Each of our childhoods is buried in our work in different ways. For me, it is my love of problem-solving through storytelling and narratives. For Dr. Mario Luis Small, it's his stories of growing up in Panama in a tight-knit family with an architect father—these aspects shine through in his seminal work on social networks.

I recently had Dr. Small on the Shared Space podcast, where he discussed what social capital is and why it is important to everything from getting a job, to staying healthy, to keeping kids in school; the role of local organizations and institutions—childcare centers, libraries, barbershops—in fostering connection; and research-informed strategies for how the built environment can foster—or harm—our connections…

Park for Floral Farms is the collective vision of the Floral Farms residents to fight against environmental injustice on the former Shingle Mountains site. Through co-planned and co-led community engagement sessions with the neighbors, the design team listened to their vision. It helped them give physical form to their dream of turning this former toxic waste site into a beautiful community park. Soccer fields, walking trails, a community garden, trees, and a splash pad were high on the list for programmatic needs. Flower beds dot the site and mark the entry as a way of reclaiming their Floral Farms’ identity.

How does where we live impact on how we experience loneliness and what can we as policymakers, researchers, and practitioners do about it. This session which includes speakers with experience from around the world, will look at what interventions can really make a difference in reducing the impact of where we live on our levels of loneliness.

The new park would replace the vacant lot of about 4 acres, where the notorious Shingle Mountain once stood. Shingle Mountain was the 100,000-ton pile of hazardous waste that loomed over the community for three years. Residents said it “stood as a vivid reminder of their worth to the city.”

‘A place of community and healing’: This Dallas architect led park design for Shingle Mountain site .

‘Together we can move mountains’ is the motto of the park — and of Erin Peavey’s effort to ensure that the Floral Farms neighborhood got the proposal it envisioned.

“Peavey says she hopes the park project channels some of what made the neighborhood great and provides a place for the residents to be together. That’s where the idea for the community garden came from. The community was also desperate for a soccer field; HKS hopes it will attract teams from across the city while giving the neighborhood somewhere local to play. The second phase of the park will include an equine therapy center, using an existing building on the property.”

Join us for the third event in the Connect+Conversations series! This session will focus on how the places where we live, work, and play influence our social relationships.

We will explore the latest research, recommendations, and real-world examples of designing the built environment and neighborhoods to reduce loneliness and strengthen communities.

You will hear from experts in this space and have the opportunity to engage with people across the US and globally. Join the conversation if you are interested in learning and discussing:

• What features of the built environment contribute to social health

• How urban vs. rural communities help or hinder social connection

• Why design and programming must go hand-in-hand

• And more!

Struggling to balance it all? How to listen to your inner voice and redefine your worth.

Following the pandemic of 1918, there was an urge to look for new solutions to what we used every day inside our homes. Everything from door knobs to bed frames to toilet seats were redesigned towards a cleaner, more hygienic environment. What will the interiors of houses look like after this pandemic and how and where will we live? Whether it’s a basement suite or a mansion by the beach, our homes are shelters and sanctuaries. But sanctuaries come at a cost. House prices skyrocketed during the pandemic and so did loneliness. It may be scary to go back outside after this pandemic, but greenspace and third places connect us with each other after months of isolation. In this episode, hear from: Uwe Schmidt-Hess, the founder and director of 'Patalab. Since setting up the practice in 2008, he has coordinated the design of a diverse range of projects encompassing the residential, public, office, arts and culture sectors. Prior to establishing Patalab, Uwe worked for several leading international firms including Fink+jocher in Munich, Atrium Design in Bangkok and Make Architects in London. Erin Peavey, an Architect and Design Researcher at HKS. She bridges the gap between research and practice, with a focus on design for health and wellbeing. Erin has been named a Rising Star by Healthcare Design Magazine and Healthcare Design's Best Under 40 by the AIA-AAH. If you like this episode, please subscribe here: https://apostrophepodcasts.ca/alonetogether and follow us on social media @apostrophepod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I was honored to be in conversation with Jennifer Roberts, PhD and Resa Lewiss, MD on her podcast, Visible Voices talking about the role of the built environment on health.

Loneliness and social isolation are threatening millions of people; however, increasing connection can reduce risk.

The places we live can exacerbate our sense of isolation and loneliness.

Concrete design strategies—like universal accessibility, incorporation of nature, and shared spaces—can foster social health.

Loneliness and social isolation are threatening millions of people; however, increasing connection can reduce risk.

The places we live can exacerbate our sense of isolation and loneliness.

Concrete design strategies—like universal accessibility, incorporation of nature, and shared spaces—can foster social health.

Partnering with Social Health Lab’s founder, Kasley Killam, MPH from Harvard University, to discuss Designing for Urban Connection as a part of the World Happiness Week events, hosted by Togetherness Hub!

HKS Health and Arup have partnered to share The Pandemic-Resilient Hospital: How Design Can Help Facilities Stay Operational and Safe. In this webinar, we explored detailed architectural, MEP engineering and medical planning strategies to create and adapt facilities to be more resilient to long-range airborne diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2.

“done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed.”

In a new series of one on one talks, An Impromptu Discussion aims to re-instill the desire for spontaneous and critical discussion around architecture and design. An Impromptu Discussion will be held every two weeks, hosted by Michael Friebele in partnership with the Architecture and Design Exchange. In the spirit of being “impromptu,” there will be no prepared slides. Each session will cover a number of topics and interests with audience participation in shaping the discussion encouraged.

Erin Peavey is Named a BD+C 40 under 40 class of 2020

These AEC stars are making their mark in business, philanthropy, and in their communities.

The pandemic has created a new normal of remote living: forcing many of us to move from in-person interactions to online and virtual experiences, heightening feelings of loneliness, disengagement and disproportionately affecting vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Join this event on utilizing health, hospitality and design to reframe human connection, share our humanity, promote inclusion.

Erin Peavey was honored to be recognized by ENR Texas & Louisiana at part of the 2021 class of Top Young Professionals. This annual awards program honors 20 individuals under 40 years of age in each of ENR's 10 regions who have shown exceptional leadership and service throughout their career.