Philip Thalis
@philipthalis.bsky.social
Architect, urbanist, public advocate. Principal @HillThalisAUP co author #PublicSydney Book & Puzzle. Prof Practice UNSW. ex Sydney Ind Councillor. Aust Arch Gold🥇2024
On Gadigal country
On Gadigal country
Out & about in Newcastle’s Civic Park, filled with civic treasures & memorials, encircled by major public buildings & churches.
A major contribution to the generosity of one of Australia’s best regional cities
#publicnewcastle
A major contribution to the generosity of one of Australia’s best regional cities
#publicnewcastle
November 28, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Out & about in Newcastle’s Civic Park, filled with civic treasures & memorials, encircled by major public buildings & churches.
A major contribution to the generosity of one of Australia’s best regional cities
#publicnewcastle
A major contribution to the generosity of one of Australia’s best regional cities
#publicnewcastle
Big night out at the cavernous White Bay Power Station, filled with life & great work for the UNSW Built Environment end of year exhibition.
Architecture, landscape, planning & so much more on show.
#publicsydney in action
Architecture, landscape, planning & so much more on show.
#publicsydney in action
November 27, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Big night out at the cavernous White Bay Power Station, filled with life & great work for the UNSW Built Environment end of year exhibition.
Architecture, landscape, planning & so much more on show.
#publicsydney in action
Architecture, landscape, planning & so much more on show.
#publicsydney in action
Looking forward to speaking in Newcastle on Friday evening, giving a different updated version of my 2024 Gold Medal address.
Of course will show our 2 major apartment complexes there - Verve towers & Horizon apartments, both Award-winning, adding public spaces, realised with our collaborators #CKDS
Of course will show our 2 major apartment complexes there - Verve towers & Horizon apartments, both Award-winning, adding public spaces, realised with our collaborators #CKDS
November 26, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Looking forward to speaking in Newcastle on Friday evening, giving a different updated version of my 2024 Gold Medal address.
Of course will show our 2 major apartment complexes there - Verve towers & Horizon apartments, both Award-winning, adding public spaces, realised with our collaborators #CKDS
Of course will show our 2 major apartment complexes there - Verve towers & Horizon apartments, both Award-winning, adding public spaces, realised with our collaborators #CKDS
Packed house at Sydney Town Hall to hear Lord Mayor @clovermoore.bsky.social deliver address spanning progressive programs, policies & projects by @cityofsydney
Sydney leads the country on so many environmental, urban & social issues, trailblazing the art of the possible for others to follow
Sydney leads the country on so many environmental, urban & social issues, trailblazing the art of the possible for others to follow
November 26, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Packed house at Sydney Town Hall to hear Lord Mayor @clovermoore.bsky.social deliver address spanning progressive programs, policies & projects by @cityofsydney
Sydney leads the country on so many environmental, urban & social issues, trailblazing the art of the possible for others to follow
Sydney leads the country on so many environmental, urban & social issues, trailblazing the art of the possible for others to follow
NSW Govt Architect #abbiegalvin presenting the Pattern Book designs for a new generation of #sydneyapartmentbuildings.
The small lot, 4-6 storey scale is what’s so missing in all the discussion of planning & housing density, design & diversity.
Fingers crossed that it lifts #architectureofhousing
The small lot, 4-6 storey scale is what’s so missing in all the discussion of planning & housing density, design & diversity.
Fingers crossed that it lifts #architectureofhousing
November 25, 2025 at 9:23 AM
NSW Govt Architect #abbiegalvin presenting the Pattern Book designs for a new generation of #sydneyapartmentbuildings.
The small lot, 4-6 storey scale is what’s so missing in all the discussion of planning & housing density, design & diversity.
Fingers crossed that it lifts #architectureofhousing
The small lot, 4-6 storey scale is what’s so missing in all the discussion of planning & housing density, design & diversity.
Fingers crossed that it lifts #architectureofhousing
Excellent article by @jacktoohey.bsky.social in @smhaustralia.nzcow.com on our obsession with real estate & its many negative consequences;
“Aust finds itself in a paradox. Passive property ownership appears more financially rewarding than productive work…distorted reward system”
Tax reform now!
“Aust finds itself in a paradox. Passive property ownership appears more financially rewarding than productive work…distorted reward system”
Tax reform now!
November 24, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Excellent article by @jacktoohey.bsky.social in @smhaustralia.nzcow.com on our obsession with real estate & its many negative consequences;
“Aust finds itself in a paradox. Passive property ownership appears more financially rewarding than productive work…distorted reward system”
Tax reform now!
