Diagrammatic representations of sustainability: A review and synthesis

Models, and in particular diagrams, are frequently used to facilitate the understanding of complex concepts, such as sustainability. Determining the appropriateness of such representations is important if the associated notions are to be understood and related activities to be practically implemented in applicable fields, including the construction industry. An extensive review of existing pictorial models of sustainability was conducted in order to determine their propriety in relation to the sustainability concept. In addition to encompassing the conventional Venn diagram and nested circles depictions, this effort included an inspection of advanced sustainability models. It was determined that none of these diagrammatic representations adequately consider all of the key constituent elements of sustainability, namely: its notional dimensions of environment, society and economy; space and time; and the need for active participation in its implementation. Therefore a synthetic, multi-part visual model was developed to address this perceived deficiency which, when compared with contemporary construction practice, revealed the need for a holistic framework to enable a wider appreciation of sustainability’s core principles as applied to the built environment.