Dr Johari Hussein Nassor Amar

Dr Johari Hussein Nassor Amar
Podcast Description
What if our homes, streets and cities could reveal more about fairness, climate and belonging? This podcast explores where technology meets tradition and place meets daily life. From housing and heritage to people and policy, we share voices and stories that show how the built environment affects everyone. It's fresh thinking, open conversations and practical ideas for living well in a changing world
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast deeply engages with themes such as affordable housing, community heritage, and policy innovation, including episodes that examine the disparity in rental policies across state lines and explore solutions for housing resilience in the face of climate challenges. Specific episodes dissect the collaborative efforts between councils and service providers to bridge gaps in support for those facing housing stress.

What if our homes, streets and cities could reveal more about fairness, climate and belonging? This podcast explores where technology meets tradition and place meets daily life. From housing and heritage to people and policy, we share voices and stories that show how the built environment affects everyone. It’s fresh thinking, open conversations and practical ideas for living well in a changing world
Could the rooftops above us hold a sustainable solution to Australia’s housing crisis and efforts to decarbonise our cities?
In my recent conversation with Warren Livesey we discussed the potential of airspace development in Australia, converting unused rooftops into housing. Our discussion explored the economic and environmental benefits, challenges with heritage buildings, lessons from international practice and the legislative landscape.
Insights from our discussion:
- Sydney has 30M sqm of unused rooftops (150M sqm nationwide)
- CBRE estimates 150,000 new rooftop homes could be built in Sydney
- Airspace development is about 25% cheaper than traditional construction
- Rooftop space is valued at $3,000 per sqm, creating funding for building repairs and upgrades
These figures highlight the scale of the opportunity, but there are also important questions:
- How should heritage protections be managed?
- What risks exist around construction defects and airspace banking?
- Can this model be applied beyond major metropolitan areas into regional centres?
Why it matters:
Airspace development offers gentle density, helping cities address housing shortages and environmental pressures without displacing communities or consuming green space. It may also balance the concerns of both NIMBYs and YIMBYs as seen in Paris where 92% of buildings include rooftop homes supported by policy frameworks.
Do you think rooftop housing could work in Australian contexts? Listen to the full discussion here.

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