Shared Space

Diana Lind is an author and urban policy specialist whose work is reshaping the way we think about cities, housing, and the future of community. 

With a passion for creating more inclusive, connected, and sustainable urban environments, Diana is the author of the groundbreaking book Brave New World: Our Future in Smarter, Simpler, Happier Housing, which explores the evolving landscape of housing and the misconceptions of the American Dream.

Diana’s career spans multiple influential roles, from writing for renowned publications like The New York Times to speaking on stages about urban policy, design, and the future of cities. Her insights are not just theoretical but rooted in real-world experiences and challenges, and as a frequent speaker, she has earned accolades like the TED City 2.0 Prize and the ACLU Standup for Freedom Award. 

She is also a visiting fellow at the prestigious Johns Hopkins SNF Agora Institute, where she continues to push the boundaries of urban policy innovation.

Raised in Manhattan and now based in Philadelphia with her family, Diana's journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of both urban and suburban life. She has lived and worked in cities across the country, gaining a unique perspective on how spaces can foster connection and community. 

Diana is a powerful advocate for rethinking zoning laws, housing policies, and the traditional ideals of homeownership that often leave people behind. Through her work, she challenges us to think beyond the status quo and embrace a future where housing is not just a commodity, but a path to shared prosperity.

Her writing, including her popular Substack, The New Urban Order, encourages readers to rethink their relationship with the built environment and provides a roadmap for creating cities that work for everyone; regardless of income, race, or background. 

Diana’s work continues to inspire a new generation of urbanists, architects, and policymakers, urging them to design spaces that are not only functional but deeply human, fostering connection, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging.

Through her work, she invites us all to imagine a future where communities thrive not despite their differences, but because of them.

Key Takeaways 

1. Reimagine the American Dream – The ideal of owning a single-family home is a recent construct, and it’s time to rethink what home and success truly mean. Let’s build a future where our homes reflect community and connection.

2. Embrace Housing Diversity – Explore new models like co-living, multi-generational housing, and accessory dwelling units. These options offer flexibility, inclusivity, and affordable living for all, especially in times of housing crises.

3. Address Housing Inequities – Housing policies are deeply connected to issues of race, class, and inequality. By recognizing these ingrained barriers, we can work toward a future where everyone has equal access to safe, affordable housing.

4. Support Community Wealth – Move beyond traditional homeownership. Consider community land trusts and shared prosperity models that ensure neighborhoods thrive together and build wealth for residents, and not just investors.

5. Foster Connection through Design – Our spaces can bring us together. By designing environments that prioritize in-person experiences, we create opportunities for genuine social connection and a stronger sense of belonging.

Quotes

1. “The American Dream isn’t a fixed idea, it’s something we’ve created over time. It’s time we ask ourselves: What does a real, connected life look like in our homes and communities?”

2. “We need to rethink how we live together, not just in terms of housing, but in the spaces that foster true connection - spaces that reflect who we are and where we want to go.”

Connect with Diana 

G Cody QJ Goldberg is a designer and visionary who is redefining what it means to create spaces that connect, inspire, and empower. 

As the founder of Harper’s Playground (a nonprofit dedicated to building inclusive playgrounds) Cody has devoted his career to creating spaces where all individuals, regardless of their background or abilities, can play, connect, and thrive together.

Harper’s Playground was born from Cody's personal journey as a father. His daughter, Harper, faced significant physical challenges after birth, and at the age of four, her first independent steps were met with the frustration of being unable to navigate the traditional playground in their neighborhood. This moment of powerlessness sparked a lifelong mission to create spaces that are truly accessible to all. What began as an effort to eliminate wood chips from playgrounds has evolved into a global movement for inclusion, connection, and play.

Under Cody’s leadership, Harper’s Playground has grown from its humble beginnings to complete 19 inclusive playground projects across the United States and globally. These projects are not just playgrounds, they are spaces where children, parents, and communities come together, regardless of physical ability, to experience the joy of connection. 

