Built to Belong: Designing Meaningful Connections + Actionable Insights
There’s something about cafés that I absolutely love. The cozy atmosphere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and the way they bring people together—it all just feels right. It’s funny, isn’t it? As coffee fills our cups, we pour our hearts into conversation. The warmth of a good latte blends perfectly with the warmth of good company—proof that the right spaces have a way of making connections feel effortless.
I’ve always been fascinated by how spaces shape our connections, especially third places like cafés, parks, and community hubs. I still remember spending hours studying for our architecture school exams with one of my best friends, Chris. We’d find a cozy spot in a coffee shop, turning it into our shared study sanctuary, often running into other people from the class, striking up a conversation about what we thought would be on the exam, or just a simple wave and nod of acknowledgement.
Now Chris and his husband Grant have a cafe all their own! The Violet Crown in Austin, Texas, is a place I could have only dreamed of growing up; but they made it a reality. It was amazing to see my own daughter, and their daughter playing together and taking part in the community and connection that is inherent in a good cafe.
This Month's Highlight: Designing for Connection
Recently, I had the chance to chat with Risa Wilkerson, Executive Director of Healthy Places by Design, to talk about the power of third places. For nearly two decades, Risa has been transforming public spaces across the United States, creating environments that foster connection, reduce isolation, and celebrate what makes each community unique.
Risa’s insights remind us that every place we build—from parks to coffee shops—can become a “third place,” a welcoming space between home and work where connections can blossom. If that sounds like something you’re passionate about, you won’t want to miss this episode! She’ll inspire you to rethink how you engage with your surroundings—and how your surroundings can engage with you.
🎧 Listen to Designing Connections: Building Communities That Thrive with Risa Wilkerson on Apple Podcast and Spotify
“We have to ask, who in our community isn’t being heard? Those are the voices we need to bring to the table to create spaces where everyone feels welcome."
— Risa Wilkerson
Key Insights from My Conversation with Risa
Design for Connection: Build spaces that spark joy and reduce isolation.
Co-Create with the Community: Engage diverse voices to ensure designs meet real needs.
The Power of Third Places: Parks, coffee shops, and libraries are essential hubs for connection.
Honor History and Culture: Celebrate the unique identity of each community.
Design with Equity in Mind: Create inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome.
At the heart of Risa’s work is a simple but profound truth: when we design with intention, we design for connection. It’s not just about buildings or public spaces—it’s about fostering relationships, making people feel seen, and ultimately, creating communities that uplift and support one another.
Actionable Design Tip: Creating Inclusive Third Places
Even if you’re not an urban planner, you can still make a difference in your own community. Here are three simple ways:
Enhance Accessibility.
1. Ensure pathways are wide enough for strollers or wheelchairs.
2. Add clear signage and seating options to make spaces welcoming for all ages and abilities.
Celebrate Local Identity
1. Advocate for public art or murals that reflect your community’s unique history and values.
2. Support events that bring people together in shared spaces.
Encourage Pause Points
1. Add seating near playgrounds or walking trails to encourage interaction.
2 Inorporate greenery or shade to make spaces more inviting and comfortable.
Spotlight: Foundation for Social Connection
I’m so excited to share the latest SOCIAL Framework Report, which I had the honor of co-chairing and co-authoring with Risa Wilkerson and the Foundation for Social Connection. This report dives into practical ways our built environment—neighborhoods, parks, workplaces, and public spaces—can foster meaningful connections and improve well-being.
With loneliness on the rise, creating spaces that bring people together is more important than ever. Inside, you’ll find actionable strategies to design communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
I’d love for you to explore the report and join the conversation! Read it here:📑 The SOCIAL Framework Report.
Looking Ahead
Next up on the podcast: I’ll be chatting with Richard Kyte about the importance of “third places” in our social fabric. Together, we’ll explore how redesigning these shared spaces can strengthen our communities in profound ways. Stay tuned for "Third Places, True Connections: Redesigning Our Social Fabric with Richard Kyte", premiering March 11th!
Until then, I’d love to hear from you—what’s a place in your community that makes you feel connected? Reply and let me know!
NOT TO MISS
Why Social Health is Key to Happiness and Longevity: Kasley Killam’s TED launched on connection’s role in well-being.
When Gathering Becomes a Lifeline: Priya Parker on how purposeful gatherings transform and connect.
Social Prescribing Day All-Hands: Advancing social prescribing in healthcare and communities with Julia Hotz and more.
