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.
Rural bus stops accessibility guidelines
Design guide for accessible bus stops in rural communities, created for the Nova Scotia Community Transportation Network.
Port Moody social wellbeing design guidelines
An innovative policy offers incentives for new housing that supports social connection, health, and inclusion in Port Moody.
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.
DASH standardized housing common space toolbox
Recommendations for Metro Vancouver and BC Housing’s DASH toolkit on how to design common spaces that encourage social connection.
Overland Park walkability guidelines
Design guidelines to help Overland Park, KS create walkable areas within a suburban context, fulfilling the goals of the city’s comprehensive plan.
Building social connections in practice: National training program
A national workshop series for planners to develop policy and design tools for social wellbeing in housing, in collaboration with Hey Neighbour Collective and SFU Renewable Cities.
University of the Fraser Valley community design guidelines
Community design guidelines to shape resilient, socially connected development on the UFV Abbotsford Campus.
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.
Our Urban Village Cohousing
A missing middle cohousing project offers a promising solution to Vancouver’s housing and social isolation crises.
Aging in the right place: Designing housing for wellbeing and older adults
Post-occupancy audit methodology to support aging in the right place.
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.
Age- and dementia-inclusive neighbourhood design guidelines
Planning and design strategies to support independence, participation, and belonging for people living with dementia.
Happy neighbours: Design and programming for social connection in multi-unit buildings
Denser cities offer potential for stronger social networks but also pose challenges like overcrowding and loneliness, especially in multi-unit housing. Effective design and social programs can alleviate these issues and mitigate high living costs.
National policy for happier, healthier communities
In January 2019, the United Arab Emirates introduced a pioneering national community design policy, aiming to create happier, healthier communities across the country.
Happy Homes phase 2: Designed to engage
Multi-family housing complexes are urban hubs. Boosting sociability requires thoughtful design and community engagement, fostering stronger connections.
Happy homes
The location and design of multi-family housing significantly affect local relationships, neighborhood trust, and residents’ sense of belonging, impacting social isolation, a global public health concern in cities.
Wellbeing principles for British Land
British Land, the UK’s largest real estate investment trust, is committed to improving wellbeing through its development and placemaking practices. We helped the company to pursue this aspiration through a collaborative program of research, recommendations, site audits and workshops.