ADBED CHARTER (2026 - 2030)

The Australasian Deans of Built Environment and Design (ADBED) bring together the academic leaders in architecture, design, planning, and related disciplines across universities in Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. It represents a unified, transdisciplinary voice that connects education, research, and practice to shape the future of our cities, communities, and environments.
The contemporary world is defined by rapid transformation: climate disruption, housing and cost-of-living pressures, health and wellbeing challenges, and significant changes across the higher education sector. In this context, the agency of the design and built environment disciplines plays a critical role. Through creativity, innovation, and cultural respect, we prepare future professionals to respond to these challenges with resilience and imagination.

This Charter sets out ADBED’s shared commitments for 2026–2030. It sets out goals and aspirations that align with Australia's national interests in the Built Environment and Design. It defines the principles through which ADBED and its members lead national conversations, influence policies, and advance education and research. Five key areas of commitment are identified through a collective workshop during the 2024 AGM. A roadmap outlining a set of actions further underscores the association's ambition and commitment.


ACTIVATION
This Charter sets the principles and direction for ADBED for 2026–2030. It is enabled and activated through:

ADBED PROJECTS – initiatives funded and coordinated under the Project Framework, advancing Charter priorities through research, education, advocacy, and engagement.

COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE – networks that connect and share learning amongst members, students, and partners around common challenges and innovations.

PARTNERSHIPS AND ALLIANCES – collaborations with government, professions, and industry to extend reach and influence.




ADBED VISION

Respect for Country, including the diverse Indigenous culture across our region

  • Embed culturally respectful practice across education, research, and professional engagement in the built environment and design disciplines.
  • Support and enable Indigenous–led approaches to design and the built environment, including the Indigenisation of curricula where possible.
  • Support education and training opportunities for Indigenous and First Nation communities.

Sustainability and Innovation

  • Align with global and national sustainability frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Australia’s Circular Economy Framework.
  • Advance low-carbon and circular approaches through net-zero and carbon-positive transitions, adaptive reuse, and regenerative design practices.
  • Promote innovation and systems thinking through new materials, digital technologies, and behaviour change strategies that reduce waste, pollution, and carbon.

Cities and Communities

  • Promote resilient, liveable, and equitable cities through integrated design and planning.
  • Address key societal challenges, including housing, health, education, and community wellbeing.
  • Champion for sustainable environments, protecting biodiversity and ecosystems alongside human needs.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

  • Advance inclusive education and career pathways across the design and built environment disciplines.
  • Promote diversity in leadership, curricula, and practice.
  • Embed principles of equity, social justice, and fairness in ADBED’s activities and initiatives.

 Education and Collaboration 

  • Deliver world-leading education and training that builds technical capability, environmental literacy, and ethical responsibility.
  • Foster Communities of Practice aligned with ADBED’s Charter priorities and values.
  • Strengthen partnerships with professional associations, industry, government, and community to expand impacts and shared benefits.