“Aust finds itself in a paradox. Passive property ownership appears more financially rewarding than productive work…distorted reward system”
Tax reform now!
Good on the last #MediaWatch of the year, taking down a racist hoax to build a mosque in a main road in Fairfield.
Of course devoured by a raft of RW MSM, too lazy to check when they can gleefully attack.
All of a sudden this 3-house lot was answer to our housing crisis..
All a fabrication
Of course devoured by a raft of RW MSM, too lazy to check when they can gleefully attack.
All of a sudden this 3-house lot was answer to our housing crisis..
All a fabrication
November 24, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Good on the last #MediaWatch of the year, taking down a racist hoax to build a mosque in a main road in Fairfield.
Of course devoured by a raft of RW MSM, too lazy to check when they can gleefully attack.
All of a sudden this 3-house lot was answer to our housing crisis..
All a fabrication
Of course devoured by a raft of RW MSM, too lazy to check when they can gleefully attack.
All of a sudden this 3-house lot was answer to our housing crisis..
All a fabrication
In defense of the boom that has been immigration & multiculturalism for Australia.
Always call out any racist dog whistlers
Always call out any racist dog whistlers
November 22, 2025 at 9:23 PM
In defense of the boom that has been immigration & multiculturalism for Australia.
Always call out any racist dog whistlers
Always call out any racist dog whistlers
1st Test; lessons learned.
You take wickets when you bowl at the stumps.
When you bowl with tennis ball bounce.. they play ping pong with you!
Might try more conventional Test Cricket next time…
You take wickets when you bowl at the stumps.
When you bowl with tennis ball bounce.. they play ping pong with you!
Might try more conventional Test Cricket next time…
November 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
1st Test; lessons learned.
You take wickets when you bowl at the stumps.
When you bowl with tennis ball bounce.. they play ping pong with you!
Might try more conventional Test Cricket next time…
You take wickets when you bowl at the stumps.
When you bowl with tennis ball bounce.. they play ping pong with you!
Might try more conventional Test Cricket next time…
People & MSM naïvely think that planning causes all the problems of housing supply.
Wrong!
Just look at this excerpt trying to ‘clarify’ one of most common wall /flashing details
In 1st para it refers to BCA & different clauses of 2 Aust Standards - read it!
Major reform needed to all our codes
Wrong!
Just look at this excerpt trying to ‘clarify’ one of most common wall /flashing details
In 1st para it refers to BCA & different clauses of 2 Aust Standards - read it!
Major reform needed to all our codes
November 20, 2025 at 8:12 AM
People & MSM naïvely think that planning causes all the problems of housing supply.
Wrong!
Just look at this excerpt trying to ‘clarify’ one of most common wall /flashing details
In 1st para it refers to BCA & different clauses of 2 Aust Standards - read it!
Major reform needed to all our codes
Wrong!
Just look at this excerpt trying to ‘clarify’ one of most common wall /flashing details
In 1st para it refers to BCA & different clauses of 2 Aust Standards - read it!
Major reform needed to all our codes
How NOT to design & build public transport!
The light rail stop buried in the bowels of Star Casino is such a dismal environment; dark, internalised, closed to the street & harbour, the poor cousin to the shiny casino above.
Never make public transport subservient to private agendas.
#publicsydney
The light rail stop buried in the bowels of Star Casino is such a dismal environment; dark, internalised, closed to the street & harbour, the poor cousin to the shiny casino above.
Never make public transport subservient to private agendas.
#publicsydney
November 19, 2025 at 3:54 AM
How NOT to design & build public transport!
The light rail stop buried in the bowels of Star Casino is such a dismal environment; dark, internalised, closed to the street & harbour, the poor cousin to the shiny casino above.
Never make public transport subservient to private agendas.
#publicsydney
The light rail stop buried in the bowels of Star Casino is such a dismal environment; dark, internalised, closed to the street & harbour, the poor cousin to the shiny casino above.
Never make public transport subservient to private agendas.
#publicsydney
Wimbo Park in Surry Hills - beautifully remade by #suebarnsley Landscape Architects for @cityofsydney.bsky.social.
A generous green expanded due to the cutting through of ES light rail line, opening connections & vista to Moore Pk & SCG beyond.
Able to have a light rail stop added
#publicsydney
A generous green expanded due to the cutting through of ES light rail line, opening connections & vista to Moore Pk & SCG beyond.
Able to have a light rail stop added
#publicsydney
November 18, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Wimbo Park in Surry Hills - beautifully remade by #suebarnsley Landscape Architects for @cityofsydney.bsky.social.
