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.Quotes1. “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 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenewurbanorder/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianalind/Website - https://www.dianalind.com/

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.In his groundbreaking book, Constructing Health: How the Built Environment Enhances Your Mind's Health, Tye lays out a compelling vision of how architecture can be a catalyst for positive change. Drawing from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and therapeutic design, he reveals how the spaces we occupy shape our emotional lives, influence our relationships, and contribute to our overall health. With over a decade of global speaking engagements and a commitment to making this research accessible, Tye continues to inspire architects, designers, and individuals alike to embrace the idea that the places we inhabit can and should be sources of healing and connection.Tye’s work challenges the conventional mindset, encouraging us to move beyond designs that simply prevent harm and instead embrace those that actively foster well-being, connection, and vitality. His passion for transforming the built environment into a powerful force for health and healing is driving a movement toward a future where architecture truly nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.Key Takeaways1. Architecture Can Heal - The spaces we inhabit are not neutral; they have the power to promote our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. By designing with intention, we can create environments that actively support our health.2. Shift from Pathogenic to Salutogenic Thinking - Moving from a mindset that focuses on preventing harm to one that encourages health is key. Let's focus on creating environments that accelerate well-being and support personal growth.3. Generosity in Design - Spaces should be generous, providing dignity and creating opportunities for connection. Small gestures like benches in public spaces or thoughtful design choices can transform how we engage with our environment.4. The Power of Sensory Experience - Our surroundings speak to us through sight, sound, touch, and smell. Thoughtfully designed environments engage our senses in ways that enhance our mood, productivity, and overall well-being.5. The Connection Between Person and Place - Just as we form meaningful relationships with people, we also form relationships with the places we occupy. The environments we design should nurture these connections and support our emotional needs.Quotes. 1. "What if health was the basis for judging every public space and every building? What if we stopped tolerating designs that cause boredom, disease, and depression?"2. "Our built environments are not neutral - they either accelerate our well-being or drain it. Let’s design spaces that actively cause health and nurture the human spirit."3. "Generosity in design is not about adding more; it’s about creating spaces that make us feel safe, welcome, and connected. Small changes can make a world of difference."4. "Every space we create can be a catalyst for better mental, physical, and emotional health. Architecture has the power to transform how we feel and how we interact with the world around us."Connect with TyeWebsite - https://farrowpartners.ca/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Farrow-Partners-Inc-100067168926932/?locale=ar_AR Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tye-farrow-a1739917/?originalSubdomain=ca Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tyefarrow X - https://x.com/TyeFarrow Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIJSGqeQvsiIjj2HguNl1qA

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 Takeaways1. 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. Quotes1. "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 KristaLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-nightengale-758426b/ Website - https://www.betterblock.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BetterBlock/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterblock/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-SJVvBZhAY91KnMVgz0TVA/videos X - https://x.com/TheBetterBlock

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.Erin Peavey and Risa Wilkerson are co-authors and co-chairs of the Systems of Cross-sector Integration and Action across the Lifespan (SOCIAL) Framework Report on the Built Environment. Risa advocates for the importance of creating spaces that bring people together, fostering both "weak" and "bonding" ties that are essential for individual and collective well-being. Her deep commitment to social justice and equity drives her work, ensuring that the voices of historically marginalized groups are heard and included in the design process.Through her work with Healthy Places by Design, Risa has become a leading voice in advocating for spaces that nurture relationships, embrace diversity, and promote joy. Her dedication to building communities where people feel seen, heard, and valued is not just professional - it’s personal. Key Takeaways 1. Design for Connection - The spaces we create have the power to foster deep connections. When we design with community in mind, we build environments that bring people together, spark joy, and reduce isolation.2. Co-Create with the Community - True connection comes from collaboration. Involve the community in the design process to ensure spaces meet their needs and reflect their values, creating a sense of ownership and belonging.3. The Power of Third Places - Third places (public spaces outside of home and work) are crucial for building community. Coffee shops, parks, and community centers can be the places where connections thrive.4. Safety and Accessibility Are Key - To foster connection, we must prioritize safety, accessibility, and proximity. Design spaces that allow people to feel comfortable and open to engaging with others.5. Engage the Young Generation - Don’t forget to include youth in the design process. By involving the next generation in shaping their environments, we can create spaces that empower and inspire them to lead.6. Honor History, Celebrate Culture - Every community has a rich history. Incorporate cultural and historical elements into the design of spaces to honor the past while creating a sense of pride and continuity for the future.Quotes1. "We have to ask, who in our community isn’t being heard? Those are the voices we need to bring to the table to create spaces where everyone feels welcome." – Risa Wilkerson2. "When we design with the community, we create spaces where people not only feel safe, but they feel seen, valued, and ready to connect." – Risa Wilkerson3. "Third spaces—places where people gather outside of work or home—are the heart of a connected community. Let’s create those spaces where bonds can form and thrive." – Risa WilkersonConnect with RisaLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/risawilkerson/ Website - https://healthyplacesbydesign.org/

