In this edition of Blueprint For Living, we ask whether fashion can truly be sustainable, find inspiration in the garden, and introduce a new Australian architecture award recognising projects for the common good. Plus, the origins behind Venetian glass.

Design for good

Your weekly expedition to the heart of modern life through buildings, design, gardens and food.

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Uni student protests: An architectural history

What impact has the built environment had on student protests on campus? How have universities responded architecturally in order to curb dissent?




Matt Preston: Big Mouth

The former MasterChef judge, restaurant critic and radio host discusses his memoir Big Mouth. 




The rise and rise of Baker Bleu

The Baker Bleu owner shares his ingredients for success in the food business, as well as some of the secrets behind baking seriously good bread.

Matt Preston, Baker Bleu, and an architectural history of student protests

Annie Smithers cooks Elizabeth David - Charcuterie

What’s your relationship like with your local sausage maker? Learn about French techniques and recipes that bring to life the art of charcuterie, celebrating its rich flavours and cultural significance.




What is the future for WA’s forests?

She spent an enchanted childhood exploring her great-grandfather’s land around Whistlepipe Gully, in southern WA. Greenpeace's Jess Panegyres is now concerned by the alarming decline of ancient forests in the region.




Milkwood: Permaculture as a beacon of hope

The author of The Milkwood Permaculture Handbook, Kirsten Bradley, offers an inspiring discourse on how practical permaculture principles may be a lifeline not just for our environment, but for our sense of hope and community.


Clement Meadmore’s iconic mid-century furniture

While best known for his sculptural works, this Australian icon’s furniture pieces encapsulate the minimalist aesthetics and functional elegance that influenced an era.

Charcuterie, a mid-century modernist icon, and permaculture as a beacon of hope

Breaking news: Vikings enjoyed cinnamon buns

Why is vanilla a byword for boring? How did peppercorns end up next to salt on every western table? Did you know the Vikings were rather partial to cinnamon buns? Food writer Eleanor Ford explores the rich history of spices. 




Can churches solve the housing crisis?

The Australian housing crisis rolls on with profound effect. From low-income families, to the elderly, to renters facing rent increase after rent increase. Against this backdrop, we head to Marrickville in Sydney's inner-west where a daring new housing development may provide a path forward.




Bruce Pascoe’s object of desire - Nadgee IV

Writer Bruce Pascoe shares the many stories that bind him closely to his boat and the river.




The magnificence of Broughton Hall 

It started as a paddock and became a wonderland of terraced botanical displays, intricate parterre, maze-like pathways and spectacular colour. Join Tim Entwisle as he explores the beauty of Broughton Hall.

Viking cinnamon buns, Bruce Pascoe's object of desire, and can churches solve the housing crisis?

Paul Bangay tours the Murdoch family farm, and the meat name game heats up

From ancient Roman aqueducts to futuristic vertical farms, how can we blend historical wisdom and cutting-edge technology to make our cities resilient places to live? 

What would food writer Hetty Lui McKinnon eat if it was her last day on Earth?

And a writer takes us on a tour of his beloved Queensland coastal town.

Design for good

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