Leila Mahmoudi Farahani – The Conversation

Residents of the outer suburbs like the green spaces and sense of community, but lament the lack of access to transport and other services. theskaman306/Shutterstock

February 20, 2019

Living ‘liveable’: this is what residents have to say about life on the urban fringe

Leila Mahmoudi Farahani, RMIT University; Billie Giles-Corti, RMIT University; Cecily Maller, RMIT University, and Melanie Lowe, Australian Catholic University

Much of the growth in our cities is in the outer suburbs, now home to around 5 million people. And that creates problems like traffic that detract from the advantages residents see in living there.

Highton Shopping Village in Geelong. Leila Farahani

November 16, 2017

This is how to create social hubs that make 20‑minute neighbourhoods work

Leila Mahmoudi Farahani, RMIT University; Cristina Garduño Freeman, The University of Melbourne; David Beynon, Deakin University, and Richard Tucker, Deakin University

Low-density suburbs can cause social isolation that’s harmful for individual and community well-being. But research confirms we can plan neighbourhood centres so they become vibrant social hubs.

Stony Creek drain: untidy and often slightly threatening, informal green space still has value for residents, which appropriate intervention can enhance.

November 7, 2017

How do we turn a drain into valued green space? First, ask the residents

Leila Mahmoudi Farahani, RMIT University and Cecily Maller, RMIT University

Residents often have concerns about informal green space but some still use it. Work to enhance these areas should aim to resolve these concerns without destroying what residents do value.

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