Dec 9, 2024, 4:02 AM
Dec 9, 2024, 4:02 AM

Young Aussie claims new suburbs in west resemble dystopian sleeping pods

Provocative
Highlights
  • A young resident criticized new suburbs in Sydney for their uniformity and lack of character.
  • Comments from local residents highlight concerns over the absence of greenery and cramped living conditions.
  • Many families are forced to live in these areas due to rising housing costs and long commutes from the city.
Story

In Sydney, Australia, a young man named Matt Van Biljon expressed his concerns about the newer suburbs being built compared to the older, more established neighborhoods. In a TikTok video, he highlighted that homes in the new suburbs are uniform, lacking the unique architectural features and heritage aspects found in older areas closer to the city. He pointed out that many older homes are protected by heritage laws, preventing alterations to their exteriors, which adds to their character and charm. In contrast, he noted that the new suburbs resemble 'dystopian sleeping pods' and have a lack of greenery, with only well-maintained front lawns providing minimal plant life, resulting in a stark and sterile environment. Residents of new suburbs such as Quakers Hill have echoed Van Biljon's sentiments, noting that the close proximity of homes, often built in a grid-like pattern, contributes to a feeling of lifelessness. Commenters on social media remarked that the design makes the living spaces feel cramped and limiting. Concerns were raised about the absence of trees, which play a vital role in providing shade and cooling effects during scorching summer temperatures. Many residents criticized how the predominantly black roofs exacerbate heat retention, creating 'heat islands' in these newer developments. In interviews, some residents acknowledged the difficult housing market in Sydney, where rising costs force families to relocate to the outskirts of the city, opting for more affordable but less desirable housing options. Surya Durai, a resident of the new Box Hill area, expressed his desire to live closer to the city but felt compelled to stay in his current location due to financial constraints. He discussed the long commutes and inadequate infrastructure that residents frequently face, as well as how he has to rely on air conditioning during extremely hot days. As urban development continues to expand into the western suburbs of Sydney, the themes of affordability versus livability emerge as key issues within the community. While many residents long for the character and charm of older neighborhoods, they find themselves in newly built areas that may lack essential features that promote a vibrant and healthy living environment. The discussions around these developments shed light on the importance of urban planning that considers both aesthetics and functionality in future housing projects.

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