Cody’s approach to design is rooted in empathy, listening, and the belief that everyone deserves to be part of the community. 

His work challenges the conventional notions of design by focusing on what truly matters - human connection. Cody is not just a designer, he is a strong advocate for the transformative power of play, and strongly believes that play is  essential to our emotional, social, and physical well-being. 

Through his work, he is bringing play back into the world, showing that it is not just a tool for development but a source of resilience, joy, and connection. 

Cody’s dedication to play and inclusion is rooted in a simple, yet powerful belief -  when we create spaces that allow everyone to participate, we all benefit.

Key Takeaways 

1. Design for Connection, Not Just Function - True inclusivity starts with the intent to connect people, not just create functional spaces. Design with everyone in mind, and the rest will follow.

2. The Power of Play - Play is essential for emotional, physical, and social development. It's more than just fun and it’s a crucial tool for building resilience and connection.

3. Inclusivity Benefits All - Designing for inclusion isn’t a sacrifice, but is an opportunity to create spaces that benefit everyone, making our communities stronger and more vibrant.

4. Empathy Drives Great Design - Ask the right questions and listen with empathy. Designing spaces with a deep understanding of different needs leads to better, more adaptable spaces for all.

5. Build for Spontaneity - Great spaces invite spontaneous connections. It’s not about planning every interaction but creating environments where connections can naturally happen.

6. Inclusion is a Movement, Not a Trend - Inclusion isn’t an add-on; it’s the foundation of great design. Lead with inclusivity, and watch as it transforms both spaces and lives.

Quotes

1. "When we design for connection, we’re not just designing spaces; we’re designing opportunities for people to truly belong."

2. "Play isn’t just for kids. It’s a powerful tool for building resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to face life’s challenges with joy."

3. "Inclusion isn’t an add-on to design, it should be the very core of it. When we lead with inclusivity, we create spaces that benefit everyone."

4. "The smallest details in design make the biggest difference. It’s not about creating something flashy. it’s about making spaces where everyone can feel seen and valued."

Connect with Cody 

Tye Farrow is a visionary architect whose work is transforming the way we think about the intersection of architecture and health. 

With an educational background that blends neuroscience, urban design, and architecture, Tye is pioneering the concept of salutogenic design- the idea that our built environments can actively contribute to our physical and mental well-being. 

As a partner at Farrow Partners, Tye combines his expertise to create spaces that go beyond aesthetics, focusing instead on how they can heal, elevate, and inspire.

Dr. Anjan Chatterjee is a neurologist and cognitive neuroscientist who has dedicated over three decades to exploring the connection between the human brain and the world around us. 

A professor of neurology, psychology, and architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Chatterjee is also the founding director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, where he leads groundbreaking research into how beauty, aesthetics, and the built environment influence our brain and behavior.

With a remarkable career that spans scientific discovery, educational leadership, and architectural innovation, Dr. Chatterjee is a true pioneer in understanding how the spaces we inhabit shape our experiences. 

His research reveals that our brains are not merely passive observers of beauty, but active participants in how we perceive and interact with the world. Dr. Chatterjee’s work on embodied cognition and neuroarchitecture highlights the power of the environments we create - not just for functionality, but for their ability to foster well-being, connection, and joy.

In his book The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolve to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art, Dr. Chatterjee shares his insights into how our brain’s neural responses to beauty have evolved and how these responses continue to affect our daily lives. He has shown that the same areas of the brain that respond to basic pleasures like eating and sex are also activated when we experience the beauty of architecture, art, and design, opening up new pathways for understanding how our environments influence our mental and emotional health.

His innovative research into biophilia and neuroarchitecture explores how elements like light, nature, and sensory complexity can be harnessed to create environments that help individuals thrive; whether in a home, workplace, or healthcare setting.

