Portfolio
We work with partners across the world to build happier, healthier and more inclusive communities.
Filter projects
Building social connections in practice: Multi-unit housing policy and evaluation guide
A practical resource for planners to evaluate and implement housing policy that strengthens social connection and wellbeing for residents.
Homegrown housing: A playbook for cluster housing and retrofits
Expanding practical, affordable housing options across the Sunshine Coast.
How to design for cars in people-centred places
Practical design strategies to meet the needs of drivers while creating great places for people, from Happy Cities and Mobycon.
Metrics for scaling up social infrastructure
A partnership with city planners, health authorities, academics, and community organizations to develop metrics and policy tools for infrastructure.
Mass timber post-occupancy evaluations
A multi-year research initiative exploring how biophilic design can support occupant wellbeing and satisfaction in residential, commercial, and community buildings.
Building social connections: Multi-unit housing design toolkit
Evidence-based design strategies for improving social connection and health through shared spaces in multi-unit housing.
Power of placemaking: Community conversations
Six community stories provide practical tips on how placemaking can support health, reconciliation, economic resilience, climate action, safe spaces for youth, and more.
Our Urban Village Cohousing
A missing middle cohousing project offers a promising solution to Vancouver’s housing and social isolation crises.
North Vancouver active design study
Evaluating the impact of the City of North Vancouver’s Active Design Guidelines for residents and industry practitioners.
Aging in the right place: Designing housing for wellbeing and older adults
Post-occupancy audit methodology to support aging in the right place.
North Vancouver open streets: Public life study
A multi-year study to assess the wellbeing impacts of North Vancouver’s Open Streets program, first launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building social connections: Housing design policies to support wellbeing for all
Research and engagement with five cities and one First Nation to co-create policies for social wellbeing in multi-unit housing.
Power of placemaking: Research and engagement
Exploring the role that placemaking plays in supporting community wellbeing, with the Healthy Communities Initiative and Canadian Urban Institute.
Age- and dementia-inclusive neighbourhood design guidelines
Planning and design strategies to support independence, participation, and belonging for people living with dementia.
My home, my neighbourhood wellbeing study
Survey of 2,000 residents across Metro Vancouver to assess the links between density, neighbourhood design, and health.
Community wellbeing assessment tool
Happy Cities has dedicated over a decade to researching the connections between urban design and well-being. Our efforts culminated in a cutting-edge community assessment tool. This tool evaluates four design realms and tracks over 80 evidence-based criteria to gauge a project's impact on well-being.
Rossland economic data visualization and communications
Rossland, nestled in BC's interior, boasts world-class skiing, stunning scenery, and a welcoming community. With a charming town center, it's becoming an increasingly popular choice for residents seeking a close-knit community and picturesque surroundings.
Spring Garden Road, Halifax wellbeing assessment methodology
In 2021, Halifax's iconic Spring Garden Road underwent a $10-million streetscape reconstruction project, central to the city's identity as a vibrant hub. Happy Cities was commissioned to develop a methodology to assess the project's impact on enhancing people's well-being.