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Happy Cities
@happycities.com
710 followers 250 following 33 posts
We build happier, healthier, more inclusive communities. Focus: learning + solutions around cities, wellbeing, & social trust.

Let's chat: info@happycities.com
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happycities.com
Socially connected homes not only connect us with neighbours—they offer private, comfortable places to recharge.

Download our new housing design toolkit w/ @heyneighbourcollective.ca to design social homes: happycities.com/building-soc...

📸 Driftwood Village Cohousing (Cornerstone Architecture)
Photo showing the living room of a home with a couch, coffee table, house plants and a dining table. Four pink dialogue bubbles are overlaid pointing out design elements of the space; 1) Ground-level entrance facing a courtyard, 2) Natural lighting and cross-ventilation, 3) Private-public transition, and 4) Flexible space that can evolve over time to meet changing needs. Text on a light pink background reads: “Design toolbox for for social homes: Explore the Building social connections toolkit”
February 13, 2025 at 4:44 PM
happycities.com
Apartment amenity rooms & lounges often sit vacant, used only for special events. This one shows a more social alternative:

Download our housing design toolkit with @heyneighbourcollective.ca to learn more: happycities.com/building-soc...

📸 Marmalade Lane Cohousing (David Butler / Mole Architects)
A community amenity room with a book shelf, children playing at a ping pong table, a group of adults sitting at a long table, and two adults sitting on a couch. Four purple dialogue bubbles are overlaid pointing out design elements of the space; 1) Flexible space that can accommodate different uses, 2) Connection to outdoor amenity space, 3) Shared storage space, 4) Activities for all ages and abilities. Text on a light purple background reads: “Design toolbox for social indoor amenity spaces: Explore the Building social connections toolkit"
February 5, 2025 at 5:19 PM
happycities.com
Can the place where we hang clothes also be a place to hang out?

Download our new housing design toolkit w/ @heyneighbourcollective.ca to learn more! happycities.com/building-soc...

📸 Bayview Hill Gardens, San Francisco, CA (Matt Edge / David Baker Architects)
View of a community laundry room, office space, and living room with a green sofa and coffee table. Four purple dialogue bubbles are overlaid pointing out design elements of the space; 1) Connected to other activities, 2) Views into other community spaces, 3) Flexible access hours, and 4) Comfortable seating area near laundry room. Text on a light purple background reads: “Design toolbox for social laundry rooms: Explore the Building social connections toolkit”
January 28, 2025 at 6:43 PM
happycities.com
Lobbies often feel uninviting and empty, used only to pick up mail. Can they become more than that?

Download our new housing design toolkit with @heyneighbourcollective.ca to learn how to design social lobbies: happycities.com/building-soc...
A building lobby that includes a communal space, furniture, mailboxes, and a community library. Four orange dialogue bubbles are overlaid pointing out design elements of the space; 1) Connected to community amenities, 2) Connected to the main entrance, 3) Community hub with a library, comfy chairs, fireplace, 4) Neighbours personalize the space with art & furniture, and 5) Mailboxes, recycling, and shared board games Text on a light orange background reads: “Design toolbox for social lobbies: Explore the Building social connections toolkit”
January 15, 2025 at 5:04 PM
happycities.com
Tomorrow! Explore design & policy for healthier, more inclusive, connected housing communities at a free webinar with the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health.

This session will share our Building Social Connections toolkit, released together w/ @heyneighbourcollective.ca
Graphic with a photo of an apartment building overlooking a grassy park, where people of all ages gather and play. Text reads: Building social connections: Designing multi-unit housing for social well-being. January 15, 2025 @12-1pm PT
January 14, 2025 at 8:48 PM
happycities.com
What does a welcoming entrance look like?

Many people cross paths going in and out of an apartment building. But it's not often they stop to chat. Social design features can help.

Download our new housing design toolkit w/ @heyneighbourcollective.ca to learn more: happycities.com/building-soc...
Photo of the front of a building that includes a communal space, benches, and trees. Four blue dialogue bubbles are overlaid pointing out design elements of the space; 1) Sheltered entrance that is easy to find, 2) Gathering spaces next to main entrances, 3) Spaces to pause, or have a chat with a neighbour, and 4) Plants and furniture near entrance. Text with an arrow on a light blue background that reads: “Toolbox for social entrances: Explore the Building social connections toolkit”
December 18, 2024 at 6:02 PM
happycities.com
Can hallways be more than just a means to get to and from your front door? This cozy elevator nook at Little Mountain Cohousing says yes.

Download our new housing design toolkit w/ @heyneighbourcollective.ca to learn how to create more social circulation spaces: happycities.com/building-soc...
A photo of a social nook in front of an elevator with women and children reading books. Four orange dialogue bubbles are overlaid pointing out design elements of the space; 1) Wide open spaces with natural light, 2) Neighbours personalize the space with art and furniture, 3) Nooks placed next to elevators and stairs, and 4) Comfy space to pause and read a book. Text with an arrow on a light red background reads: “Design toolbox for social hallways: Explore the Building social connections toolkit”
December 12, 2024 at 6:35 PM
happycities.com
Do balconies really matter for wellbeing?

People are unlikely to use balconies that are too small or exposed. We’ve identified design strategies for more social balconies, connecting neighbours to each other—& their community.

Learn more: happycities.com/building-soc...
@heyneighbour.bsky.social
An image of the front of a building with private balconies overlooking a street. Four pink dialogue bubbles are overlaid pointing out design elements of the space; 1) Sense of privacy, 2) Connection with neighbours and the street, 3) Extension of the home’s living space, and 4) Spaces to grow plants and engage with nature. Text with a pink arrow on a light pink background that reads: “Design toolbox for social balconies: Explore the Building social connections toolkit”
November 26, 2024 at 10:40 PM
happycities.com
What makes a great courtyard?

Explore our new #housing design toolkit w/ @heyneighbour.bsky.social to learn more about how to create social outdoor spaces 🌱

Download the free toolkit today! happycities.com/building-soc...
The view of a courtyard that includes a play space, chairs and tables, a community garden and entrances to the building. Five purple dialogue bubbles are overlaid pointing out design elements of the space; 1) Views into the courtyard from private homes, 2) Direct access to the communal laundry room, 3) Indoor-outdoor connection to the courtyard, 4) Informal play area with public art, and 5) Accessible community gardens Text with a purple arrow on a light purple background that reads: “Design toolbox for social courtyards? Explore the Building social connections toolkit "
November 21, 2024 at 7:00 PM
happycities.com
Can spaces for bicycles also be spaces for social interaction?
This bike room offers easy access to the street, with large windows & openings to the lobby. Why is it so effective? Download our new housing design toolkit with
Hey Neighbour Collective to learn more: happycities.com/building-soc...
The view of a bicycle room from a building lobby, which includes a mailbox and elevator. Five purple dialogue bubbles are overlaid pointing out design elements of the space; 1) Secure long-term bike parking, 2) Connected to other social spaces, 3) Bicycle repair station, 4) No-lift bicycle parking spaces, and 5) Easy to access from ground level. Text with a purple arrow on a light purple background reads: “Design toolbox for social bicycle spaces. Explore the Building social connections toolkit”
November 18, 2024 at 10:24 PM