Sociability

Sustainability starts with social connection.

We believe in the power of design to be a regenerative force for positive change. Now more than ever, we need architecture that helps people feel connected to one another and the places we build together.

Social connectivity is a critical tool for increasing societal sustainability and resilience. The key to meaningful, regenerative placemaking is a happy, healthy community that is invested in its future. By co-creating places that foster connection, we contribute to the exchange of ideas, the solving of problems, and the growth of stronger, healthier networks better equipped to thrive in good times and navigate crisis when challenges arise.

We believe that the issue of design and social interaction will become much more visible and consequential in the near future. One of the best predictors of resilience after a natural disaster is whether people know their neighbours. Successfully responding to challenges such as economic inequality, climate change, and global pandemics will be more likely in socially-connected communities.

Evidence-based design for social comfort + connection.

Our approach to design is grounded in research. We work hard to understand how the built environment shapes social connections. By delving into literature and applied research, we've gained a deeper understanding of the elements that foster sociability.

Our research began with FLUID Sociability, a digital tool that simulates the social impact of building layouts during the design phase. Since then, we've honed in on how design affects people's comfort and psychological safety. Since comfort is key to meaningful interactions, our work emphasizes a balance of privacy (from completely private to entirely public spaces), acoustics, spatial variety, and control. Our focus on these aspects ensures that every inch of space is utilized effectively, enhancing the overall experience without expanding the buildable area.

We design spaces to build stronger, more connected communities. Our goal is to not only meet physical needs but also nurture social bonds and resilience for a brighter, more connected future.