"The government only makes restrictive rules, they don't show you what to do so you know, OK, here's where we need this many apartments, with open space, playgrounds, kindergartens"

Harry Seidler’s words express a frustration with the prevailing approach to urban planning and governmental regulation, particularly in the context of housing and public amenities. Rather than providing constructive, visionary frameworks for development, he argues that government authorities often focus on what cannot be done through layers of restrictive regulations. Rules about zoning, density, or building codes are commonly formulated with the intent to limit, restrict, or prevent specific perceived negative outcomes, such as overcrowding, inappropriate land use, or the loss of heritage environments.

Seidler draws attention to what is missing in such approaches: a proactive, needs-based plan that directly instructs where essential infrastructures, such as apartments, green spaces, playgrounds, and kindergartens, should be created. The emphasis here is on the lack of guidance or leadership that would facilitate the purposeful creation of vibrant, livable communities. Instead of being told where essential amenities are required to promote a balanced quality of life, developers and designers are too often left navigating a maze of prohibitions, with little positive direction.

By spotlighting the absence of clear, affirmative planning, Seidler suggests that communities are being deprived of cohesive, thoughtfully planned environments. When rules only delineate limits, rather than goals and community needs, the result may be inadequately served neighborhoods, insufficient housing supply, and a deficiency of places that foster social interaction, recreation, and child development. The quote can be seen as an advocacy for a shift from negative to positive planning: rather than just stating what must not be done, governmental bodies should also specify what is required to cultivate healthy, accessible, and enjoyable living environments.

Seidler, therefore, articulates the need for design leadership and a coordinated vision from authorities that integrates housing with open space and vital amenities, ensuring both regulation and inspiration in the creation of urban spaces.