What is Happy Cities?
Happy Cities operates as an urban planning, design, and research consultancy with offices in Vancouver and Halifax. The organization collaborates with governments, developers, and non-profit organizations globally to develop neighborhoods, public spaces, and housing solutions that enhance wellbeing across diverse communities. Their approach integrates community planning, public space design, housing policy, and research with engagement strategies to create human-centered urban environments.
The consultancy transforms evidence into actionable plans through projects like master plans, housing accelerator action plans, and transit studies. They focus on creating walkable, vibrant community hubs that serve both local residents and visitors while addressing accessibility and social infrastructure needs. Their work includes developing guidelines for age- and dementia-inclusive neighborhoods and implementing placemaking initiatives for safer streets and happier homes.
Features
- Community Planning: Developing human-centered master plans and area plans for neighborhoods
- Public Space Design: Creating vibrant community hubs and safer streets through placemaking
- Housing Policy: Guiding gentle density and economic revitalization through housing accelerator action plans
- Research & Engagement: Conducting deep engagement studies to understand walkability and community needs
- Evidence-Based Action: Transforming research findings into practical urban design solutions
Use Cases
- Developing master plans for urban areas to create walkable suburbs
- Creating housing accelerator action plans to guide gentle density in town centers
- Designing public spaces to transform main streets into vibrant community hubs
- Conducting transit pilot studies to improve bus service in rural communities
- Developing guidelines for age- and dementia-inclusive neighborhood design
- Implementing placemaking projects for safer streets and happier homes
