A new white paper calls for architects and urban designers to integrate wellbeing into every aspect of urban, architectural, and sustainable planning. Following are key takeaways.
Authored by Atelier Ten associate Stewart Monti and Blix Architecture’s director, Georgina Blix, the paper digs into how the Australian government’s “Measuring What Matters” wellbeing framework can inform the built environment.
It argues that the design of buildings and cities is essential for achieving the wellbeing goals the government’s framework is trying to achieve, and social factors are just as important, if not core, to environmental sustainability in design decisions.
The paper calls for a proactive approach in using these guidelines to create healthier, more resilient communities.
“As creators of the built environment, we expect to start to see this Framework influence the types of projects government invests in, and the evaluation of their value and success,” the authors say.
Inspired by global trends
The Framework, inspired by similar work in Canada, New Zealand, and Scotland, highlighted five key themes: healthy, secure, sustainable, cohesive, and prosperous communities.
So, how do we integrate sustainable wellbeing into design?
1. Collecting Data
“If we want a less ‘fluffy’ use of the word wellbeing, we need data,” the authors says.
While governments are usually strong at measuring GDP, the Canadian Wellbeing Framework finds that governments have historically been weaker, less transparent, and less inclusive at measuring non-economic indicators.
2. Expanding the sustainability narrative
The Australian framework emphasised committing to a future where economic, social, and environmental prosperity are in tandem, where community wellbeing is interconnected with the natural surroundings.
“It signals an emerging paradigm where the vitality of our economy and the integrity of our society are seen as intertwined with the stewardship of our environment,” says the paper.
With emissions reduction and renewable energy generation now key to an environmentally resilient economy, the authors argue that it’s time to broaden the conversation globally; recognition is only the starting point.
“It’s time we consider the continued reliance on fossil fuels and systems-based nature of contemporary sustainability practice” and its impacts on our wellbeing.
3. Envision a regenerative future
Within the traditional snapshot of sustainability are “seeds of a transformative vision – one that could guide us from a focus on mitigation to a future of ecological regeneration”.
While the framework is still behind in its journey, it should inspire us to “strive for a regenerative future,” the white paper says.
Through championing a regenerative approach, the framework can evolve into a “thriving and sustainable society”, and this would not be possible without built environment professionals and “their innovative designs and strategies”.
4. Water is essential not just as a resource but in our way of life
The authors argue that not enough emphasis is placed on water in the current framework – when this resource “plays an intrinsic role in our culture and daily lives”.
“Recognising water’s importance goes beyond conservation tactics,” states the paper. “[It needs to] embody a philosophy of stewardship that honours and preserves our critical water resources.
“This stewardship is essential for maintaining the Australian way of life, whether it be in our homes, vibrant cities, or the natural environment where water is a source of recreation and spiritual connection.”
5. A forward-looking approach to resilience
The framework’s inclusion of the Economic Complexity Index (ECI) and the Australian Disaster Resilience Index (ADRI) is a positive step forward, the authors says.
“Positioning these metrics is pivotal for gauging our economic adaptability and readiness for natural calamities.”
The authors also say that cultivating a sense of belonging and engagement among residents, community involvement and nurturing spaces is key to ideal outcomes.
6. So, what’s next?
While emissions, air quality, and waste are just the starting point metrics that capture water usage, efficiency in industry and agriculture, quality, and the health of our river ecosystems are essential.
“Time to step up!” the authors say.
“It is about creating a future that celebrates ecological abundance and human flourishing in equal measure—a future that we not only envision but actively shape with every policy, project, and initiative.