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A new UK report into 'Highway Greening - Best Practice and Lessons Learnt' by LDA Designs, and UN-Habitat produces a Toolkit to improve our public spaces that encourages community engagement.

Designers Elisapeta Heta, Jade Kake and Raukura Turei on Kaupapa Māori design for climate Ataria Sharman, editor of Assemble Papers, connects with three designers to explore Kaupapa (way) Māori as a solution to our climate crises. Principal at Jasmax, Elisapeta Heta speaks of ‘climate resilience’ and ‘sustainability’ as Pākehā or white terms, preferring ‘kaitiakitanga’ (meaning guardianship), as a better way of looking at our relationship to our natural environment. An Indigenous approach to design is about the kaitiakitanga, understanding that all of life is connected and that humans are not superior to the natural world, we are part of it. Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) brings land and life together rather than separating them.  Sharman writes, “Kaitiakitanga projects offer a more holistic approach, such as understanding people as part of the land …

How the humble bollard can add to the social life of communities Writer Fred Kent and Kathy Madden from Social Life Project share how bollards, an often overlooked amenity, can be multifunctional when done right, creating community connection through seating, gathering, artistic statement or as a gentle “nudge” for drivers to behave better. It is the small elements that change the whole character of a street and bollards are the simplest element that encourage social life to an often boring crosswalk. “At their best, they are places to lean on, perch, or strike up a conversation.”  There are many different types of bollards, different shapes and different sizes. Bollards are used in different ways, even for greenery. The most successful ones support social activity.  Kent and Madden write, “This is …

Low carbon aluminium options are increasingly available according to Hassell’s Jeff Morgan In a recent podcast for Architecture & Design, Hassell Principal Jeff Morgan, discusses the shift the aluminium industry is making towards lower carbon aluminium. Beginning with a clear definition of low carbon aluminium, Jeff explains how aluminium producers, in Australia and elsewhere, have started to radically decarbonise. Some headlines from the podcast…– Aluminium is the ideal circular material. It is infinitely recyclable without degrading in quality. – A common misconception is that recycled aluminium is lower quality than virgin aluminium.– Low carbon aluminium should now be able to be procured for your project without hurting the bottom line. While 100% recycled aluminium can still be a challenge to find at present, low carbon options are increasingly available.– Australian …

The New York High Line opened 15 years ago – what lessons has it taught us? This month marks the 15th anniversary of The High Line – New York’s 1.5-mile-long park built on a historical freight line on Manhattan’s west side. The High Line has become an iconic New York place, with planting design by Piet Oudolf. Marking its 15th Anniversary, New York Times writer Margaret Roach explores lessons the The High Line has taught us “With its unique man-made garden beds 30 feet above street level, filled with only an 18-inch layer of soil”. Roach writes, “There are ten horticulturists up there trying to foresee the plants’ every move. They work to respect Mr. Oudolf’s artistic and ecological intentions without being unrealistic about how insistent the forces of natural …

Ten principles for designing play spaces for neurodiverse children The growing body of research around inclusive design has deepened our understanding of this important area, paving the way for projects like Hassell’s new Mildred Creak Playground. Before the revitalisation of Edward Millen Park on Whadjuk Country in Perth, Western Australia, Hassell’s Senior Associate, Hannah Galloway and her team at Hassell met with teachers at Carson Street School and the Autism Association of Western Australia. They created ten key principles for designing play spaces for all children. Galloway said their goal was to design a unique space for all children to enjoy, regardless of their neurodiverse traits. “By incorporating sensory elements, promoting social interaction and providing spaces for regrouping and control, we can create environments where every child can thrive.” Hassell’s ten …