Stories
We share stories and evidence on the link between urban design and human wellbeing.
All stories
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.
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.
Architecture helped me heal. So I helped create a new guide to fight loneliness
We can and must build better buildings — ones that make us healthier, happier and more socially connected.
How do you help an entire nation build happier communities?
There’s one sure way to avoid the negative effects of stressful, dangerous and disconnected communities: start using evidence to guide urban design. We’re helping the United Arab Emirates do just that.
Will Vancouver's ambitious new housing strategy make the city healthier and happier?
Vancouver, like so many cities, is experiencing a painful housing crisis. The city is the least affordable in North America.
Tackling the crisis of social disconnection
Social wellbeing matters. Feelings of belonging and connection to other people and community are essential elements of human health and happiness.