- Identifying guiding frameworks
- Identifying variables
Happier together
Exploring programming, design and social wellbeing in multi-unit housing. Providing the tools to build and sustain strong social connections among neighbours.
Programming Initiative
Partner: Concert Properties
The Social Animator initiative is a social engagement program that involves Concert Properties’ multi-unit buildings residents in the design and programming of social activities. Concert has recruited a Social Animator to collaborate with residents to produce events that boost social connections. The Social Animator will empower residents to practice open communication, nurture common values and strengthen relationships. Happy Cities will assess the impact of the Social Animator initiative on residents’ sociability, sense of belonging, social trust, perceived health and level of engagement.
Design Initiative
Partner: Tomo Spaces
Tomo House is a 12 unit cohousing project located on Vancouver’s Main Street. Tomo Spaces, MA+HG Architects, a group of expert collaborators, and future residents from Our Urban Village Cohousing have all contributed to the project’s design. Cohousing describes an intentional community in which each family occupies a private unit but benefit from enhanced common spaces. Happy Cities will assess the impact of the design on residents’ sociability, sense of belonging, social trust, perceived health and level of engagement. The study takes place before and after occupancy.
2019
Step 1: Research and Study Design
Step 1: Research and Study Design
- Identifying guiding frameworks
- Identifying variables
2020
Step 2: Bonus – COVID-19: Together, Apart Toolkit
- Identifying ideas for staying connected in times of physical distancing
Step 3: Baseline Survey
- Developing and analyzing baseline survey
- Analyzing data
Step 4: Space Assessment
- Identifying social programming opportunities based on baseline survey results and space assessment
Step 5: Programming Opportunities
- Identifying social programming opportunities based on baseline survey results and space assessment
Step 2: Space Assessment
- Identifying opportunities for social interaction
2021
Step 6: Social Patterns Assessment
- Attending events organized by community connectors
- Surveying, interviewing and observing residents who attend events
- Analyzing data
Step 3: Baseline Survey
- Developing and applying baseline survey
- Analyzing data
Step 7: Post-Programming Survey
- Developing and analyzing post-programming survey
- Analyzing data
Step 4: Experience Interviews
- Identifying tools to measure occupancy levels
2022
Step 8: Key Learnings
- Analyzing data
- Identifying wellbeing actions
- Sharing learnings
Step 5: First Post Occupancy Study
- Developing the interview outline
- Conducting interviews
2022
Step 6: Second Post-occupancy Study
- Developing post-occupancy survey
- Applying survey
- Analyzing data
Step 7: Key Learnings
- Analyzing data
- Identifying wellbeing actions
- Sharing learnings
