Architecture, planning and food

This note was reviewed and approved for currency in November 2018.

While architects and planners don’t seek to disadvantage communities, the incremental impacts of the way towns and cities are designed is having exactly that effect when it comes to access to food. Modern cities make it harder for many – particularly the disadvantaged – to access quality food and are increasingly separating us from the places of food production. Dependencies on fossil fuels and water underpin the production and distribution of food, making food security increasingly tenuous as we progress into the 21st century.

This note seeks to suggest opportunities to ensure food, in its broadest sense, can be brought into the design process. It outlines some thoughts about how we can get more food production, better health outcomes, higher amenity and greater social inclusion for less land and resources, and it shows how architects and planners can help address this challenge.

note summary
  1. Introduction
  2. Food systems
  3. Why planning for food is important
  4. Urban food issues in Australia
  5. Barriers to thinking about food in architecture and planning
  6. Food sensitive planning and urban design
  7. Conclusion
Download the full note PDF 1MB
Download
Disclaimer

This content is provided by the Australian Institute of Architects for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. It is not legal, financial, insurance, or other advice and you should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time. Using this website and content is subject to the Acumen User Licence.

Was this note helpful?

We are always looking to improve our content and your opinion is important to us. If you have any feedback or suggestions on how this article could be more relevant and useful, please outline below.

Recently Viewed

As-built documentation
Project
24 January 2024
Business continuity and disaster planning
Practice
24 January 2024
Slip resistance design considerations
Project
14 December 2023
Slip resistance compliance and testing
Project
14 December 2023
Ecological connectivity design strategies
Environment
29 November 2023