Woodcraft, S; Smith, C; (2018) From the 'Sustainable Community' to Prosperous People and Places: Inclusive Change in the Built Environment. In: Dixon, T and Connaughton, J and Green, S, (eds.) Sustainable Futures in the Built Environment to 2050: A Foresight Approach to Construction and Development. (pp. 72-93). Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, USA.

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Abstract

The ‘sustainable community’ as a planning goal has become so detached from lived experience it is now frequently used to describe development models that are unsustainable in local terms. Drawing on two qualitative studies in East London, this chapter examines tensions between planning policy, professional practice and everyday life in communities that are experiencing regeneration. Conflicts centre on different understandings of prosperity, sustainability and value. In local terms, sustainable communities enable people to prosper and thrive in diverse ways that go far beyond orthodox notions of prosperity as wealth and economic growth. Yet dominant models of urban development override local understandings of value. New models are needed if we are to take seriously the notion of sustainable futures in the built environment. This chapter argues for the adoption of a diverse, inclusive and sustainable understanding of ‘prosperity’ as a guiding principle to consider alternative models of urban change. A new ‘prosperity model’ that reflects local aspirations for sustainable and prosperous communities in East London is presented. Using two futures methods – scenario planning and backcasting – the authors connect current experience and future aspirations to identify three pathways to change. First, a new conversation between government, business and citizens about the about the kinds of futures we value. Second, catalysing social innovation to find new models. Third, adopting new prosperity measures to monitor progress towards change.

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