A Manifesto for Living Cities
After 25 years of observing & thinking deeply about the built environment, I'd like to share key lessons I've learned and, perhaps more importantly, what I'd like to see change.
1. Honouring Country
As a resident on Aboriginal land, I feel privileged to learn from their philosophy. It has helped me understand a profound truth: we are not separate from Country, we are Country.
It can be difficult at first to understand this connection, and I am
still figuring it out. Yet once you experience it, even briefly, it changes how you see the world.
2. Design with Nature
Our cities should remain in harmony with the natural systems of a place: its water, climate, landforms, ecology, and unique character. Still, many ecological considerations are sacrificed in the name of financial feasibility. We need to stop fighting the landscape and start learning from it.
3. More Nature in Cities
We need more trees, plants, animals, and natural environments, not only for human wellbeing but for the countless species we share this planet with.
4. Living with the Solar Cycle
Our economy and daily rhythms need to better align with natural cycles of light and rest. Excessive night-time activity, artificial lighting, and illuminated advertising affect both human health and wildlife.
5. Restoring Sensory Landscape
Let's reduce mechanical and visual noise. Protecting creeks, mountain views, and natural soundscapes creates places where people can walk, connect, and simply hear nature again.
6. Beauty & Human Scale
I'd love to see a return to craftsmanship, character, and human-centred design. Lesser monotony of grey roofs and repetitive buildings, and more beauty in our buildings, details, and everyday life.
7. Smaller Homes
Less is truly more. We need more humble homes and more opportunities for communal living, like walk-up apartments with central courtyards that foster real connection.
8. Agriculture in Everyday Life
Small-scale food production should be welcomed throughout our communities, from front yards to unused public land. A neighbour of mine keeps a rooster in his townhouse backyard, and its morning cock-a-doodle-doo feels like music to my ears.
9. Stronger Local Economies
Every community must have space for local makers, growers, and small businesses. Our suburbs can be more than rows of houses anchored by large retail centres.
10. Creativity as the Soul of Living
We need cities to be more creative: diverse spaces for flow, contemplation, art, music, dance, and movement accessible to everyone, not just those with financial privilege.
11. Urban Safety
Good lighting and thoughtful design matter, but genuine safety comes from community, trust, connection, and a sense of belonging. Places that support our nervous systems.
Some of this may sound idealistic, but it's entirely practical.