Features: * Investigates the backyard as a physical expression of the way that Australian lifestylesare changing* Highlights issues about health and wellbeing, especially for children* Discusses that while planning policy does not promote the death of the backyard, it does nothing to prevent it