EPISODE · Jul 16, 2023 · 16 MIN
Bill Chandler: A skeptical optimist who saw good urban design as critical to combatting the climate crisis
from Climate Conversations · host Robert McLean
Bill Chandler (pictured) was a beautiful gentleman who attracted, people of similar ilk and it was along with a few others that in 1986 he set up the Melbourne-based Urban Design Forum (UDF). The group had serious intent in ensuring Australia was creating towns and cities focussing on people rather than machines. Yet, it went about its work in an understated and informal manner. Bill was vitally implicated in major projects throughout Melbourne and never stepped back from the UDF's guiding philosophy that people rather than machines needed to be given priority at every stage of design. He was known to architecture and urban people throughout Victoria, and Australia, and in later years, distressed by the collapse of the newspaper industry, or at least the disappearance of the suburban newspaper, Bill, along with a few others, set up the digital newspaper, the "Eastsider News" Check out the "Urban Design Forum Australia". Here are some quotes about Bill: One of our true civic-minded planning champions, his legacy will be remembered by our future generations. Gareth Hately Bill was a giant in the world of Planning. If you were ever stuck with a problem, you could always go to Bill to test ideas or even just shoot the breeze. Kate Stapleton In his passing I’ve come to appreciate Bill as the unofficial coach of planning in Victoria; not the belligerent, carping type but rather inspiring his players with his crystal clarity on what planning stands for. Marcus Spiller Bill would never let a prospective Planning News contributor escape his grasp; with a twinkle in his eye and a cheeky smile: “So I’ll expect an article on your latest research by Friday next week – okay?” Bill’s commitment to planning, and keeping planners up-to-date with the latest research was legendary. Billie Giles-Corti I’ll never forget the advice Bill gave me during my term as PIA VIC President - to have confidence in speaking up on behalf of PIA members and “don’t sit on the fence”! Laura Murray Bill was a great planning mate, particularly during my time as the Victorian Division President. Bill has always been there to challenge and guide me with a smile. He will be sadly missed at all PIA events. Jason Black Bill was arguably the pioneer of lifting Urban Design onto the national consciousness. We and the nation are all indebted. Gordon Holden Bill’s leadership, positivity and sustained energy have paid a national dividend. Peter Dungey Addressing a conference workshop in the early 90’s, Bill announced: “For every complex problem, there’s always a simple solution ...” As he paused for dramatic effect I thought I was about to hear a great revelation. “… and it’s almost always wrong!” How right he was! Nathan Alexander Bill was an indefatigable champion of better cities; cities that are not just well-designed and managed but, as he always reminded us, are fundamentally about and for, people. Malcolm Snow
What this episode covers
Bill Chandler (pictured) was a beautiful gentleman who attracted, people of similar ilk and it was along with a few others that in 1986 he set up the Melbourne-based Urban Design Forum (UDF). The group had serious intent in ensuring Australia was creating towns and cities focussing on people rather than machines. Yet, it went about its work in an understated and informal manner. Bill was vitally implicated in major projects throughout Melbourne and never stepped back from the UDF's guiding philosophy that people rather than machines needed to be given priority at every stage of design. He was known to architecture and urban people throughout Victoria, and Australia, and in later years, distressed by the collapse of the newspaper industry, or at least the disappearance of the suburban newspaper, Bill, along with a few others, set up the digital newspaper, the "Eastsider News" Check out the "Urban Design Forum Australia". Here are some quotes about Bill: One of our true civic-minded planning champions, his legacy will be remembered by our future generations. Gareth Hately Bill was a giant in the world of Planning. If you were ever stuck with a problem, you could always go to Bill to test ideas or even just shoot the breeze. Kate Stapleton In his passing I’ve come to appreciate Bill as the unofficial coach of planning in Victoria; not the belligerent, carping type but rather inspiring his players with his crystal clarity on what planning stands for. Marcus Spiller Bill would never let a prospective Planning News contributor escape his grasp; with a twinkle in his eye and a cheeky smile: “So I’ll expect an article on your latest research by Friday next week – okay?” Bill’s commitment to planning, and keeping planners up-to-date with the latest research was legendary. Billie Giles-Corti I’ll never forget the advice Bill gave me during my term as PIA VIC President - to have confidence in speaking up on behalf of PIA members and “don’t sit on the fence”! Laura Murray Bill was a great planning mate, particularly during my time as the Victorian Division President. Bill has always been there to challenge and guide me with a smile. He will be sadly missed at all PIA events. Jason Black Bill was arguably the pioneer of lifting Urban Design onto the national consciousness. We and the nation are all indebted. Gordon Holden Bill’s leadership, positivity and sustained energy have paid a national dividend. Peter Dungey Addressing a conference workshop in the early 90’s, Bill announced: “For every complex problem, there’s always a simple solution ...” As he paused for dramatic effect I thought I was about to hear a great revelation. “… and it’s almost always wrong!” How right he was! Nathan Alexander Bill was an indefatigable champion of better cities; cities that are not just well-designed and managed but, as he always reminded us, are fundamentally about and for, people. Malcolm Snow
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Bill Chandler: A skeptical optimist who saw good urban design as critical to combatting the climate crisis
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