Imagine a world where our public parks aren't just green oases but welcoming havens that cater to everyone, regardless of age. Yet, for many older adults, these spaces feel more like barriers than blessings. This eye-opening story from a groundbreaking project in Australia shows how we're beginning to change that—and why it matters for all of us.
But here's where it gets controversial: What if the real secret to better urban design isn't just asking people their opinions, but truly involving them as equal partners in the process? Dr. Zinan Chen, a researcher at the University of South Australia, is challenging this very idea through her award-winning initiative called 'Transforming to an Age-Friendly World.' By teaming up with older residents using cutting-edge tools like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Citizen Science—a method where everyday people actively contribute to research and decision-making—she's proving that co-design can transform parks into inclusive, vibrant spaces that strengthen entire communities.
To clarify for beginners, co-design means collaborating directly with users from the start, treating them as experts in their own experiences rather than just passive advisors. This project, a PhD effort supported by the City of Unley, Tract Consultants, and South Australia's Office for Ageing Well, went beyond typical consultations. Older adults weren't just giving feedback; they were shaping ideas that led to practical improvements, such as benches with sturdy back support offering scenic views, plants designed to soothe the senses for relaxation, enhanced shade that also shields from wind, and shared areas where kids and seniors can mingle and learn from each other. Imagine a park where grandparents and grandchildren play together—it's not just fun; it's a bridge between generations.
The study brought together Adelaide-based seniors to evaluate 51 local parks and participate in interactive workshops. Using simple 2D drawings alongside immersive VR and AR technologies, they visualized their dream park come to life, making choices based on real evidence. This respectful, inclusive approach produced solutions that feel authentic and go far beyond standard park updates, like adding ramps or wider paths. And the impact? Participants felt truly valued for the first time in urban planning. As Dr. Chen puts it, 'The result is more than physical upgrades—it’s a new way of engaging citizens.'
Dr. Chen's passion for this work stems from a poignant memory from nearly a decade ago in her hometown of Guangzhou, China. She witnessed an elderly man using his umbrella to help himself stand from a public bench—a small act that highlighted a big problem: urban designs that overlook the needs of the most vulnerable. Moving to Adelaide, a city founded in 1837 as the world's first with a public park system, she saw similar issues. While these historic green spaces are iconic, they were created long before our population started ageing so rapidly. South Australia, in particular, has one of the country's fastest-growing senior demographics, yet many parks still prioritize aesthetics over comfort, safety, or independence for older folks.
Her findings reveal a harsh reality: even when parks are just a short walk away, many seniors avoid them due to uncomfortable seats, insufficient shade, and a lack of engaging activities. One participant, a single man without a pet or grandkids, described feeling out of place—people wondering why he was there alone. It's a reminder that parks should foster belonging, not isolation. And this is the part most people miss: In a globally ageing world, with Australia projecting that one in four residents will be 65 or older in the next 20 years, updating spaces like Adelaide's parklands isn't just nice—it's essential for everyone. As Dr. Chen notes, 'Updating Adelaide’s historic parklands for inclusivity is essential, not just for older residents, but for creating parks that care for everyone.'
But let's stir the pot a bit: Is it fair to retrofit these beautiful old parks, potentially altering their original charm, just for modern needs? Or should we prioritize building entirely new spaces instead? This project has sparked interest from governments and industries, applying its community-driven model to places like aged care centers, hospitals, schools, and mental health facilities. Dr. Chen is now finalizing co-design toolkits and age-friendly guidelines for publication in journals, sharing them with local councils and designers. By 2025–26, she'll present the model to the Local Government Association of South Australia to encourage wider adoption.
'Inclusive design isn't about charity; it's about empathy that builds stronger communities,' Dr. Chen explains. 'By using these proven engagement methods, we can create parks and public spaces that mirror real people's lives—landscapes that genuinely care.' Winning three prestigious awards from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA)—the National Landscape Architecture Award, the People’s Choice Award, and the SA Award for Research, Policy and Communications—has been a humbling milestone for her. 'These honors reflect a team effort, reminding us that thoughtful design can ripple outward in meaningful ways,' she says.
For more details on the project and its accolades, check out this link: https://aila.awardsplatform.com/gallery/BkNDeDoD/vQJgqRbV?search=c5f1b634c657aa5b-101. And don't miss the short documentary below—with extra footage available on request.
What do you think? Do you agree that involving older adults as co-creators revolutionizes urban design, or is this just another way to overcomplicate things? Should governments invest more in retrofitting old parks, or shift focus to new developments? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss!
Media contacts:
Contact for Interview: Dr. Zinan Chen, Project Lead, UniSA. M: +61 452 299 717. E: zinan.chen@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Lara Pacillo, Communications Officer, UniSA Media. M: +61 403 659 154. E: lara.pacillo@unisa.edu.au
