This research was conducted by Dr. Georgina de Beaujeu through a PhD partnership between Deakin University and Tract.
Co-benefits for urban nature and humans
PhD thesis summary
Urban design has a key role to play in delivering a quality human life in balance with nature. While initiatives to address climate change are mainstreamed, pathways to transition to cities that provide win-wins for people and nature remain underdeveloped.
What is the thesis about?
The project advances urban design policy and practice by integrating biodiversity and placemaking research, promoting cross discipline engagement, challenging conventional thinking, and prioritising equality to understand the potential to create co-benefits for urban nature and people.
Co-benefits are actions that deliver mutually positive outcomes for nature and humans. Penrith LGA was selected as the case study due to its strategic position in Western Sydney.
How was the research conducted?
Firstly, factors that create healthy daily living conditions for nature and people were identified and co-benefit types, design strategies and trade-offs defined. A site analysis process was developed and applied to understand which co-benefits present onsite. This work was peer reviewed by experts.
Secondly, the potential of the LGA to foster co-benefits was explored. Discipline experts across the project lifecycle participated in a three-part systems workshop. Findings highlight factors that undermine biodiversity and identified initial intervention points.
Finally, the study determined how the LGA could transition to a future where co-benefit creation is mainstream.
The research
This co-benefit approach sets a new standard for how urban spaces can be designed to promote biodiversity while delivering critical human urban design outcomes.
The research promotes innovation in addressing biodiversity in place by articulating an evidence-based co-benefit philosophy supported by typologies, a site analysis process, and system insights.
Read the full thesis including methodology and findings below.
Summary Report
Summary of a PhD thesis supported by Tract Consultants and Deakin University and completed in partnership with Penrith City Council.
Phase I – Co-benefit Framework and Site Analysis Report
Scope conceptual opportunities to create co-benefits through neighbourhood and city design in LGAs.
Phase II – Group Model Building Final Report
Determine how the current social-ecological-technical system helps or hinders the creation of co-benefits in LGAs.
Phase III – Co-benefits as Mainstream Practice
Understand the potential to mainstream the philosophy and practice of co-benefit creation in neighbourhood and city design in LGAs.