Stories
We share stories and evidence on the link between urban design and human wellbeing.
All stories
Movie nights, picnics, and art: How Surrey, BC is creating safer public spaces
To create safer neighbourhoods, offer inviting and vibrant places for community members to gather.
How can placemaking contribute to reconciliation?
Indigenous community members are shaping placemaking and urban design projects to share their histories of place and create stronger communities.
Making space for youth in our communities
How city staff, community organizations, and placemakers can create better places for young people.
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.
Placemaking builds trust. Here’s why cities should invest in it
When people take an active role in shaping their community, they build social connections and trust—with one another, and with local government.
Community engagement is failing us. Here's how to fix it
Four ways to include more diverse community members in planning processes.
How listening to kids leads to better urban design
When we engage youth in city planning, the results benefit everyone.
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.
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.
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?