Thoughts on people, place and planning

Reflections on the human side of cities — how planning, policy and design can create communities that are connected, inclusive and built to last.

Now available: new insights paper - Planning for neurodiversity

An emerging aspect of planning and design practice is planning for neurodivergent people.

This paper brings together research and lived experience to explore how planners, designers and policymakers can better support neurodivergent communities.

Download the paper
Liesl Codrington Liesl Codrington

Musings not just about the tree.

What makes a place thrive? Some spaces naturally foster connection, movement, and engagement, while others struggle to stay relevant. Social sustainability is about creating places that last—not just physically, but socially. In this post, we explore what makes a space truly sustainable and how we can design places that people want to be in for generations to come.

Read More
Liesl Codrington Liesl Codrington

The future of sustainable cities is social

Social sustainability is often overlooked in urban planning, yet it’s essential for thriving, resilient communities. This article explores why housing affordability, wellbeing metrics, and social value must be embedded into development policies—and outlines key actions to make it happen.

Read More