Through his work, Dr. Chatterjee has inspired countless individuals across disciplines to rethink how we design the spaces we occupy. He encourages us to create environments that foster a sense of connection, beauty, and belonging, because when we feel safe, comfortable, and inspired by the spaces around us, we are more open to connecting with others and living fuller, richer lives.

Key Takeaways 

1. Our Environment Shapes Our Brain – The spaces we inhabit directly influence our emotions, behavior, and well-being. 

2. Beauty is a Biological Necessity – Our brains are wired to seek beauty because it’s linked to survival and pleasure. Surround yourself with beauty (whether in art, architecture, or nature) and let it fuel your sense of joy and fulfillment.

3. Design for Connection – Spaces that foster connection and a sense of belonging can transform our relationships and our sense of self. Create or seek out environments that invite open, authentic interactions and help you feel grounded.

4. Embrace the Power of Curves – Nature’s curves offer a sense of harmony and peace. Incorporate natural elements like rounded shapes and organic forms into your space to enhance comfort and reduce stress.

5. Hominess is a Sense of Belonging – The most powerful spaces are those where we feel like we belong. Whether at home, work, or in a community, seek out or design places that make you feel seen, valued, and accepted.

Quotes

1. "Our brains are not passive observers of beauty; they are active participants in how we perceive and connect with the world. Surround yourself with beauty - it shapes who you are."

2. "Design spaces that invite connection and make people feel at home. When we feel safe and welcomed, we open up and create meaningful relationships."

Connect with Dr. Chatterjee 

Krista Nightengale is a visionary leader and the Executive Director of Better Block, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to transforming neighborhoods through community-driven design. 

With a fierce belief in the power of public spaces to connect people, Krista champions an approach to urban design that emphasizes love over fear, encouraging communities to build environments that are open, welcoming, and reflective of their unique character.

Krista's work centers on reimagining public spaces as hubs of interaction, creativity, and safety. Under her leadership, Better Block has become renowned for its adaptable, hands-on approach, creating temporary and small-scale urban interventions that empower communities to test and shape their own neighborhoods. 

From colorful benches to inviting street art, Krista’s projects inspire individuals to engage in the act of placemaking, proving that even modest changes can spark connection, pride, and a lasting sense of belonging.

A committed advocate for social impact through design, Krista believes that real change happens when people feel invested in their surroundings. 

She has championed projects across the country, where she works directly with community members, guiding them to not just envision but actively create vibrant spaces that bring people together. Her dedication goes beyond the physical—Krista understands that the best urban design fosters social connection, reduces crime, and builds trust among neighbors.

At her core, Krista is driven by a simple but transformative philosophy: just start. She encourages others to take that first step, to experiment, and to embrace the possibility of failure as a path to learning. 

Through her leadership and Better Block’s work, Krista Nightengale inspires communities to see their public spaces not just as backdrops but as dynamic, evolving canvases for community expression and connection.

Key Takeaways

1. Build with Love, Not Fear - When creating spaces, prioritize openness and connection over walls and barriers. Showing love to a community often brings it back in powerful ways.

2. Test Ideas Boldly and Adapt - Don’t wait for perfection—experiment; put things out there, and see what works. Change is a constant, so embrace it as an opportunity to grow and evolve.

3. Small Actions Create Big Ripples - Simple steps, like adding benches or painting walls, can transform a community’s spirit. These small interventions can spark greater engagement and pride.

4. Trust the Community Process - Sometimes the best ideas come from the people who live and work in a place. Engage them in planning, trust their voices, and work together to bring ideas to life.

5. Design for Connection - Spaces should foster social interaction, helping people feel safer and more connected. Thoughtful design can bring people together and build a stronger sense of community.

6. Take That First Step - Don’t overthink, just start. Whether it’s painting a bench or starting a conversation, even a small act can build momentum and inspire others to join in.

7. Embrace Failure as a Pathway to Success - Failure is part of the journey. Each setback offers valuable lessons, so don’t fear it. Instead, use it as fuel to adapt and try again. 

