Building social connections: Designing multi-unit housing for social well-being

Abstract

Join Happy Cities for an engaging discussion on designing housing that fosters well-being and social connection. As urban areas across Canada push for denser, faster housing development, it is critical to ensure these spaces support community connection, sustainability, and inclusion.

Happy Cities, a leading urban planning consultancy, has partnered with Hey Neighbour Collective and Simon Fraser University researchers to co-create innovative policies with five municipalities and one First Nation. Drawing on a decade of research in public health, psychology, and behavioural economics, this collaboration has culminated in a new toolkit offering evidence-based strategies for designing sociable multi-unit housing.

This session will explore how the design of multi-unit housing impacts neighbourly interactions and resident well-being. We’ll share actionable principles and insights to advocate for inclusive, connected communities.

As we face growing challenges like housing affordability, social isolation, and climate change, strengthening social connections is key to creating resilient, sustainable communities. Explore the toolkit here.

Speaker

Madeleine Hebert leads housing research projects at Happy Cities, working with professionals and communities to develop solutions to improve social connectedness, resilience, and wellbeing. Her work promotes collaborative approaches and ensures that spaces provide equitable opportunities for everyone. Madeleine has experience designing educational facilities and housing projects across the province of B.C. She studies how buildings influence people’s lives after they move in, seeking to understand how big and small design decisions impact people’s wellbeing in various housing types. She enjoys meeting with clients and communities, analyzing requirements and context, and presenting creative solutions that bring their vision to life. Madeleine believes that collaboration and facilitating conversations is a critical part of the architectural profession. Her educational background includes a multidisciplinary Environmental Design degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Architecture from Carleton University. She is registered as an Intern Architect AIBC.