Stories
We share stories and evidence on the link between urban design and human wellbeing.
Alienation is a losing game: What urbanists can learn from the haters
To change peoples’ minds, we have to make an effort first to listen.
Why are great streets so hard to build?
To make every street wonderful, add it to people’s job descriptions.
How Halifax built the most vibrant waterfront in Canada: Decades of small changes
For successful placemaking, small, consistent investments over time matter more than grand gestures.
The secret to vibrant streets? Focus on what people can see
Transit-oriented development suggests that homes, shops, and services should all be located within 400 metres of transit. The actual distance to create vibrant streets may be much shorter.
Zoning won’t create walkable suburbs on its own. But one great block might.
Surrey, B.C. shows a promising strategy to transform suburbs into more walkable, vibrant communities.
Where words fail: Teach architects and urban designers like violinists
Architects and urban designers justify or explain their work with words, and municipalities govern design with jargon-filled regulations. The outcome is often underwhelming.
The responsibility of the building to the street
Structural engineers are responsible for ensuring that buildings do not fall over. Mechanical engineers must ensure that people inside can breathe. But what responsibility do building designers have to the street outside?
Walkability, like apple farming, is all about getting the basics right
How cities can implement good ideas faster.
How standards can enable more diversity in urban design
If residents want to live in a walkable community, it's the planner's job to communicate the requirements—and then lay the foundations for a wonderful, walkable place.
Alone, together
How city dwellers are building joyful connections despite physical isolation.
We can’t solve affordability while ignoring wellbeing
Demand for great communities is pushing up prices and displacing residents. We must build more great communities.
Why math and rigid rules aren’t enough to build great cities
For every rule about good urban design, there are places that offer exceptions.
Walking is economic growth
You know walking is good for your physical health, and even your emotional wellbeing. But did you know it’s critical for the fiscal health of your city too?
What makes a beautiful place?
An evidence-based approach to designing for diverse tastes and preferences.