Stories
We share stories and evidence on the link between urban design and human wellbeing.
The happier missing middle: Lessons for building an urban cohousing village
A Q&A with the project team behind Our Urban Village on the benefits and challenges of cohousing, including financial commitments, development approvals, expanding impact, and learning to live in community.
Our Urban Village: A new model for social, missing middle housing?
Cohousing lite is a promising solution to our loneliness and housing crises. Why aren’t we building more of it?
How cohousing builds support across generations
Cohousing communities reveal the benefits of supportive, multigenerational neighbours—showing that apartment living doesn’t have to be lonely or isolating.
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.