Featured News
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National Geographic - How to design a city to improve your mental health - according to science
Discover how innovative urban design can boost mental well-being in cities. This featured article explores science-backed strategies for creating environments that support emotional health, from integrating nature to fostering social connection, and highlights the challenges and opportunities in building healthier urban spaces.
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Psychology Today - How to Design for Solitude
Find calm in a busy world. This featured article by Erin Peavey explores how thoughtful design can create spaces for true solitude-whether at home, in nature, or at work. Discover practical strategies and inspiring examples that show how architecture can nurture reflection, creativity, and well-being for everyone seeking a restorative pause from daily life1.
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Erin Peavey Honored as 2024 AIA Young Architect
Erin Peavey, AIA, has been honored with the 2024 AIA Young Architects Award, recognizing her national leadership in advancing design for health, well-being, and social connection. As an architect, author, and advocate, Erin bridges research and practice to create environments that help people thrive-from hospitals and schools to city neighborhoods. Her innovative work, mentorship, and public outreach are inspiring a new generation to see architecture as a catalyst for healing and community.
2024 Global Loneliness Awareness Summit
Each June, alongside our partners at the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection (GILC) and Marmalade Trust, the Coalition activates local communities, policymakers, and innovators for Global Loneliness Awareness Week. Together, we share resources, identify areas of collaboration, and educate the public on the importance of connection. This year, we are excited to convene once again on June 11th in Washington, D.C. Stay tuned for more information – including our agenda and speakers!
Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures
With the growing global mental health crisis, this event is dedicated to fostering insightful discussions, exploring innovative approaches, and understanding the evolving landscape of mental wellness in our community. We will bring together diverse perspectives exploring the future of design for mental health through the lens of programs, place, and tech. We will break down silos, charting a transdisciplinary path forward to cultivate meaningful change and provide a context for future design and research.
Global Exchange for Mental Health
Learn about the link between social health and overall health outcomes, specifically how loneliness has toxic health outcomes worse than smoking and obesity, and how social connection fosters health.
Explore how the built environment is a determinant of social health, working on a systems level to help to foster social interaction and health
Understand how third places impact social health and what tangible steps we can all take to reduce feelings of loneliness in our lives and in our communities.
Share an evidence-based framework to design for social connection, examine scalable strategies that lead to social environments that promote meaningful connections.
Building Connected Communities
American adults say that having close friends is essential to living a fulfilling life.
Social infrastructure in our cities and communities can foster connection.
Clubs and associations tie us to local community and support.
Being more present with others can foster connection.
NBC Texas Today: Ways to authentically connect with others
Author and architect, Erin Peavey, discusses ways to find a support system and combat feelings of loneliness.