Stories
We share stories and evidence on the link between urban design and human wellbeing.
We can’t solve affordability while ignoring wellbeing
Demand for great communities is pushing up prices and displacing residents. We must build more great communities.
Podcast: Paty Rios on Women-Led Cities
What does it mean to design a gender-inclusive city? To start, it means including people of diverse genders and experiences at decision-making tables.
Why math and rigid rules aren’t enough to build great cities
For every rule about good urban design, there are places that offer exceptions.
The psychological tricks designers use to make cities happier places
From rainbow crosswalks to communal herb gardens, urban planners and architects are borrowing from neuroscience to build environments that people want to work and live in
Happy City wellbeing framework: Equity
Designing cities for — and with — marginalized residents makes them work better for everyone.
Can we design more trusting public spaces?
Our research found small design changes to public space can have big impacts on social trust.
Cities for women, by women
What does it mean to design a gender-inclusive city? To start, it means including people of diverse genders and experiences at decision-making tables.
Walking is economic growth
You know walking is good for your physical health, and even your emotional wellbeing. But did you know it’s critical for the fiscal health of your city too?
Can technology make our commutes happier?
Three questions to ask when considering a new mobility solution for your city.
What makes a beautiful place?
An evidence-based approach to designing for diverse tastes and preferences.
Historic El Mirador building faces the wrecking ball: Thoughts on designing for sociability
In this article from the Edmonton Journal, Paty Rios offers advice on how developers and architects can design multi-unit buildings to foster sociability.
Nine ways we can use the power of cities to boost happiness
We’ve gathered some of the most powerful urban happiness actions in a story for the National Post. Read the full story here.
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.
Infusing equity into the World Happiness Report
The 2018 Global Happiness Policy Report is out. This time, the report contains practical solutions for governments and cities interested in boosting wellbeing.