Season 4 Episode 5: Are Australian cities still living with “The Australian Ugliness”?

In this episode, Justine Costigan and Antony DiMase explore the legacy of Australian architect and critic Robin Boyd, focusing on his 1960 book The Australian Ugliness and the author's concept of “featurism”—a critique of decorative, status-driven housing that prioritises resale value and novelty over function, sustainability, and liveability. Reflecting on contemporary issues—from oversized homes and developer-led suburbs to co-design, cultural diversity, and First Nations perspectives—the episode asks whether Boyd’s ideas continue to shape contemporary conversations about architecture, housing, and Australian identity today.