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 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-hendren-8a854140 Website - https://sarahendren.com/ X - https://twitter.com/sarahendren Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahendren/ Book - https://www.amazon.com/What-Can-Body-Do-Built/dp/073522000X

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. Website: www.erinpeavey.com Twitter: @erin_peavey Instagram: @design.for.health 

What is the most talked about neighborhood in Austin, TX? The Community First! Village, a 51-acre master planned village that fosters independence, friendship and community in service with the homeless. This innovate residential program, developed by Mobile Loaves & Fishes is rethinking housing and showing amazing results. Shelby Blessing, AIA is a design architect, impassioned activist and Austin-based design for equity leader, with Page/. She shares stories from years of working with and serving the Community First! Village through design and research. Where to Find Shelby Blessing & The Community First! Village LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-blessing/ Community First! Village: https://mlf.org/community-first/ Resources Mentioned Beyond Homelessness: Christian Faith in a Culture of Displacement by Steven Bouma-Prediger

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 Website: http://emilyanthes.com/ Twitter: @EmilyAnthes Newsletter: https://emilyanthes.carrd.co/ Resources Mentioned The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of How Buildings Shape Our Behavior, Health, and Happiness by Emily Anthes Amphibious Housing: An Innovative Approach to Seasonal Flood Mitigation for Vulnerable First Nations Communities by Ropel-Morski, Zachary, Elizabeth English, and Scott Turner About the Host Erin is an architect and design researcher bridging the gap between research and practice with a focus on design for health. She believes in the power of places to heal, connect, and serve vulnerable people — from hospital patients and staff, to people struggling with social isolation and mental health challenges. Erin is driven by a commitment to help others and the joy of working together to solve complex problems with shared purpose. Website: www.erinpeavey.com  Twitter: @erin_peavey LinkedIn: Erin K. Peavey Instagram: @design.for.health 

This holiday season is unlike any other for most of us. In this episode, I try something a little different, share a little more of myself, and share strategies for navigating loneliness through these holidays. I share stories from listeners who are trying something new this holiday season to stay connected and I share a advice from experts across the landscape of psychology, philosophy and wellbeing. A few highlights include: - Gratitude Practice: The regular (daily or more) expression of gratitude, through a journal, app, or other means is one of the most researched and demonstrated ways to find happiness in difficult times. There is always something to be thankful for – your health, enough to eat, people that love you, or maybe just the warmth of the sun. - Reach Out & Connection: Reaching out to others through letter writing, zoom calls, virtual art party, a pie on your neighbors’ door, or just the old fashioned phone call can be great ways to give and receive connection. - Giving to Others: It is hard to believe but volunteering or giving gifts to others is demonstrated to lead to more long-term happiness then treating ourselves. - Feel the Feelings: Allow yourself to be sad and to feel the loss of this time, and help create space for other people to be sad and know that they are loved and supported. There are so many more ways to connect. I would love to hear from you, how you’re navigating this time. This is my last episode of the season, and I can say without a doubt hearing from listeners like you these past few months has been one of the greatest gifts. I have loved to hear what resonates, what you want to hear more of, and what these stories have meant to you all. Thank you sincerely for sharing your time and your stories with me. I always want to hear them. I am planning for next season and would love to hear from you! Look forward to talking with you all in the new year! Much warmth, Erin – Host of Shared Space