Quality of life and climate action will define 2021

摘要

For an optimist it is never easy to look back on a year in a negative light. However, the shadow of 2020 will always be felt because of the enormous cost in both lives and livelihoods that came with it. As we acknowledge the losses we shared, we must also look to the lessons we learned. As communities, this was the year where we showed unparalleled adaptability, strength and determination. Not least because we knew we needed to build a better world to come out to on the other side. So, as we head towards 2021, with hopes of a vaccine inviting that glimmer of light we all so desperately need, we should respect the sacrifices that we have all made, by taking stock of our successes. Just last month, the government outlined a requirement for the appointment of design champions at board level on all infrastructure projects of national significance, with the support of design review panels. This was in official response to the National Infrastructure Commission's national infrastructure assessment, which I have been working on as a commissioner with my colleagues over the past few years; and the launch of our infrastructure design principles titled Climate, People, Place, Value. This acceptance is a sign that good design is moving up the national agenda. It is truly a positive shift in focus that now needs to be followed through with positive implementation. It is not enough to celebrate milestone decisions, however; they are just a first step. The second is to ensure that individuals and teams are given the space and leeway to do the work that it takes to make design, wellbeing and sustainability central to future development.