Architect and television presenter Anthony Burke recently visited the new Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont, a striking structure of timber, glass, and steel that has been named by Time magazine as one of the world's greatest places of 2026. The $800 million market replaces the old facility and has drawn praise from design publications worldwide.
A Brave Building in Australia
Burke describes the market as "brave," noting that Australia has few such daring buildings. The roof is covered with 400 solar panels, and the design includes generous amphitheater-style steps leading to the water. Despite a drizzly Thursday morning, the market was already bustling with visitors.
Burke, best known as the host of Grand Designs Australia and Restoration Australia, as well as his ABC Radio National podcast By Design, has a deep fascination with architecture. He is a professor of architecture at UTS and believes that architecture is not just about aesthetics but also about how it shapes our lives, health, and wellbeing.
The Problem with Australian Houses
Burke is critical of modern Australian homes, calling them "too big, with too many toilets and not enough trees." He argues that houses are poorly insulated and filled with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect health. "Our houses are killing us," he says bluntly, emphasizing the need for warm, comfortable, and healthy living spaces.
He also laments the frequent turnover of homes, with Australians moving every 11 years on average. "People don't stay in a house long enough to get attached," he says, noting that the focus on return on investment often overshadows wellbeing and community.
Loneliness and Community
Burke connects the design of homes to the epidemic of loneliness in Australia. One in three Australians experiences loneliness each year, and one in six is often lonely. He believes that houses have become self-contained units that discourage community engagement. "We should be engaging with the community in our street, the local shops, and community centres," he says.
Radical Changes Ahead
Burke sees a shift in how younger architects are thinking about housing. Many may never own homes themselves, so they are imagining new models: co-ops, multigenerational living, and shared spaces. "Maybe it won't be so uncommon in 20 years to have four houses sharing one back yard and one parking spot," he speculates.
He advises people to take 20% off their dream house plans and focus on what is truly important. Small changes, like rearranging furniture, changing fabrics, and adding plants, can transform the emotional feel of a home.
Architecture as Therapy
Burke sees his role as challenging homeowners to think about the life they want before drawing plans. "A good architect should challenge you on what kind of life you want for your family," he says, likening the process to therapy. He hopes his work on Grand Designs Australia inspires people to think bigger, braver, and more ambitiously about their surroundings.
