What a lone tree can teach us about social sustainability
Recently, I’ve been starting my mornings on the trails again—I’d forgotten how much I needed it. The quiet, the cool air, the movement. Beautiful nature and space to just be. It brings everything into perspective and calms my thoughts.
On my run this morning at Mulligans Flat, as the first light stretched across the landscape, one tree caught my eye.
A stark silhouette against the sky, standing alone in an open field. Striking. Resilient. But also… kind of lonely?
As I kept running, I started thinking about places—what makes some feel alive and inviting while others remain empty and disconnected? Some, like this tree, stand alone—isolated, yet enduring. Others flourish as part of a larger system, shaped by the environment around them.
The same applies to the places we create. Some naturally bring people together, while others—despite the best intentions—struggle to foster connection and activity.
How places shape us
Mulligans Flat is one of Canberra’s best assets—a pocket of nature right on our doorstep, where winding trails cut through woodlands and wetlands, and where kangaroos and wallabies bound alongside you as you run. It’s a place that draws people in—not just for exercise, but for the sense of space, connection, and restoration it offers.
Some places just work. Well-designed parks, town centres, and public spaces naturally bring people together, making movement and connection effortless. Others, despite careful planning, remain underutilised—missing the elements that make them feel intuitive, welcoming, and alive.
In urban and regional planning, we need to think beyond physical structures. A place can be functional, but does it encourage people to engage with it? Does it support movement, gathering, and everyday interactions?
Because when we focus on social sustainability, we create places that don’t just exist—they become part of the fabric of people’s lives.
Designing places that invite people in
If there’s one thing trail running teaches you, it’s that moving through a place isn’t just about getting from A to B—you have to read the terrain, adjust to what’s beneath your feet, and sometimes rethink your whole approach on the fly.
Well-designed places work the same way. They don’t just exist—they invite people in, guide movement, and create a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a trail, a town square, or a neighbourhood street, the best places feel intuitive, connected, and easy to navigate.
To build places that truly thrive, we need to:
Design for movement and connection – Streets, paths, and public spaces should be more than just thoroughfares. They should invite people to pause, interact, and engage with their surroundings.
Create places with purpose and identity – A space isn’t just ‘liveable’ because it meets technical standards. It should foster community, culture, and a sense of place that makes people want to return.
Invest in social infrastructure, not just buildings – A well-designed precinct isn’t complete without the programs, services, and community spaces that bring it to life. A thriving place isn’t just about what’s built—it’s about what happens there.
When we plan places with people at the centre, we create spaces that feel welcoming, engaging, and enduring—places that don’t just stand alone, but become part of a thriving ecosystem.
Five key ways to make places thrive
So how do we ensure places remain vibrant, relevant, and people-focussed?
✔ Plan for people, not just infrastructure – Spaces should be designed for gathering, not just passing through. Whether it’s a street, a plaza, or a park, people need a reason to stop, connect, and engage.
✔ Encourage a mix of uses and activities – A place isn’t truly alive if it only works for one part of the day or one type of user. Designing for work, play, and social interaction together ensures longevity.
✔ Prioritise accessibility, inclusivity, and equity – A park, a trail, or a public space is only an asset if people feel welcome to use it. Thoughtful design ensures places are not just reachable but comfortable, inclusive, and inviting for all.
✔ Design for adaptability and long-term use – A place isn’t just about what’s built today—it’s about how it grows, evolves, and remains relevant over time. Spaces that can shift, repurpose, and respond to changing needs are the ones that last.
✔ Think beyond construction to activation – A great space isn’t just about the physical design—it’s about what happens there. Investing in community programs, events, and long-term engagement ensures a place doesn’t just exist, but is actively used and loved.
Back to the tree…
So, is it a symbol of resilience? Or a reminder of how important it is to create places that foster life, connection, and belonging?
Maybe both. But one thing is certain—great places don’t happen by accident.
Mulligans Flat works because it’s been protected, planned, and integrated into the life of the city. It’s not just land—it’s a living part of Canberra’s identity, enjoyed by so many who live here.
That’s social sustainability in action.
Because a single tree standing alone makes for a striking image—but a thriving landscape, where everything is connected and people and place grow together? That’s what really matters
💬 What do you think?
What places make you feel truly connected—to people, to movement, to a sense of belonging? And what can we learn from them to create more places that thrive?
