Sunshine Coast Design Strategy and the importance of design in shaping the future of our towns, regions and cities

Abstract

Design plays a pivotal role in contributing to liveability. It has a powerful influence on the look and feel of a place, on its identity and helps shape the way people live, work and play. There is extensive academic and scientific research that explores the benefits of well-designed places and the impacts of poor design on our lives. Good design has far reaching benefits – it improves our lives socially, environmentally and economically and builds on those benefits over time, continually adding value. But, there is a fundamental question, are we appropriately designing for our future and are we considering place and context throughout the design process? Now, more than ever, there is a need to consider place, climate and resilience in the design process, to ensure the longevity and liveability of our homes, buildings and all built form. Everyone involved in the design process, as well as those who influence or fund design, have a part to play in leaving a positive legacy and shaping the future of our suburbs, towns, cities and regions; from what individuals do in their front and back gardens to how Councils, planners and developers create new suburbs. In the context of the Sunshine Coast, this paper will explore the value of good design, the importance of place-based design and a process and tool to help everybody achieve these.