ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the ideas and philosophy that underpin the book. It suggests that our ability to meet our needs, thrive and fulfil our potential is influenced by the messages that we receive from our surroundings. They are embedded in the built environment by everyone who shares it, not just those who design it. These messages can be helpful or unhelpful. They influence how we perceive the opportunities and invitations of our surroundings and so play a role in framing the possibilities open to us. The chapter asserts that these possibilities are inequitably distributed and this has quantifiable health and well-being implications that consign many to diminished lives. The chapter suggests this is an affront to their inherent dignity and addressing this issue should demand our attention.
