Stories
We share stories and evidence on the link between urban design and human wellbeing.
All stories
Why are great streets so hard to build?
To make every street wonderful, add it to people’s job descriptions.
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.
How to design a dementia-inclusive community
New planning and design guidelines to boost wellbeing for people living with dementia, from Happy Cities and SFU.
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.
Walkable Spanish streets show what’s possible for North America
Inspiration from the streets of Segovia and Logroño
How listening to kids leads to better urban design
When we engage youth in city planning, the results benefit everyone.
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.
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.