A report from Champions of Change Coalition sets a new standard in architecture, calling for equity by design from the outset.
The new resource from the Champions of Change Coalition, Equity by Design, offers a framework to transform the design space by addressing long-standing systemic gaps in design decisions and development processes that disproportionately affect marginalised groups, with a particular focus on gender equality.
Advocating for the intentional integration of diversity into design, the Champions of Change Coalition seeks to set a new industry standard, where equity is embedded throughout policy and practice.
Equity by Design offers a practical approach for designers to integrate and target gender equality, accessibility, culture and wellbeing into every phase of planning, design and development.
The ethos of Equity by Design is upheld by 7 Switches, a best practice framework employed by the coalition to challenge traditional norms, check for systemic bias and incorporate varied perspectives through the design process.
The 7 Switches framework refers to key markers that should be employed to combat the common ‘glitches’ in design and decision-making processes, which commonly manifest as underrepresentation, underinvestment and a compromise on health and safety for women and gender-diverse people.
With a focus on visibility, investment, empowerment and representation, these switches are integral to ensuring a comprehensive and intentional design towards achieving gender equality that is reflected in our built world.
Champions of Change Coalition founder Elizabeth Broderick AO said the report speaks to a critical need for more inclusive spaces, offering a practical framework to shape environments that create opportunities for all.
“This resource offers practical tools and a clear pathway to create spaces where everyone feels safe, valued and able to contribute fully, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future,” Broderick said.
The mandate of the Champions of Change Coalition Group is to build an accessible and liveable world for everyone. To amend historic inequities of design in the built world, the coalition prioritises principles of diversity and inclusivity and promotes these considerations within the industry.
United Nations Population Fund chief of innovation and Equity 2030 Alliance co-founder Dr Nigina Muntean highlighted the necessity of considering groups that have been historically omitted during decision-making.
“The world we live in was not designed with women in mind, yet we have the tools to change that,” Muntean said. “Equity by Design provides a clear pathway for organisations to address systemic biases and create spaces that reflect the needs of everyone. By embedding equity into every solution – across industries and geographies – we can ensure that innovation and progress are truly inclusive.”.
Read more about designing better cities for women and gender-diverse people.