Quotes

1. "Just start doing something. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be something that invites people to engage."

2. "When you show a space love and show the community love, you’ll be amazed at how it comes back to you in ways you never expected."

3. "Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure isn’t the end, it’s a stepping stone to learning and doing better next time."

Connect with Krista

Dr. Richard Kyte is a thought leader, educator, and author whose work is centered around the transformative power of human connection, community-building, and the spaces where these vital interactions unfold. 

As the director of the DB Reinhardt Institute for Ethics and Leadership and an endowed professor of ethics at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Richard brings a deep understanding of ethics, justice, virtue, and the meaning of life to his students and the wider community. 

His educational journey, which culminated in a PhD in philosophy from Johns Hopkins, has led him to explore some of life’s most profound questions, focusing on how we live, connect, and thrive together in an increasingly disconnected world.

Through his book, Finding Your Third Place: The Art of Making Room for Friends, Richard shines a light on the powerful, often overlooked spaces that shape our social identities. His exploration of "third places" - the informal settings where people gather to relax, converse, and form friendships - reveals their essential role in our mental and emotional well-being. 

Richard believes that these spaces are more than just physical locations; they are metaphors for living with purpose and building meaningful relationships that transcend the transactional nature of work and the intimacy of home.

Drawing on his experiences growing up in the small town of Frazee, Minnesota, and his academic expertise, Richard’s work invites us to reevaluate how we design our cities, our workplaces, and our personal lives. 

With a focus on hospitality, interdependence, and the power of community, Richard encourages us to create places that cultivate connection - places where we can meet, support, and grow together.

A passionate advocate for the importance of human relationships, Richard teaches that it is through connection with others, especially in times of struggle, that we find the most profound growth. His message is a reminder that while technology and modern design may give us freedom, it is in shared spaces - whether physical or metaphorical - that we rediscover the essence of who we are and who we can become together.

Key takeaways 

1. Embrace the Power of Third Places - Create spaces where you can connect deeply with others, outside of the confines of home and work, to build meaningful relationships.

2. Design with Connection in Mind - Think about how your environment - whether your home, office, or city - can foster opportunities for spontaneous, unplanned interactions.

3. Cultivate Interdependence - Recognize that true well-being comes from interdependence, where we support and are supported by others in our communities.

4. Practice Genuine Hospitality - Welcome others with open arms, remembering that the act of hosting not only benefits the guest but also enriches the host’s life in unexpected ways.

5. Seek Out Vulnerable Conversations - Engage in conversations that go beyond surface-level interactions; these are where real growth and connection happen.

6. Break Away from the Spectacle - Resist the pull of constant performance and focus on building real relationships, where your true self can emerge.

Quotes

1. "True connection isn’t about the space you occupy, it’s about how you engage with the people around you. Make room for friends and watch how your life transforms."

2. "The deepest friendships arise when people go through real struggles together. You become who you are through the people you meet and the experiences you share."

3. "We need to intentionally cultivate relationships, create spaces where interdependence thrives, and redefine what it means to be truly connected."

Connect with Richard  

Risa Wilkerson is a pioneer in the field of community health and design, dedicated to creating spaces that foster connection, inclusivity, and well-being. 

As the Executive Director of Healthy Places by Design, Risa has spent nearly two decades working at the intersection of public health, community development, and equity. 

Her work empowers organizations across the U.S. to design environments that bring people together, breaking down barriers to create stronger, more resilient communities.

Risa’s passion for this work stems from her own experiences growing up in a rural, close-knit community, where she first began to understand the power of place and connection. 

Her journey has taken her from rural America to urban centers and across the country, gaining invaluable insights into how thoughtful, human-centered design can make a profound difference in people’s lives. Whether living in a co-housing community, a van, or a sailboat, Risa has continually sought spaces that allow for greater connection with others, finding that the most vibrant communities are those that provide access to shared public spaces and offer a sense of belonging.

