Roderick Simpson is an architect and registered urban designer and fellow of the Planning Institute. Formerly the inaugural Environment Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, he was director of the Urbanism and Urban Design programs at the University of Sydney. His work since the 1990s has focused on sustainability and resilience. He now advocates planning centred on blue-green infrastructure and urban design at all scales. Rod chairs advisory committees for WSU Architecture and NSW Museums of History.
Roderick Simpson's latest contributions
Roderick Simpson on the rise of high-density housing
ArchitectureAu Asks the Sydney architect and urban designer, “When it comes to apartment towers in our suburbs, how high is too high?”
Beyond the disciplinary straitjacket: Expanding the realm of urban agency
Architect and urbanist Roderick Simpson joins Alanna King in a discussion exploring the opportunities, tactics and roles that allow designers to best effect meaningful urban change in the context of the climate crisis.
Barangaroo – politics and process
Roderick Simpson provides his perspective on Barangaroo, Sydney’s largest and most significant urban development for decades.
Edge Conditions
In competitions for Wagga Wagga and Sydney’s Cockatoo Island, entrants suggest futures for two ambigous sites: an inland lake and a harbour island. Winning schemes are discussed here by Michael Ostwald and Rod Simpson.
