Joyful Solitude + Being Together in Nature

I love people. My love of people is the reason I chose architecture, and the reason I focus on social health and human well-being. Not to mention one of the many reasons you’ll nearly always find me at coffee shops - well that and um coffee.?

But even so, extensive time surrounded by even the most wonderful humans can overwhelm my system. Part of my ability to dedicate myself to human connection, relies on time connecting alone with myself. For this reason, I was delighted when Francesca Specter reached out to discuss solitude for the New York Times.??

In her beautifully crafted article, I share one of the many project examples of solitude-friendly spaces that HKS Inc has designed. I expand on that article in my latest for Psychology Today, How to Design For Solitude. There, I share examples of designing for the joys of being alone together from the workplace, hospitality, and health, and concrete design strategies we can all use.?

Note: I would love to hear examples of your favorite places to get a quiet moment in the comments below or in my inbox! I’m always searching for more examples. :)

Together in Nature?

I will be reflecting on design for connection to self and others as I prepare for days in the beautiful nature of Burlington, Vermont for an event that promises to be like nothing I’ve ever experienced - part think-tank, part summer camp, totally unexpected!?

I am looking forward to speaking and participating at the See Change Sessions alongside the amazing list of speakers and facilitation guides (below). There are three tracks that have a distinct mission related to its topic - I will be with our Placemaking track! Those joining will collaborate with expert guides, advisors, facilitators, and contributors in dynamic, off-the-record experiences. Sessions include design-thinking workshops, labs, shared meals, collaborative creative projects, saunas, and quality time outdoors, and other sessions designed to foster creative thinking, expand perspectives, and make effective connections.

Placemaking: Using Place to Cultivate Interdependence & Belonging

How do we enhance the way places positively influence our social interactions and the way we perceive meaning in the world? How do we break down silos between communities and the architects, civil engineers, landscape designers, storefront creators, transportation departments, housing boards, developers, and policy makers that design communal places? Join the placemaking track to collaborate across interdisciplinary barriers in an effort to identify where and how we can continue to evolve both urban and rural planning, design & development processes to further draw on lived community experience, functional observation, and healthy social cohesion as pillars of building our shared places.

Who’s going to be there?

Designed with legendary placemaker Fred Kent and facilitated by Dr. Kim Nolan, Graduate Programs Director for the University of Vermont's lauded Sustainable MBA program, the sessions will be guided by experts including Ramon Marrades (Director, Placemaking Europe); Lisa Glover (Placemaking Fellow, Center on Rural Innovation); Erin Peavey (Health & Wellbeing Design Leader, HKS Inc.); Melissa Lee (Principal-in-Charge of Urban Planning & Community Health, Public Works Partners); Bryant Tan (Associate Director of City Planning, Burning Man Project); Richard Amore, Manager of Placemaking and Community Partnerships, Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development; Jennifer C. Shieh (Chief Scientist & Program Manager, Office of Investment and Innovation, U.S. Small Business Administration); Zach Williamson (Festival and Event Director, Burlington City Arts).?

Join us!

Everyone possesses a unique and essential expertise to help shape the mission of the content track. We invite you to pick a track where you can share your ideas and insights as an active contributor. You know your strengths, so dive in and make a difference!?REGISTER NOW (Discount Code INVITE)

In the News:?

• TEDx: Can Design Heal Loneliness?
• Psychology Today: The joys of being alone together in the workplace, leisure, and health.
• Design for Peace: Our book is coming out in a few days! Pre-order now, and get $10 off.

??? To Subscribe to the Full Newsletter link HERE ???