Nico Larco is a visionary leader and changemaker at the intersection of architecture, urban design, and sustainable development. 

As a Professor of Architecture at the University of Oregon, Director of the Urbanism Next Center, and Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Sustainable Cities Initiative, Nico has dedicated his career to designing environments that inspire human connection, improve our collective well-being, and contribute to a healthier planet.

His unique blend of expertise, spanning cognitive psychology, architecture, urban planning, and international sustainability work, fuels his ability to see beyond conventional boundaries. 

With numerous national and international accolades under his belt, Nico’s impact resonates far beyond his immediate academic circle. He takes complex challenges, like balancing housing needs, social equity, and environmental resilience; and translates them into actionable strategies for livable density, walkable neighborhoods, and vibrant, human-centered public spaces.

His recent co-authored book, The Sustainable Urban Design Framework, equips stakeholders with the insights needed to respond to complex challenges and build truly sustainable communities. 

Whether collaborating with public agencies, private developers, nonprofits, or students, Nico consistently models a spirit of partnership, understanding that transformative change only emerges when everyone’s voice is at the table.

Nico Larco’s vision reframes the conversation around our cities. By placing people, relationships, and environmental resilience at the heart of architectural and urban design decisions, he reminds us that the spaces we shape ultimately shape us, guiding us all toward more vibrant, caring, and sustainable futures.

Key Takeaways

1. Design for People First - Our built environment should be shaped around human needs, fostering interaction, well-being, and genuine connection.

2. Unlock Suburban Potential - Even in car-oriented suburbs, small tweaks; like adding walking paths or creating inviting public spaces, can spark a vibrant community life.

3. Value the Power of Density - Thoughtful, human-scale density can support walkability, reduce car-dependence, and bring neighbors closer together.

4. Embrace Active, Lively Streets - When buildings and businesses engage directly with sidewalks and public spaces, communities bloom with social activity and a sense of belonging.

5. Collaborate Across Boundaries - Progress happens when designers, policymakers, community members, and industry leaders join forces, share ideas, and solve problems as one.

6. Rethink Sustainability Holistically - True sustainability isn’t just about energy savings, it’s about health, equity, resilience, and helping people truly thrive.

7. Start Small and Go Big - Even the simplest interventions; like reorienting a storefront, creating a bike path, or adding seating, can spark transformative change and inspire others to reimagine their neighborhoods.

Quotes

1. “The urban condition is not a physical thing, it’s a social thing. It’s absolutely about interaction—seeing people, interacting with people, and recognizing that’s where everything happens.”

2. “It’s not rocket science—just think about connections early on. Even creating a simple pedestrian path can transform how people move, interact, and build community.”

3. “We’re not just aiming for aesthetics; we need to make places that really work for people—places where everyday life becomes easier, more vibrant, and naturally more social.”

Connect with Nico

Sara Hendren is a visionary design researcher, author, artist, and educator whose work transforms the way we see disability, design, and the built world. 

As a professor at Northeastern University, Sara teaches Design for Disability, guiding students to embrace creativity, empathy, and inclusivity in their work. 

Her groundbreaking book, What Can a Body Do? How We Meet the Built World, has been celebrated as one of the best books of 2020 by NPR and Lit Hub, captivating readers with its profound exploration of the spaces where design intersects with human diversity.  

Sara’s work is more than academic - it’s a celebration of the extraordinary in the everyday. Through her writing, teaching, and advocacy, she reveals how disability is not a personal deficit but an invitation to reimagine the world around us. From adaptive tools to inclusive environments, Sara’s insights challenge us to think differently about the possibilities of design and the profound interdependence that connects us all.  

As a mother of three, including a son with Down syndrome, Sara draws deeply from personal experience to illuminate the power of inclusive design to foster connection, joy, and belonging. Her ability to re-envision what is possible makes her a beacon of inspiration in a world striving for greater inclusivity.  

