Designing Better

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
Designing Better cover image - sylistic building and landscaping plan with NTPC logo and text: DESIGNING BETTER Ideas for Improving Mixed Use and Residential Apartment Developments

The Designing Better Project is a suite of suggestions by the Northern Territory Planning Commission that specifically relates to apartment and mixed use buildings.

The project applies to:

  • Zone MR (Medium Density Residential);
  • Zone HR (High Density Residential);
  • Zone CB (Central Business); and
  • Zone C (Commercial)

Designing Better is Territory-wide in scope and seeks to encourage and enable residential apartment and mixed use buildings in the Northern Territory to:

  • respond to context and celebrate local and regional differences;
  • respond to climate and contribute to the Territory’s built form character;
  • embrace Innovation through flexible, best practice design solutions; and
  • make great places that provide meaningful, vibrant and liveable spaces for people.

This project draws upon feedback received from the community and industry through other projects and targets a number of key design elements for improvement.

The Designing Better project will ultimately inform revised development requirements in the Northern Territory Planning Scheme and be complemented by the locality-specific guidance of Area Plans.



The Designing Better Project is a suite of suggestions by the Northern Territory Planning Commission that specifically relates to apartment and mixed use buildings.

The project applies to:

  • Zone MR (Medium Density Residential);
  • Zone HR (High Density Residential);
  • Zone CB (Central Business); and
  • Zone C (Commercial)

Designing Better is Territory-wide in scope and seeks to encourage and enable residential apartment and mixed use buildings in the Northern Territory to:

  • respond to context and celebrate local and regional differences;
  • respond to climate and contribute to the Territory’s built form character;
  • embrace Innovation through flexible, best practice design solutions; and
  • make great places that provide meaningful, vibrant and liveable spaces for people.

This project draws upon feedback received from the community and industry through other projects and targets a number of key design elements for improvement.

The Designing Better project will ultimately inform revised development requirements in the Northern Territory Planning Scheme and be complemented by the locality-specific guidance of Area Plans.