Acio Sheila’s Post

Walkable communities are healthier and more economical, but they also offer so much more. They are more diverse, resilient, sustainable, friendlier and greener. These in-demand neighborhoods draw people from all income brackets and research shows that people who live in these types of neighborhoods and communities are healthier and happier.

To coincide with HAPPI Awareness Week 2024, this NEW blog by Madeleine Hebert, Senior Housing Specialist at Happy Cities, highlights the importance of social connections in addressing societal challenges such as housing affordability, extreme weather, and ageing populations. Madeleine talks about the key lessons from the "Building Social Connections Toolkit" and how thoughtful design can create stronger communities and improve quality of life in shared living spaces. Read on to find out about designing multi-unit housing that prioritises social wellbeing 👉 https://lnkd.in/d2P-ancT #HAPPIweek #HLINblog #Design #Communitites #AgeingPopulation #Housing #HAPPIHour

Gentrification. Sure, it is nice to have a spin class studio, boutique fitness outfits, a Starbucks, and several artisanal coffee roasters just for variety, all in a single neighborhood that was not considered an ideal location before, but is it worth the true cost? Perhaps we quickly forget that getting all the fancy things into existing neighborhoods may also mean displacing the people already living there. So, is the net effect any better than what was already there? I came across this well-thought-out toolkit called the Community First Toolkit. It is designed to help communities and organizations develop public spaces that are inclusive and equitable. The toolkit provides strategies to ensure that as neighborhoods grow or change, the voices of local residents are heard and their needs are prioritized. It was created by the High Line Network in collaboration with institutions like the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and it has been used in various projects to create public spaces that uplift communities without pushing people out. It offers practical guidance on community engagement, helping planners and developers involve local residents from the start. It emphasizes equitable development, ensuring that economic growth doesn’t come at the cost of displacement. It also focuses on creating spaces that promote health, wellness, and cultural vibrancy, making sure that communities retain their unique identities and thrive as they evolve. The toolkit covers things often overlooked when developing properties, such as the long-term impact of rising property values, the social consequences of displacement, and how to measure success in terms of community well-being, not just profit. So, if you’re in urban planning or real estate development or if you’re inspired to take action on repurposing a piece of public infrastructure, this toolkit is worth considering. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/etHw8Kuj #CommunityFirst #UrbanPlanning #PublicInfrastructureReuse #SocialImpact

Industry Trend Alert: Debunking Misconceptions About High-Rises and Community Building 🤔🏙️ Are high-rises really detrimental to community spirit? Let's set the record straight based on insights from one of our recent blog posts: https://bit.ly/4chDLyQ There's a common misconception that high-rises diminish feelings of community or neighborhood togetherness. Interestingly, this viewpoint is often held by residents of older neighborhoods opposed to such developments, rather than by those living in high-rise units or their surrounding areas. Key Insights: ✨Community Perception: Residents in high-rises often report a strong sense of community and urban vibrancy, contrary to popular belief. ✨Urban Density Benefits: High-rises contribute to increased urban density, fostering diverse amenities like restaurants, businesses, shops, nightlife, and walkable city neighborhoods. ✨Placemaking Impact: Far from eroding neighborhoods, high-rises play a crucial role in placemaking and economic development, essential for modern cities to thrive. 🔍 Read more about the benefits of high-rise developments and their impact on communities: https://bit.ly/4chDLyQ Let's challenge misconceptions and embrace the positive impacts of high-rises on urban living and community dynamics. #HighRiseLiving #CommunityCohesion #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstateTrends #Placemaking #PricaGlobalEnterprises #PGE

Urban regeneration isn’t just about building big shiny buildings. It’s about creating spaces that have a positive effect on the wellbeing of the people who live in the communities where regeneration takes place. It’s about developing places that make people happier and healthier. Take a look at my collation of thoughts on the topic of how we build healthier, happier, places. For me, that’s what gets me out of bed in the morning! https://lnkd.in/ebqWk5Jq

