Towanda R. Livingston’s Post

💐 THE ANSWER IS….Yes! It is often assumed that the design and construction of a city are inherently gender-neutral. Great article by Valeriya Safronova 👉The initial approach to gender mainstreaming in cities often relied on observed usage patterns and assumed gender-based needs, which were based on traditional assumptions about gender roles. I think that as cities are developing and others are redesigning themselves, or rebuilding, increasingly as planners and gender experts we will need to understand how #gender intersects with inequality, #women #mobility #economic disparities, and #climate changes. 👇 🌟At the same time, decision making processes should be simplified to enable #goverments, #civil society, #parliament and others needing to understand the intersectionality of these factors to create livable, innovative, #sustainable, #creative spaces, affordable #housing, and inclusive communities. The New York Times #africa Eva Kail Julia Girardi-Hoog The Gendered City #urbanplanning #leadership #innovation

"Accessibility in cities is about more than just wheelchairs; it requires a comprehensive approach to urban planning to meet the varied needs of all citizens. This includes providing sensory aids like audio signals, braille signage and visual measures for people who are blind, deaf or hard of hearing. It’s also crucial that information on public services and events is easily available to everyone in formats they can access and understand. My focus has been on access to public spaces, but we also need to turn our attention to private homes. Wheelchair users and people with other mobility impairments can’t access most private houses in Australia. There is a drastic lack of accessible housing for people with disability and the cost of retrofitting access is exorbitant. New South Wales is yet to follow the lead of other states and territories by signing up to the Silver Liveable Housing Design Standards. These standards are part of the revised National Construction Code. They require new housing developments to offer basic accessibility for all people. However, new builds and renovations are often decided upon at the regional level. This means local councils should bear much of the responsibility. A determined effort by our mayors and councillors to insist premises are accessible will be better for everyone. From a selfish perspective, it might mean I could go out to dinner or a festival without worrying if I can get in the door."

gender mainstreaming : the goal of embedding gender equality into infrastructure, legislation, budgets and . . . READ PLEASE

I came across this article this morning on how #feminist urbanism can influence (even transform) local government development plans. Although this isn't a new topic rarely do we see development plans with a focus on how women use the space. In essence, feminist urbanism is a critical approach in city planning that prioritizes #women's lived experiences to create inclusive and safe environments for all. From footway widths to street lighting, every aspect is meticulously designed to ensure accessibility and safety, while also fostering representation in decision-making processes. SmartCitiesWorld #gender #leadership #cities #governance #urbanism #planning #urbanplanning #transportation #mobility

ARCH is the newest partner of the AWF network Architects Without Frontiers (AWF) mobilises the resources of the Australian design profession to assist communities in need by delivering built projects and practical work to overcome the causes of poverty and improving education, gender equality, health and environmental quality. Since its formation in 1999, AWF has worked with disadvantaged communities, irrespective of race, religion, creed, or political affiliation, in 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and beyond. The rooftop terrace of ARCH’s Brisbane studio came alive with conversation, connection, and shared purpose last week as ARCH hosted the "Community Impact: Design in Partnership" event with AWF. This gathering marked AWF’s announcement of ARCH as the newest network partner. This event celebrated our commitment to design excellence that places people and the planet at the heart of every project. Through partnerships like the one with AWF, ARCH continues to champion architecture as a tool for positive social impact. ARCH supports Architects Without Frontiers’ mission to build projects with communities in need, focusing on Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. We want to express our sincere gratitude to Songwoman Maroochy Barambah for performing an inspiring and moving Welcome to Country. The audience was captivated by her talent and the profound depth of her message. We thank all attendees and contributors for making "Community Impact: Design in Partnership" a resounding success. We're building a future where architecture catalyses change and community wellbeing. Neil Carter, David Rose, Dr Esther Charlesworth AM, FRAIA, Jack Ellis Geoff Marsdon, Ron Bridgefoot, Maricel Marbus, Scott Chapple, Kellie Parkin, @Prudence Taylor, Michael Hegarty, Bondor Insulated Panels

Interesting article! Aspern Seestadt in Vienna showcases gender-sensitive urban design. Features like wider sidewalks, safe parks, and amenities close by, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all genders. Integrating gender equality into city planning. https://lnkd.in/e94Dmgh4 #UrbanDesign #GenderEquality #GenderMainstreaming #InclusiveDesign #SDG5

Why don't we require accessibility everywhere? - Rae West reflects on history, legacy, loopholes, and exclusion for people using wheelchairs and mobility aids in Australia in this piece from Architecture Victoria Magazine edition 2, 2024. We can do better!!

Cities (and the public realm within) has the potential to improve equity and gender inequality - but only if seriously addressed. Case Study: Barcelona. . https://lnkd.in/g-Vw9s8f #equity #equityandinclusion #communitywellbeing #GBA+ #cities #Barcelona #communityengagement #urbanplanning #publicrealm #openspace #citiesforpeople #wellbeing #wellbeingbydesign #landscapearchitecture #genderbaseddesign

I was honoured to contribute towards the recent edition of The Edge Malaysia. Despite progress, female voices in Malaysia’s built environment remain marginalised, affecting urban planning and policies. Prioritising gender equity in decision-making fosters inclusive governance and sustainable cities. Examples like Vienna's gender mainstreaming and Curitiba's focus on women's safety highlight the benefits. Empowering women, from education to leadership roles, is crucial. Malaysia’s efforts, like CIDB’s Industry Excellence Awards show positive steps. #GenderEquity #UrbanPlanning #SustainableDevelopment

International Day of Persons with Disabilities | Brisbane Study Case On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), we reflect on the importance of creating a world where the built environment supports everyone, regardless of their abilities. Brisbane's vision for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games sets a remarkable example. The city is striving to become one of the most accessible in the world through innovative design and inclusive urban planning. Initiatives like hospital-sized lifts, flat precincts, and enhanced accessible infrastructure demonstrate how thoughtful construction can empower communities and drive sustainable progress. At GBCE, we believe that sustainable design isn’t just about reducing environmental impact—it’s about building spaces that are inclusive and equitable for all. 📖 Learn more about Brisbane’s efforts: https://lnkd.in/g5NJE5xx 💬 How can we ensure accessibility becomes a standard part of sustainable construction worldwide? Share your thoughts below! #IDPD #IDPD2024 #Accessibility #SustainableDesign #InclusiveConstruction #2032Olympics #GreenBuilding #Brisbane2032