Sara invites us to approach design -and life- with curiosity, care, and a commitment to building a world where everyone belongs. 

Her voice is a rallying cry for creating spaces and tools that celebrate human diversity and nurture the connections that make life meaningful.

Key Takeaways

1. Design for Connection, Not Isolation - The best designs don’t just meet individual needs—they create spaces where people can come together, fostering trust, community, and belonging.  

2. Embrace the Power of Adaptation - Human bodies and minds are extraordinarily adaptive. Let’s celebrate and design for the full spectrum of human diversity, not force everyone to conform to a narrow definition of "normal."  

3. Rethink Productivity and Time - Life isn’t a race. By embracing slower, more meaningful rhythms—like "Kryptime"—we can focus on what truly matters: relationships, creativity, and well-being.  

4. Start with Empathy and Collaboration - Great design begins with truly listening and understanding. Partner with the people you’re designing for, and ask better questions to create solutions that empower and uplift.  

5. See Disability as Innovation’s Catalyst - Disability isn’t a limitation; it’s a lens that inspires creative, inclusive solutions for everyone. The curb cut effect proves that what benefits one group can transform the world for all.  

6. Challenge the Myths of Normalcy - There’s no such thing as “normal.” Instead of trying to fix differences, let’s design environments and tools that amplify humanity’s incredible variety and potential.  

7. Celebrate Interdependence - None of us thrive alone. By recognizing the beauty of interdependence and creating systems that support it, we can build a more compassionate, inclusive world.  

Quotes 

1. "Disability is not a personal deficit—it’s an interaction with the world. Let’s design spaces and tools that don’t fix people but instead amplify their unique brilliance."

2. "Great design begins with better questions. Ask not just what people need but how your work can foster connection, care, and joy."

3. "The extraordinary is often hidden in the ordinary. Look closer, and you’ll see that adapting to differences is where creativity and humanity truly shine."

4. "Our greatest strength is in our interdependence. When we design with others in mind, we create a world where everyone can thrive together."

Connect with Sara

In this special Best Of Shared Space Season 2! We talk with architects, psychologist, designers, activists, writers, urban planners – a host of amazing community changemakers on season two and we weave all of those together for you all. We start with a basic understanding of what is loneliness, social health, and social capital and why is it so important? Then we dive into office spaces, public places, housing, and more – exploring examples from across the globe as to what types of design strategies and approaches foster health, happiness, social connection and combat loneliness.

Interviews

Dr. Mario Luis Small, sociologist, endowed professor at Harvard University, and Panama native - shares his studies on social networks, and starts by defining a key component of our social health – social capital, and why it is critical for so many of the other social determinants we think of from transportation, education and habit formation.

Nigel Oseland, author and environmental psychologist – shares findings from his recent book Beyond The Workplace Zoo: Humanizing the Office. He specializes in workplace design for human connection, and I was honored to be his first interview for his new book.

Emily Anthes, New York Times reporter and author shares findings from her book – The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of How Buildings Shape Our Behavior, Health, and Happiness.

Mitchell Reardon, urban planner with Happy Cities – talks about what it means to create truly accessible spaces for everyone, where everyone feels welcome. He shares fascinating research findings around Streets for People, a study they did in Canada at the beginning of the Pandemic.

Katie Swenson, design activist and author of MASS Design Group just published two books – Design with Love: At Home in America about her time with Enterprise Communities, and In Bohemia about her personal journey. She discussed how architecture needs to rethink and evaluate the success of spaces and the importance of dignity in design as a fundamental need.

Shelby Blessing, Architect and Activist in Austin Texas shares her experiences working with the Community First Village in Austin – designed specifically for community building and connection for formerly homeless individuals.

June Grant, Okland based activist and architect shares her experiences working with AARP – the largest non-profit dedicated to older adults to create a guidebook for Accessory Dwelling Units – as a method for maintaining community fabric and fostering social connection in communities.

