Earle Arney in conversation about housing, density, and sustainable city living

Earle Arney, founder and CEO of AFK, speaks with Timothy Alouani-Roby on the Indesign podcast about the challenges and opportunities of housing across cities.

Housing, Density, and Sustainable City Living

Three key takeaways emerged from their conversation:

• There is no single solution. Housing, planning, and delivery are complex and connected to social, economic, and political systems. Architects contribute to this bigger picture, considering more than individual buildings.

• Density done well is essential. Thoughtful density supports vibrant communities and sustainable city living. By connecting people to services, transport, and each other, cities become more efficient, resilient, and socially inclusive. Poorly executed density can have negative impacts, but contemporary approaches show how to get it right.

• Learning from different contexts drives better outcomes. Cities evolve differently—London’s centuries of history show the importance of negotiation and heritage-led development, while Sydney’s younger urban fabric offers flexibility and innovation. Examining global examples, from rapidly growing Asian cities to historic European centres, helps balance connection, sustainability, and community.

Architecture Beyond Buildings

Architecture is about more than individual structures. It is about responsibility, empathy, and understanding the wider context. Architects contribute to housing solutions by considering policy, social dynamics, and infrastructure alongside design. Lessons in urban density and the successes and challenges of projects around the world show the value of thinking beyond single plots.

Sustainability is central. Well-designed buildings and urban plans reduce environmental impact, improve access to transport, and create healthier communities. Approaches inspired by nature and engineering, such as optimised structural systems in high-rise design, help lower embodied carbon and support long-term ecological goals.

Cities are living, evolving entities. Architects have the ability—and responsibility—to influence how they grow, shaping places that are functional, connected, and humane. By learning from history, embracing density thoughtfully, and sharing knowledge across cities, architecture can play a pivotal role in creating sustainable, vibrant urban life.

Links

You can find the podcast via this link

Or on Apple Podcasts via this link

Notes

The speakers at the SyLon event were

• Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

• David Lunts, CEO, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation

• Peter Murray, OBE, Co-Founder of NLA

• Kimberley Jackson, Executive Director, Origination, Lendlease (Sydney)

• Eamon Waterford, CEO, Committee for Sydney (Sydney)

• Gary McLuskey, Managing Director of Global Design, Greystar (London)

• Claire Bennie, Director, Municipal (London)

• Nick Watson, Director, Lendlease (London)

• Earle Arney, Founder and CEO, AFK Studios (Sydney)