Stories
We share stories and evidence on the link between urban design and human wellbeing.
Happy, healthy tenants benefit landlords, too
Three ways rental housing providers can support social connectedness within their buildings.
How an 11 year-old helped connect neighbours through the pandemic
For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic meant more time at home, and fewer social outlets. But in one Victoria apartment building, 11 year-old Hana was busier than ever.
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.
“Living Together” workshop recap: Key elements for social connection in multi-unit housing
As Vancouver becomes denser, housing professionals and advocates can work together to identify creative solutions to the crises of loneliness and social isolation.
Fostering community in a temporary home: Celebrating National Indigenous People's Day at New Beginnings modular housing
A new teepee is helping to bring Indigenous residents together and establish a sense of community at the New Beginnings building in Vancouver.
Learning from community housing movements: Unlocking the social potential of parking spaces
Parking is a resource-intensive use of space. What if these resources could be freed up to boost social connection instead?
Learning from community housing movements: Transforming corridors into social spaces
Hallways, entrances, and exits are primarily designed with fire safety in mind, which can lead to long, monotonous corridors.
Learning from community housing movements: The social potential of multi-unit building lobbies
Five design strategies for transforming a lobby into an awesome social space.
Learning from community housing movements: Six principles for building happier homes
Feeling connected to our communities, neighbours, and friends is fundamental to human wellbeing. When we design buildings, sometimes we forget this.
A roof is not enough: Rapid housing solutions must prioritize dignity and trust
A modular apartment building in Vancouver shows how simple programming actions can boost residents’ health and happiness.
Students for safer streets: Learning from the new generation of activists
People who use city spaces are the experts on how those spaces succeed or fail them.
Designing happy cities with Mitchell Reardon
Can our cities be designed to make us happier? Can street design foster trust—or even romance?
Can we design pandemic-proof cities?
When it comes to keeping people alive, neighbourhood design may matter much more than urban density.
Building bridges at a distance
Now, more than ever, it is crucial for cities, city-builders and residents to stay engaged even when participants can’t meet in person. But how do we ensure remote conversations include everyone?
Renewing Happy City’s commitments to anti-racism
How we will be accountable for making change through our practice and our areas of influence.
The pandemic is changing the way we use city spaces — for good
Responses to the pandemic can actually make cities happier, healthier and stronger in the long run.
Alone, together
How city dwellers are building joyful connections despite physical isolation.