Andrew Howard, urban planner with Team Better Block and WGI talks about what is really important about not only the product but the process of community design.

Judy Sullivan and Meg Moschetto from the Cochrane Heights Neighborhood Association in Dallas, Texas share their perspective of citizen activists that transformed a rundown empty space into a vibrant public community space. They share what it took to get it done and what it changed for their neighborhood community.

...

About the Host:  

Erin is an architect and design researcher bridging the gap between research and practice with a focus on design for health.

How can a one-day event spark lasting change? How can community design be open sourced? What should we be measuring if we want to gauge positive change?

Can our cities be designed to make us happier? What is the role of public space in fostering a more civil society? Can street design foster trust – or even romance?

Emily Anthes is an award-winning science journalist and author whose work has appeared in the New York Times, The New Yorker, Atlantic Wired, Nature, to name a few. Emily has a master's degree in science writing from MIT and a bachelor's degree in the history of science and medicine from Yale, where she also studied creative writing. Emily lives in Brooklyn, New York.

In this episode, we discuss...

Introduction [0:30]

Earliest Memory of Architecture's Impact [02:10]

How Emily Started Writing the Book [03:13]

Link Between Public Health and the Built Environment Then, and Now [04:52]

How Did Our Cities Get These Designs? [09:17]

Shifting the Balance Back [11:50]

Path to a More Inclusive and Universal Design [14:03]

Why Did the Open Office Design Backfire? [18:08]

It's all Just in Good Design [22:13]

Bringing in More Permeability [24:44]

Climate Resilience and The Social Fabric [25:33]

Amphibious Housing [27:11]

Top Recommendation to Design for Connection [27:50]

Final Message [29:24]

Where to Find Emily Anthes

Have you ever walked into an office and seen a sea of cubicles and wondered - how is anyone supposed to get work done here? How can I have private conversation with colleagues, or collaborative brainstorming session? Or maybe walked into a café and thought, 'where in the world can I tuck out of the way with my toddler so I can still connect with others' (hint: I can relate to that one)?  All of that is related to this concept of Choice and why it is so important in shaping opportunities for social connection. In this episode of Shared Space, Erin Peavey dives into this concept and shares real world architectural and interior design examples. 

Places that provide variety, flexibility, and choices on how to use the space foster personal control and support habitual use for a wide range of activities that suit people’s varying needs and moods. Providing people the freedom to choose how to engage (e.g., play, relax, focus) and where to locate themselves (e.g., booth seating, communal table) facilitates person-environment  fit, or the ability for a person to choose or modify an environment to fit his or her needs and preferences (1), and creates a sense of comfort (2).

The dynamic and changing nature of comfortable spatial proximities to people we encounter (e.g., strangers, acquaintances, or friends) is the basis of proxemics, the study of personal space, and helps inform different types of seating options (3). Third places should support a wide range of uses and options for gathering with people or finding privacy. There should also be flexibility to fit a spectrum of needs and abilities (e.g., older adults, new mothers, children’s groups)(4). For children, this means creating a variety of ways to play (e.g., reading corner vs. jungle gym, playing in the fountain vs. on the grass) and the ability to control what activities to engage in (5). In workplaces, this means balancing privacy and collaboration—a concept often called “we, me, us”—by allowing people to control where they sit and how they engage with others, based on the formality or informality of the circumstances. 

On this episode we discuss the importance of designing accessible and inclusive places of connection. When we use universal design principles that honor the human experience, we are creating more inclusive, equitable and welcoming places for all people. I share an example from my own practice working with clients to create spaces that are accessible for the people they serve, like the new clinic at Parkland Hospital.   