A generous green expanded due to the cutting through of ES light rail line, opening connections & vista to Moore Pk & SCG beyond.
Able to have a light rail stop added
#publicsydney
A generous green expanded due to the cutting through of ES light rail line, opening connections & vista to Moore Pk & SCG beyond.
Able to have a light rail stop added
#publicsydney
Yet another revered Labor figure despairing about @albo Govt abdication of any progressive agenda.
Carmen Lawrence in @smh takes them to task about coal, climate & environment, others rightly attacking AUKUS, health, housing, education …
So many squandered opportunities, when threats so present
Carmen Lawrence in @smh takes them to task about coal, climate & environment, others rightly attacking AUKUS, health, housing, education …
So many squandered opportunities, when threats so present
November 18, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Yet another revered Labor figure despairing about @albo Govt abdication of any progressive agenda.
Carmen Lawrence in @smh takes them to task about coal, climate & environment, others rightly attacking AUKUS, health, housing, education …
So many squandered opportunities, when threats so present
Carmen Lawrence in @smh takes them to task about coal, climate & environment, others rightly attacking AUKUS, health, housing, education …
So many squandered opportunities, when threats so present
Some fascinating comparisons!
See The Colosseum (seated 50 000) vs ICC Darling Harbour (seats 8 800).
Or the Baths of Caracalla vs Central Station.
Remember these at same scale!
So get your puzzle & solve Sydney
See The Colosseum (seated 50 000) vs ICC Darling Harbour (seats 8 800).
Or the Baths of Caracalla vs Central Station.
Remember these at same scale!
So get your puzzle & solve Sydney
November 17, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Some fascinating comparisons!
See The Colosseum (seated 50 000) vs ICC Darling Harbour (seats 8 800).
Or the Baths of Caracalla vs Central Station.
Remember these at same scale!
So get your puzzle & solve Sydney
See The Colosseum (seated 50 000) vs ICC Darling Harbour (seats 8 800).
Or the Baths of Caracalla vs Central Station.
Remember these at same scale!
So get your puzzle & solve Sydney
What started as a new office entry - matching in size & scale our #publicsydney drawing with Nolli’s famous 1748 Plan of Rome. Perfect for a design office!
So during COVID we turned our drawing into #publicsydneypuzzle - get yours this Christmas #KinokuniyaAust & #Urobookshops 1/2
So during COVID we turned our drawing into #publicsydneypuzzle - get yours this Christmas #KinokuniyaAust & #Urobookshops 1/2
November 17, 2025 at 10:17 AM
What started as a new office entry - matching in size & scale our #publicsydney drawing with Nolli’s famous 1748 Plan of Rome. Perfect for a design office!
So during COVID we turned our drawing into #publicsydneypuzzle - get yours this Christmas #KinokuniyaAust & #Urobookshops 1/2
So during COVID we turned our drawing into #publicsydneypuzzle - get yours this Christmas #KinokuniyaAust & #Urobookshops 1/2
Making good; Our respectful & practical work to extend the building’s life for the ongoing enjoyment of its residents & owners
November 15, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Making good; Our respectful & practical work to extend the building’s life for the ongoing enjoyment of its residents & owners
The original c1950 building unusually skilful & adventurous in design, perched on rocky corner site.
Projecting bay windows gave everyone the sun & view, open gallery access with level change like communal verandahs to sheltered rear.
In 60’s? rendered & painted, alum windows
Projecting bay windows gave everyone the sun & view, open gallery access with level change like communal verandahs to sheltered rear.
In 60’s? rendered & painted, alum windows
November 15, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The original c1950 building unusually skilful & adventurous in design, perched on rocky corner site.
Projecting bay windows gave everyone the sun & view, open gallery access with level change like communal verandahs to sheltered rear.
In 60’s? rendered & painted, alum windows
Projecting bay windows gave everyone the sun & view, open gallery access with level change like communal verandahs to sheltered rear.
In 60’s? rendered & painted, alum windows
The challenges of how to upgrade characterful but dilapidated apartment buildings.
Our work with the owners of this Maroubra Beach front apartment building - long a personal favourite - trying to navigate;
1 planning (DA lodged)
2 documentation, consultant coord, regulations
3 construction
…
Our work with the owners of this Maroubra Beach front apartment building - long a personal favourite - trying to navigate;
1 planning (DA lodged)
2 documentation, consultant coord, regulations
3 construction
…
November 15, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The challenges of how to upgrade characterful but dilapidated apartment buildings.
