|
Activate Downtown Brampton was a series of interactive installations and activations that took place in downtown Brampton’s laneways and public gathering spaces from May to October 2022 to draw residents to the heart of the city and create opportunities for social connection in underused public spaces. Through this collaborative project between 8 80 Cities, the City of Brampton and the Downtown Brampton Business Improvement Area, downtown Brampton was activated for 23 weeks, which included 23 Saturdays of live music across four locations in downtown Brampton, the physical transformation of Vivian Lane which also included eight weeks of community programming in Vivian Lane, the Flavours & Vibes Party in Buffy Lane; and the Salsa Dance Party in McArter Lane. Read the report to learn more about the project.
Continue reading...
|
|
|
Climate change affects cities worldwide with increased temperatures and a lack of green infrastructure that allows a cooling effect. Today, scattered urban forests are not enough to battle the damage of heat effects in cities. In this analysis by Lara Williams, we learn more about the positive impact of planting more trees in urban environments keeping in mind British Columbia Prof. Cecil Kloninjnendijk's 3:30:300 rule: Everyone should be able to see three trees from their window, live in a neighbourhood with 30% tree cover and be 300 meters from a green space, and why we should start now.
Continue reading...
|
|
|
In this article, Marianne Dhenin tells the story of the new schoolyard at PS 184M Shuang Wen, a grade school in Manhattan’s Chinatowns that integrated new play equipment, a yoga circle, a stage, basketball and tennis courts and also a porous turf field that can capture an estimated 1.3 million gallons of stormwater runoff, with the goal not only to fight climate change but to improve the overall wellbeing of the students and the community.
Continue reading...
|
|
|
This article by Jem Golden is based on an interview with Dr. Ann Leahy, author of the book Disability and Ageing – Towards a Critical Perspective. The article explores the answers to some critical questions related to disability and aging: How do older people experience disability and disablement processes, and what meanings do they make of their experiences? How do they respond to these challenges? In what way do the social processes of first experiencing a disability with ageing differ from those of ageing with a disability? Read on to get the answers.
Continue reading...
|
|
|
“Research shows that over time we’ve become more disconnected as humans from nature,” Prof Thomas Astell-Burt, a population health expert at the University of Wollongong, tells science writer Donna Lu, author of this article. Research also shows that kids and adults who spend more time in nature are happier and healthier. General Practitioners have started to prescribe nature, as the benefits are enormous: improved mental and physical health, reduced risks of loneliness, higher energy levels, reduced stress and anxiety and better mood, among others. Don't think twice and try to spend at least two hours a week in nature!
Continue reading...
|
|
|
In this article, Ben Abramson discusses the findings of a recent report from Smart Growth America that highlights the extent to which zoning laws, in an overwhelming percentage of U.S. communities, hold back our ability to create walkable, human-centred places.
Continue reading...
|
|
|
The 15-Minute city -that dream where we can find all we need within a 15-minute walking, biking or transit distance-, also applies to friendships. Evidence shows that despite the pandemic, true friendships have survived, thanks to communication technologies. "Psychologists say that although social solid ties can be maintained through technology, nothing beats face-to-face contact. And it’s no secret that coming together is easier the closer you are", says Sarah Holder, author of this article. Plus, it improves both physical and mental health. Do you agree?
Continue reading...
|
|
|
|
Finding Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) are neighbourhoods where mostly older adults live, though they aren't necessarily designed for that population. In this interview, Steve Paikin, from TVO, talks to Samir Sinha, director of Health Policy Research, National Institute on Ageing and Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health and University Health Network, about how these neighbourhoods may help seniors age in place.
Watch here...
|
|
|
|
Tools & Resources
Embedding social value in the design process | Social Life
Social Life is developing a new programme of work with architects and urban designers to embed social values into the design process of the built environment. This report outlines the work they would like to do and their rationale.
Walk ‘n Roll Cities
In the framework of three URBACT Action Planning Networks, the city partners from the RiConnect, Space4People and Thriving Streets networks decided to start close cooperation. This guidebook focuses on their work and how public space can improve urban sustainability and livability on different spatial scales, from metropolitan areas down to neighbourhood and street level.
Equity in Zoning Guide
The American Planning Association (APA) has released its Equity in Zoning Policy Guide, which offers solutions for planners and communities seeking to boost their housing supply and ensure equity in housing.
Actionable Public Health Strategies to Boost Community Well-Being with Safe Routes to Parks
A factsheet that outlines what public health uniquely brings to the table in supporting evidence-based interventions -community engagement, structured programs, public awareness, and/or access enhancements- and how to incorporate these park access strategies into existing public health programs to maximize their impact.
Intergenerational Community Planning
Intergenerational community planning creates spaces for interaction between the young and the old for the mutual benefit of both. The American Planning Association PAS Report discusses how planners can identify the overlapping needs of these groups and create spaces for interaction.
|
|
|
|