Perhaps the most foundational attribute of a good third place is that it is accessible to those who can use it. The best versions foster a sense of ownership and become regular parts of people’s lives. This requires safe, convenient, affordable, and comfortable access to the place (1). For children, this means they can gather, play, and explore with some independence from parents as developmentally appropriate. For senior adults or people with disabilities, this means that there are easy physical access options, benches to rest, and spaces to shelter them from the elements. For all ages, the ideal is a space that is within walking distance from home, work, or school. Humans evolved to navigate our worlds on our feet, and much research has shown the benefits of physical activity on the health of our minds and bodies(2), and the role of pedestrian friendly streets, neighborhoods, and cities in fostering well-being for all - on foot, wheelchair, stroller or walker.  

Studies have demonstrated that people living in walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods have more social capital compared to residents of car-oriented suburbs. People in walkable neighborhoods report being more likely to trust others, participate politically, know their neighbors, and be socially engaged (3). Car dependence limits opportunities for in-person interaction, and whenever possible, it is best to shift away from auto travel when we think about how people access a third place. 

1. Cattell et al., 2008; Cheang, 2002;  2. Renalds et al., 2010; Wood, Frank, & Giles-Corti, 2010; 3. Leyden, 2003

I speak with acclaimed author, researcher, TEDx speaker, and professor of environmental psychology, Dr. Colin Ellard.

Part 1: On this first part of our two-part episode, Colin and I explore how he discovered his passion for this field, how COVID-19 is shaping his current research and how we are all connecting, and lastly we discuss what evolutionary psychology can teach us about ideal group sizes for connection and community. 

Part 2: On the second half of our two-part episode, Colin and I explore research around what small tweaks can shape how we evaluate and want to connect with others, difference between what people think will make them happy and what they want, vs. what actually makes us happy in our home environments, and lastly he leaves us with what he hopes we consider in design and beyond. 

Many people see health as the responsibility of clinicians, nutritionists, and other health care professionals. Yet it has become clear that although vitally important, clinical care makes up just 10% to 20% of overall health (1). The physical  environment is an important factor underlying our health ecosystem, influencing how we think, feel, and behave (2). The United Nations (3)  and the World Health Organization (4)  have identified better housing and neighborhood conditions as critical to reducing health inequalities.

Physical environments designed to enhance social connections enrich people’s lives on a daily basis but especially pay off in moments of crisis, such as in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters, when people’s reliance on neighbors and local friends is critical to their survival (5). This report is not suggesting that the physical environment is the answer to every challenge, but it is an important and often overlooked part of our lives.

REFERENCES: 1. Hood, Gennuso, Swain, & Catlin, 2016; Sir et al., 2012; 2. Cerin, 2019; Hood et al., 2016; Nanda et al., 2017; Peavey Hsieh & Taylor, 2016; Sallis et al., 2006; Wilkie, Townshend, Thompson, & Ling, 2018; 3. United Nations, 2015b, 2015a; 4. World Health Organization, 2018; 5. Klinenberg, 2018

Have you ever felt lonely, and looked at how your it felt inside your body? Perhaps you felt stress, anxiety or like a foundational part of being alive was missing? That feeling, like hunger or thirst evolved to signal a threat to our survival. 

As humans, we evolved in community. People gathered in small tribes to support one another, to provide protection, warmth, food, and care for children. Given our nature, being completely autonomous and independent is a threat to survival. Our basic need to be interdependent remains even though the backdrop of humanity has transformed over centuries.

A 2020 Cigna survey showed that more than three in five working American adults are lonely, and rising numbers report feeling left out,  is understood or as though they lack companionship 1. These findings contribute to the sense that we are facing a “loneliness epidemic,” as described by former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to sleep loss, ill health, dementia, premature death, and even heartbreak—literally 2. These effects on our health are as harmful to our life expectancy as a 15-cigarette-a-day smoking habit 3.

REFERENCES (1. Cigna, 2020; (2. Cacioppo & Cacioppo, 2018; Holt-Lunstad, 2017; Holt-Lunstad, Smith, & Layton, 2010 (3. Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010.