Our work with the owners of this Maroubra Beach front apartment building - long a personal favourite - trying to navigate;
1 planning (DA lodged)
2 documentation, consultant coord, regulations
3 construction
…
Our work with the owners of this Maroubra Beach front apartment building - long a personal favourite - trying to navigate;
1 planning (DA lodged)
2 documentation, consultant coord, regulations
3 construction
…
The intrinsic adaptability of #sydneyterracehouses is too often stymied by overstated heritage. Let them be;
-added to vertically
-extended forward to the street line
-turned into shops & offices
-split into flats
-opened up internally
-opened up to rear
No need to be too precious about most
-added to vertically
-extended forward to the street line
-turned into shops & offices
-split into flats
-opened up internally
-opened up to rear
No need to be too precious about most
November 15, 2025 at 7:27 AM
The intrinsic adaptability of #sydneyterracehouses is too often stymied by overstated heritage. Let them be;
-added to vertically
-extended forward to the street line
-turned into shops & offices
-split into flats
-opened up internally
-opened up to rear
No need to be too precious about most
-added to vertically
-extended forward to the street line
-turned into shops & offices
-split into flats
-opened up internally
-opened up to rear
No need to be too precious about most
Go past clickbait headline, this is important initiative by Govt to buy back flood-affected properties in NSW northern rivers.
Test case for the inevitable planned retreat that will have to be rolled out up & down our coast & along our rivers, & bushfire prone edges.
At what cost?
Test case for the inevitable planned retreat that will have to be rolled out up & down our coast & along our rivers, & bushfire prone edges.
At what cost?
November 13, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Go past clickbait headline, this is important initiative by Govt to buy back flood-affected properties in NSW northern rivers.
Test case for the inevitable planned retreat that will have to be rolled out up & down our coast & along our rivers, & bushfire prone edges.
At what cost?
Test case for the inevitable planned retreat that will have to be rolled out up & down our coast & along our rivers, & bushfire prone edges.
At what cost?
Sydney’s Surry Hills has an extraordinary range of wackily shaped micro lots.
Regular facade, but look at that impossible plan!
Many lots less than 80m2, a few less than 30m2.
Of course never miss a real estate opportunity there…
#sydneyterracehouses
Regular facade, but look at that impossible plan!
Many lots less than 80m2, a few less than 30m2.
Of course never miss a real estate opportunity there…
#sydneyterracehouses
November 13, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Sydney’s Surry Hills has an extraordinary range of wackily shaped micro lots.
Regular facade, but look at that impossible plan!
Many lots less than 80m2, a few less than 30m2.
Of course never miss a real estate opportunity there…
#sydneyterracehouses
Regular facade, but look at that impossible plan!
Many lots less than 80m2, a few less than 30m2.
Of course never miss a real estate opportunity there…
#sydneyterracehouses
Hey @albomp.bsky.social
No State Funeral for low-life political thugs & RWF media commentators.
You should know better…
No State Funeral for low-life political thugs & RWF media commentators.
You should know better…
November 13, 2025 at 5:29 AM
Hey @albomp.bsky.social
No State Funeral for low-life political thugs & RWF media commentators.
You should know better…
No State Funeral for low-life political thugs & RWF media commentators.
You should know better…
Great to be reminded by @ABCmediawatch about their expose of John Laws’ Cash for Comment.
The self-professed golden tonsils only too happy to indulge himself in trash talk for cash inducements, shown up by #richardackland.
Progenitor of a vile congo line of talkback warriors
The self-professed golden tonsils only too happy to indulge himself in trash talk for cash inducements, shown up by #richardackland.
Progenitor of a vile congo line of talkback warriors
November 12, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Great to be reminded by @ABCmediawatch about their expose of John Laws’ Cash for Comment.
The self-professed golden tonsils only too happy to indulge himself in trash talk for cash inducements, shown up by #richardackland.
Progenitor of a vile congo line of talkback warriors
The self-professed golden tonsils only too happy to indulge himself in trash talk for cash inducements, shown up by #richardackland.
Progenitor of a vile congo line of talkback warriors
50 years on …
It’s still time to fix the faults of the Constitution, abolish the Governor General, become a republic
…& have a progressive, reformist government…
It’s still time to fix the faults of the Constitution, abolish the Governor General, become a republic
…& have a progressive, reformist government…
November 10, 2025 at 7:52 PM
50 years on …
It’s still time to fix the faults of the Constitution, abolish the Governor General, become a republic
…& have a progressive, reformist government…
It’s still time to fix the faults of the Constitution, abolish the Governor General, become a republic
…& have a progressive, reformist government…