Architects Advocate for Integrated Infrastructure in SA
ADELAIDE — The Australian Institute of Architects has called on South Australian election candidates to prioritise design-led planning to create liveable communities, emphasizing the need for integrated infrastructure development. According to the Institute, merely upgrading roads will not meet the expectations of South Australians for connected living spaces.
SA Chapter President Kirstie Coultas highlighted that good design should link housing, transport, education, and public spaces, which in turn enhances economic and social outcomes. Coultas stated, “Good design connects housing, transport, education and public space — strengthening both economic and social outcomes for our state.”
The Institute has urged the forthcoming State Government to incorporate qualified design expertise in all major infrastructure decisions, ensuring long-term value for both Adelaide and regional areas. This advocacy comes as South Australia approaches a pivotal election, where decisions could impact community structures for generations.
The Role of Design in Urban Development
The Institute’s push for design-led planning aligns with a broader trend in urban development that seeks to balance growth with community well-being. As cities worldwide strive for sustainability and resilience, integrating design into planning processes is increasingly seen as crucial.
The Institute’s policy statement, “Reforming Urban Planning for a Liveable, Design-Led and Sustainable South Australia,” outlines the potential for the state to lead nationally by demonstrating that urban transformation can coincide with preserving liveability, identity, and climate resilience. “Design-led planning is not a ‘nice to have’ — it is the foundation of long-term economic, social, cultural and environmental value,” the statement reads.
The conversation around urban planning in South Australia reflects a growing recognition of the role design plays in creating environments that are not only functional but also inclusive and culturally rich. As the state prepares for its upcoming election, the Institute’s message serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of strategic planning on community well-being.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 1 April 2026, 10:32 am
