ABSTRACT
Spatial planning has an important role to play in shaping the future of the places and spaces in which we live and in helping create sustainable communities. A sustainable community functions at an economic, environmental and social level, and yet many reports, articles and debates on sustainability make no explicit reference to diversity and equality. This book illustrates the importance for spatial planning of the relationship between space and place; sustainability, difference and diversity; equity and equality. Sustainable development is more than inter-generational equity. To work, it must not reproduce inequality or create the potential for discrimination. Given the diversity of our communities as reflected in Helen Averley’s piece of art in Figure I.1, a workable approach to sustainability recognizes the important role everyone can play as individuals, as members of a community and as part of the productive economy.
