‘This is a wonderful book that should be on the desk of every architect and planner. It shows how

Social design goals [Chapter 1]
Most planning processes state broad social goals that are very general so that, while no one can 
disagree with them, there is no commitment to specific action. Targets that are really policy statements 
are often not taken seriously (‘encourage more education’, ‘reduce crime’, etc). The definition of 
sustainability used here suggests the following general design goals for social wellbeing, equity and 
choice. As with the above biophysical goals and process principles, social goals will vary according 
to the specific area and situation, and should be translated into more specific goals that are relevant 
to particular communities. Such goals should: 
•
Be based on an analysis of the inequities of the existing surrounding area or city, through
mapping of resource transfers, conducting needs surveys, and equity mapping or assessment
of the accessibility of green space, public facilities and so on.
• 
Designed to expand responsible future options and social choice, recognizing that legitimate
values and needs can change over time – instead of making irreversible (even if incremental) 
choices that future generations will have to live with. 
• 
Generate positive off-site impacts to correct social and economic deficiencies of the
surrounding environment (eg reduce the urban heat island effect, provide day-care and
playgrounds, landscape nearby areas). 
• 
Begin from the public interest and ecology to ensure that everyone (the entire public) is left
better off. Ensure access and use of built environments by disabled people and the elderly
through ‘design for adaptability’, ‘design for accessibility’, and so on.
• 
Identify community-wide needs (public health, welfare, equity, safety, etc) as central criteria.
Develop explicit criteria for wider community values (economic, cultural and psychological)
– not just specific ‘client’ needs.
• 
Re-examine concepts of ‘personal needs’ through active engagement in participatory design 
processes. Maximize dedicated public spaces for social interaction, sense of community and
sense of place (as well as safety and health requirements and so on).