Many of us associate the Gold Coast with its iconic skyline and pristine beaches. But there is so much more to Queensland’s southern city – including its unique collection of urban villages.
Urbis Gold Coast Director Matt Schneider describes textural differences between each beachside suburb as a key source of this diversity. He believes they are differences that drive a healthy rivalry between the suburban ‘villages’ dotted along the city’s coastline.
Schneider is passionate about keeping that rivalry alive by ensuring the Gold Coast celebrates the unique identity of its neighbourhoods through architecture.
“There are three fundamental components of the DNA of the Gold Coast and the skyline is one of them, but it’s number three on my list,” says Schneider.
“Number one is water, the lifeblood of the city. This includes our rivers and canals because it’s the water that actually ties together these neighbourhoods and what people deeply relate to.
“From a city planning perspective, the Gold Coast started as a series of coastal villages and what you’re seeing now is a reimagination of those coastal villages into urban neighbourhoods.