Quarry Walk Oxford ’s Post

This is exactly the type of post occupancy research we need when we assess the success of our neighbourhoods. There is often so little understood about density and the minute one mentions ‘Higher Density’ living, the alarm bells ring in the room. The reasearch rightly highlights the importance of designing well for sustainable lifestyles at a range of suitable densities. What matters is how these densities are designed for better social connectedness, easy access to local shops and amenities and most importantly for today - our connection with nature, from home- doorstep to street and then the wider setting. The concept of the 15 minute neighbourhood is not a new one, it is something urban designers have been embedding into placemaking for ages. It’s being sold under a new term! To make places happy and connected- we need to build at the ‘right densities’ and design them well - so these services can be sustained and enjoyed by our communities!

Well-designed density, complemented by local amenities and walkability, improves resident well-being and affordability: "... living in walkable neighborhoods, spending less time driving and commuting, and having access to third places like coffee shops and parks are associated with better well-being and social connectedness." Beyond density, a sense of belonging and proximity to friends and family boosts well-being and social connectedness: "People ... are ... looking for a sense of belonging. After affordability, respondents to the Happy Cities survey listed proximity to friends and family and "a neighborhood feel or sense of community" as the top elements missing."

Clearest value proposition for the 15-minute City - more free time unlocked to spend with your family, friends, more time for hobbies, healthy activities, more time for meaningful work, networking etc - the benefits from unlocking extra time and happiness are transformative. How many walking minutes away is Your nearest coffee-shop? Read also from our recent post in WHAT IF spaces https://lnkd.in/dmatU9Dz

On the Relation Between Proximity, Density, and Well-Being "When we have everything we need close to home, that ends up saving us a lot of time. We have more time to spend with our families, we have time to exercise, we have time to build social connections with our neighbors" - Madeleine Hebert from Happy Cities. In short, well-designed density, walkable neighborhoods, reduced commute times, and access to third places like coffee shops and parks enhance social connectedness, happiness, and overall well-being. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dM9Upiax

This is why building #elderlyhomes is not the way forward. We need more #multigenerational housing projects. //Multigenerational living and intergenerational interaction are increasingly seen as socially beneficial. A 2022 report from the American Planning Association highlights the importance of intergenerational communities, arguing that simply increasing the amount of access between different age groups can cut down on ageism, social isolation, and depression.//

🤔 How can we preserve Third Places? Third Places are distinct from the Home (First Place) and Work (Second Place). They're our gathering spots that are essential for facilitating social connectedness. They're our coffee shops, libraries, gyms etc. How do we ensure their survival and prosperity at a time when they are disappearing? - Prioritise urban planning towards creating third places in developing areas? 🏙 - Support local businesses that act as third places through incentives and grants? 💵 - Encourage community-led initiatives to maintain and revitalise existing third places? 🤝 - Integrate third places into new housing developments and public projects? 🏡 - Promote policies that protect and enhance the role of third places in neighborhoods? 📜 What do you think? How can we best support and sustain these essential spaces in our communities? Share your thoughts and ideas below! #UrbanPlanning #ThirdPlaces #SocialSpaces

🏡 Elevate your HOA community with our latest article, "Seven Strategies for Building a Stronger Sense of Community in Your HOA." Discover effective approaches to foster unity, communication, and engagement among residents. From events to digital platforms, we've got the insights to enhance your neighborhood's bond. 🌐🤝 #CommunityBuilding #HOAManagement #CommunityManagement #AssociationManagement #CommunityManagers #CommunityAssociation #HOA #CAMSTrustedGuidance

🏙️ How does high-rise living impact residents' experiences and satisfaction? 📚 Check out our latest blog and discover insights on wellbeing in high-rise housing: https://buff.ly/3RZhkWy

🏙️ How does high-rise living impact residents' experiences and satisfaction? 📚 Check out our latest blog and discover insights on wellbeing in high-rise housing: https://buff.ly/3RZhkWy

🏙️ How does high-rise living impact residents' experiences and satisfaction? 📚 Check out our latest blog and discover insights on wellbeing in high-rise housing: https://buff.ly/3RZhkWy