Tony Trobe: Why do we need a view?

 Jonathan MacRobert is a Canberra-based design professional and a regular contributor to this column.

TT: What is a view?

JM: Back at uni our relatively useless lecturer asked that question. It was the best lecture he ever gave. The answer he gave suggested a view is: a close look at detail, an intermediate outlook to set the context and a long distant view to see the hills or river or distant city etc. or even a sunrise.

If you really have some money then the view should have activity, like the sailing boat on the river with the rower passing by the bike rider with the kids buying ice-creams next to the public arts spaces etc … you have seen the ”artist’s impression”.

TT: So really, why is it important; after all, there is so much on TV?

JM: There are all sorts of wellbeing studies that support the psychology of place but just “trust your senses, Luke”, have a look around in any place with people. The fundamentals are that people like to back themselves into a safe place and then look out. Mostly people like looking at people and people go to a lot of trouble to seek out a view of nature. It’s in us all.

TT: Well, what do I say, der? Isn’t this obvious?

JM: So why do most of us not have these basics at the planning and detail level?

Just look around what’s on the market. Many units have none; some have a pot plant and a stray cat. That’s not enough and we as a sophisticated society should demand more. Just open the real estate section and see how many offerings meet this basic psychological need. Just occasionally the ”govvie” on a hill will meet these needs, the penthouse with the roof garden will do it, but most new homes will at best score about 5 out of 10.

TT: But surely an architect will consider these things, as you say it’s in their training?

JM: I think Catherine Townsend; the ACT Government architect, has answered this in your column. Few homes have been guided by an architect and many units have been instructed to maximise dollar return, not lifestyle and wellbeing.

TT: So apparently 2017 is the year of positive architecture, what tips do you have?

JM: Is 2017 really that? Great idea! Gardens facing north work well, put something interesting in them even if it’s just a pot plant, a bird bath or a friendly gnome. Try and configure some windows to see down the street and across the neighbour’s yard. Catch some street life in a discrete way, try and get some sky in your house or distant view or maybe a sunrise/sunset in the distance, catch a glimpse of some movement, even if it’s just the garbage truck. Do it in a way that maintains your privacy but gives you an opportunity to wave to your neighbour.

Basically just have this on the checklist when looking for your next place to live, it may even be more important than the wall tiles in the bathroom.

Tony Trobe is director of the local practice TT Architecture. Is there a planning or design issue in Canberra you’d like to discuss? Email tonytrobe@ttarchitecture.com.au