Dejan Simovic and Tatjana Djuric-Simovic have a plan to bring Griffin's vision into the 21st century. EDWINA PICKLES
Tatjana, a member of the Walter Burley Griffin society, said Griffin and his wife, Marion, an architect, had many talents. "They were building communities, they called themselves botanists too, and they loved Australia's nature. They couldn't stand European roses, red brick roofs, and fences."
She said the Griffins dreamt of a vision of a new type of suburbia - one that celebrated the natural Australian environment rather than being embarrassed by its non-Europeaness."
In a paper for the Walter Burley Griffin society, Tatjana wrote that "Griffin's poetry of the gum trees - and architecture that appeals to the soul - could be brought to life at North Arm Cove with the adoption of property development standards and heritage conservation controls."
Designing for Community, Planning for Change
Dejan Simovic and Tatjana Djuric-Simovic joined Josh Szeps on ABC Radio Sydney to discuss the North Arm Cove Initiative - a project focused on sustainable planning, community vision, and the challenges of delivering meaningful outcomes in regional Australia. Hear their insights on shaping places with purpose and navigating the complex path between community needs and planning frameworks.
Broadcast Tue 28 Feb 2023 at 12:30pm
Reviving a Forgotten Vision: North Arm Cove Reimagined
In collaboration with the North Arm Cove community and SONA, DESIM-ARCH launched a national student competition to masterplan an ‘ideal city’ along the Port Stephens coastline - building on Walter Burley Griffin’s original vision.
The winning proposal, Back On Track, blends 20th-century ideals with future-focused urban strategies rooted in sustainability, Indigenous knowledge, and resilience.
28 April 2021
North Arm Cove at SEEDS Conference: Circular Thinking for a Regenerative Future
Dejan Simovic and Tatjana Djuric-Simovic of DESIM-R&D presented the North Arm Cove Initiative at the International SEEDS Conference, highlighting their research on repurposing Walter Burley Griffin’s original plans into a sustainable, circular-economy-based urban precinct.
The paper calls for inclusive governance, measurable outcomes, and deep integration between research, community, and industry.
4 August 2022
A Citizen-Led Vision for North Arm Cove
The North Arm Cove Ratepayers Association is revisiting the paper subdivision plans of Marion Mahony and Walter Burley Griffin to propose a sustainable, net-zero community for the 21st century.
Architect Dejan Simovic and an expert team are advocating for a State Significant Project status and a new planning model, one led by citizens, not developers.
2 February 2022
Shaping Sydney’s Future: Public Lecture on Central City Strategy
Dejan Simovic joined leading experts at a sold-out public lecture hosted by the University of Sydney and the City of Sydney, exploring the draft Central Sydney Planning Strategy 2012–2036.
The event unpacked how Sydney plans to grow sustainably, increase density, and adapt to the needs of a projected 6.4 million residents.
29 November 2016
Kingsbridge Estate: Classical Form Meets Modern Flexibility
Featured in South African Home Owner magazine (Vol.6 No.5, 1995/96), Kingsbridge Estate represents a contemporary interpretation of Georgian elegance in Bryanston. Developed by KFI Property Trust, the 61-unit estate prioritised gracious living, interior quality, and architectural flexibility, offering homeowners the opportunity to personalise their dream home within a secure, landscaped environment.
