“Density Done Well” in the Pursuit of 20-Minute Neighbourhoods: Navigating Fluid Discourses in Melbourne

Abstract

The pursuit of 20-minute neighbourhoods has been recently combined with calls for “density done well”. However, this catch-phrase is not well defined in planning policy and there is little understanding of what is being meant by it. This article investigates its meanings and how it may or may not contribute towards more liveable cities. Semi-structured interviews and analysis of participants’ examples showed a multiplicity of nuanced and diverse meanings, the catch-phrase serving as an empty signifier. This reveals the pitfalls of masking divergent desires through linguistic tactics, but also the opportunities for mediating them through a less reductionist discourse.