Dissertation
Societal influences on the dwelling size of Australia's suburban housing model
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00008
Abstract
The low-density single-family suburban dwelling model has dominated Australian housing to the extent that it is romanticised as the Australian dream. This research explores one aspect of this mainstream housing model: the preference for large dwelling sizes. Australia’s average dwelling size has increased to be one of the largest in the world, despite contradictory trends of reducing domestic allotment sizes, and smaller household sizes. The combined effect is a dream in crisis: an increasing housing affordability gap, loss of private green space, and sprawling suburbia that continue to expand around major cities. This thesis focusses on dwelling size as a device to investigate the limitations for sustainable housing and urban form. It does so by questioning the societal systems influencing dwelling size in Australia.
The research explores dwelling size as a socio-spatial phenomenon that recognises a dwelling as more than the physically built form. Dwelling goes beyond the house to include subjective meanings and practices which are relative to the social contexts and governance systems. The multi-phased research approach used in this research adopts theoretical perspectives from beyond the traditional housing perspectives, including urban morphology, social practice theory, and social-technical systems. These chosen theoretical perspectives explore the socio-spatial dimension of housing by linking physical objects with social conceptions through three research phases.
Details
- Title
- Societal influences on the dwelling size of Australia's suburban housing model
- Authors
- Anna McKinlay
- Contributors
- Claudia Baldwin (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00008
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Engage Research Lab; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99483705802621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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