Whether you’re dealing with the dry heat of the outback or the wet and humid conditions of the coastline, each region of Australia presents its own set of climate risks and challenges for architects. If you’re designing a park, plaza, or any outdoor space, ensuring these areas are built to withstand their unique climates is essential. Designing and building your public space with climate in mind ensures that your outdoor space can be enjoyed for decades while helping mitigate the effects of climate change.

Water management in public space design

Flooding

In wetter areas like the East Coast, flood management is a top priority. While the risk of flooding cannot be eliminated, using permeable surfaces that let rainwater soak into the ground can significantly reduce your risk of flooding.

Incorporating green spaces, elevation changes, and plants that thrive in wet environments can also enhance natural water management while improving the health of the built environment.

Regions experiencing heavy rain should entertain bioswales—landscaped elements designed to filter runoff in public green spaces— and permeable pavements to prevent waterlogging and create resilient landscapes that can withstand climate change​.

Sea Spray Erosion

Coastal regions face sea spray erosion, so it’s crucial to select materials resistant to salt corrosion like anodised aluminium or Terrain Group’s exclusive Aluminium TimberMatch Range. Natural vegetation buffers can also help combat erosion while enhancing climate resilience and mitigating climate effects.

Ideal for seaside regions is the Barossa Wave Shelter and the Monaco Aluminium Table Setting, whose anodised aluminium constructions are resistant to corrosion and damage from ocean spray.

Humidity

In Australia’s tropical and subtropical zones, the extreme humidity can warp materials, making it essential to choose durable options that will never warp or wilt due to humid conditions.

Public Space Design for the Scorching Aussie Sun

Droughts

In arid regions such as Western Australia and South Australia, drought-resistant landscaping is a major consideration. Using native plants accustomed to the tough conditions can help conserve water while boosting climate resilience.

The hot and dry summer days make it imperative to assess and incorporate irrigation systems into any outdoor green space to ensure that it remains green.

Bushfires

In bushfire-prone areas, fire-resistant materials and strategic vegetation can help protect public spaces.

Products like the Foreshore Waste Bin or the Brighton Recycle Bin are fire-proof and ideal for regions at-risk of bushfires.

Intense Sunlight

Intense sunlight and long-term exposure to UV rays can damage and fade materials that are not equipped to handle the Australian sun.

For public spaces looking to blend aesthetics with durability, the TimberMatch range is an excellent option. An aluminium build with a wood-like appearance, the material is resistant to harsh climates and requires minimal maintenance. TimberMatch doesn’t warp, twist, melt, or corrode, and is termite-resistant.

Above all, the TimberMatch Range is locally sourced and sustainably produced, providing an ideal solution to the design challenges of the climate crisis.

How To Manage Australia’s Climate Risks

Australia’s varied climate demands tailored solutions for public spaces. The materials you choose play a critical role in managing risks from heat, humidity, and extreme weather.

Water management systems, such as rainwater harvesting, irrigation systems, and drought-tolerant plants ensure long-term sustainability. Green spaces, particularly those incorporating local plants, contribute to biodiversity while mitigating the effects of climate change.

In sunny regions using UV-resistant materials like anodised aluminum, which is long-lasting and can be made from recycled materials, is key to addressing extreme weather risks.

To effectively manage these climate risks, comprehensive climate data guides the design process. This data can be secured from several sources but one of the best publicly available options is the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). This information helps ensure that public spaces are designed with future temperatures, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events in mind.

Terrain Group Can Climate-Proof Your Outdoor Public Space

Designing public spaces in Australia is no small task, especially when accounting for the country’s diverse, and often harsh climate. By taking a holistic approach that accounts for heat islands, droughts, flood management, sea spray erosion, and the right choice of materials, you can create spaces that are not only resilient but also promote health and well-being.

Terrain Group specializes in sustainable design and manufacturing park furniture, ensuring that your public spaces are both beautiful and built to withstand the challenges of Australia’s changing climate.