The physical benefits of enhancing community spaces are fairly obvious. But have you thought about the emotional and psychological reasons why improving your local public spaces can be hugely beneficial? Mental health: Access to green spaces is linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety. Studies show that spending just 20 minutes a day in nature can significantly improve mental well-being. Stress Reduction: Natural settings have been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Incorporating green spaces into urban design can help create healthier, less stressful living environments. Enhanced Creativity: Exposure to green environments can enhance creativity and cognitive function, making them ideal spaces for relaxation, reflection, and inspiration. Our leisure space rejuvenation model can, in most cases, deliver tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of works, at ZERO COST TO THE LOCAL COUNCIL. Our webinar explains the genuine win-win opportunity for local authorities and schools seeking to upgrade or rebuild outdoor sport and leisure space. SIGN UP FOR OUR BRIEF ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: https://lnkd.in/egYgXtMQ #leisure #playgrounds #community #communityspace #publicspace #greenspace #sportsgrounds #environment #sustainability #carbonreduction #biodiversity #climatechange #crimereduction #climateresiliance #volunteerism #communityevents

The physical benefits of enhancing community spaces are fairly obvious. But have you thought about the emotional and psychological reasons why improving your local public spaces can be hugely beneficial? Mental health: Access to green spaces is linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety. Studies show that spending just 20 minutes a day in nature can significantly improve mental well-being. Stress Reduction: Natural settings have been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Incorporating green spaces into urban design can help create healthier, less stressful living environments. Enhanced Creativity: Exposure to green environments can enhance creativity and cognitive function, making them ideal spaces for relaxation, reflection, and inspiration. Our leisure space rejuvenation model can, in most cases, deliver tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of works, at ZERO COST TO THE LOCAL COUNCIL. Our webinar explains the genuine win-win opportunity for local authorities and schools seeking to upgrade or rebuild outdoor sport and leisure space. SIGN UP FOR OUR BRIEF ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: https://lnkd.in/dDhnVDi #leisure #playgrounds #community #communityspace #publicspace #greenspace #sportsgrounds #environment #sustainability #carbonreduction #biodiversity #climatechange #crimereduction #climateresiliance #volunteerism #communityevents

🌟 Building Healthier Cities Starts at Home In our rapidly growing urban centers, we're facing a paradox: cities are more crowded than ever, yet people feel increasingly isolated. At CoHabby, we believe the solution starts with reimagining how we share our living spaces. The truth is, many of us are living below our potential – not just in terms of housing quality, but in terms of community support and daily joy. A luxury apartment shouldn't just be about high-end finishes; it should be about creating an environment where people thrive. Here's what we're doing differently: -Matching compatible families or individuals to share premium urban spaces -Transforming unused square footage into vibrant community areas -Creating built-in support systems for busy professionals and parents -Making luxury neighborhoods accessible through smart space sharing The result? Residents who save money while upgrading their lifestyle, children who have built-in playmates, and adults who have someone to share a coffee with after a long day. This isn't just about housing – it's about mental health, work-life balance, and sustainable urban living. When people feel supported at home, they bring their best selves to work, to their families, and to their communities. #UrbanLiving #CoLiving #CommunityFirst #MentalHealth #SustainableCities #RealEstate #Innovation #FutureOfHousing

Final Thoughts & Community Engagement 🔍 The Future of Living: A Call to Action for Thought Leaders 🏡 As we explore the future of living spaces, it's essential to consider how these trends will impact communities, businesses, and individuals alike. The shift towards tiny houses, modular designs, and sustainable living reflects a collective desire for a more efficient, eco-conscious future. 🤝 Join the Conversation: ▪ Engage with Your Community: Share your thoughts on how these trends can shape the future of living in your area. What innovations are you seeing? How can we support sustainable practices in housing? ▪ Collaborate for Change: Encourage businesses and local governments to consider the implications of these trends. What policies or initiatives can promote sustainable housing development? ▪ Embrace New Lifestyles: Consider how you can adapt to these changes in your own life. Are there elements of tiny living or modular design that you can incorporate into your space? Together, we can pave the way for a sustainable, innovative future in housing. Share your insights and let’s collaborate for positive change! #FutureOfLiving #SustainableHousing #CommunityEngagement #Innovation #LifestyleTrends #HousingDevelopment