We look at how Australians have lived together in the past — and what those lessons might offer us today.From the tightly packed worker’s cottages of the early 1900s, where strong community bonds helped people get by, to the bold experiments in communal and cooperative living during the 1970s, Australians have long found creative ways to share space.Now, as the housing crisis deepens, one State Government (NSW) is reviving the idea of the housing pattern book — a fast-track design initiative that encourages density, sustainability, and smarter living.But are Australians ready to embrace the idea of “home” not as a private fortress, but where shared space and personal privacy coexist?Hosted by Professor of Architecture Anthony Burke, this series asks: can we reimagine the Dream? For more conversations about design with Anthony Burke & friends, head to Lifestyle on ABC iViewProduction assistance this week by Rachael Bongiorno.Guests in this episodeJanet McCalman, Emeritus Professor at Melbourne University and author of Struggletown Public and Private Life in Richmond 1900- 1965 Abbie Galvin, NSW Government ArchitectLee Stickells, Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, University of SydneyPeter Cock, Co-founder of Moora Moora Cooperative in the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne.Chelsea McNabb, Resident at Moora Moora CooperativeIzzy Kane, Resident at Moora Moora Cooperative
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01 | The Home Front: Owning the Dream
What if Australia’s housing crisis wasn’t just a problem — but a chance to build something better? In the Home Front, we unpack the historical, cultural, and political forces that shaped our national obsession with home ownership. From post-war prosperity to suburban ideals, we explore how the dream took root.Hosted by Professor of Architecture (UTS) Anthony Burke, this series asks: can we reimagine the Dream? For more conversations about design with Anthony Burke & friends, head to Lifestyle on ABC iViewProduction assistance this week by Rachael Bongiorno.Guests in this episode: Dr Rebecca Huntly, writer and social analyst and Director of Research at the agency 89DegreesEast. Dr Tom Alves, Head of Development at Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), Tim Ross, comedian, broadcaster, architecture & design commentator, and curator of the State Library of NSW exhibition The Australian Dream?
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INTRODUCING — The Home Front with Anthony Burke
Australia's housing crisis is pushing more people to the edge — but could better design help turn things around? In The Home Front, design expert Anthony Burke explores how we got here, why the Great Australian Dream is failing so many, and what a better future could look like — for all of us.
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INTRODUCING — Brain Rot, a series from Science Friction
For Science Friction, it's Brain Rot — a new series about the science of being chronically online and what it’s doing to our brains.What's really going on with our attention spans? Is data-dumping your entire life into ChatGPT helpful? And what's it like to be in love ... with an AI?National technology reporter Ange Lavoipierre tackles the wildest ways people are using tech and the big questions about our own use. Episode 1 is out Wednesday 4 June.
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PRESENTS — No One Saw It Coming
The bit players, the unexpected twists, the turning point you missed. Join Walkley award-winner Marc Fennell as he uncovers the incredible moments that changed the course of history in the podcast No One Saw It Coming.Find it on the ABC listen app
New series: The Home Front with Anthony Burke. What if Australia’s housing crisis wasn’t just a problem — but a chance to build something better?
In the six-part series The Home Front, design expert Anthony Burke explores how smart, thoughtful design could help fix Australia’s housing challenges — and reshape the Great Australian Dream for a new generation.
From stories of disease outbreaks to myths of war and understanding how power actually works — Radio National Presents is the home of great storytelling that helps you better understand what’s going on in the world. Catch up on past series below.
Australia