Helen Lui interviews Fern Hahn, a transit advocate and urban planning student, who shares experiences that shaped their perspective on public transit. Fern discusses advocating for better transit and their interest in transit network design.

Next, Helen speaks with Matthew and Emma from UBC CAPACity, focusing on engaging university students in urban planning discussions. They discuss the club's events, ranging from urban studies info nights to town hall debates with city council candidates. Matthew and Emma emphasize the importance of involving youth in urban planning decisions and fostering inclusivity across different faculties.

References:
Fern K Hahn: https://fernkhahn.com/
UBC CAPACity: https://amscampusbase.ubc.ca/capacity/home/

Show Credits:
Host: Helen Lui
Producer: Aaron Johnson
Cover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)
Covert Art Titles: Spencer
Website: UrbanismVancouver.com

If you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver

The conversation continues with Houssam Elokda from Happy Cities, as Helen Lui explores the impact of the built environment on communities, emphasizing the importance of creating livable and sustainable cities. They discuss the subjective nature of happiness and well-being in urban settings, also highlighting the significance of social connections, community, and meaningful interactions in fostering happiness.

References:
Hey Neighbour Collective Happy Homes project: https://www.heyneighbourcollective.ca/resources/

Show Credits:
Host: Helen Lui
Producer: Aaron Johnson
Cover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)
Covert Art Titles: Spencer
Website: UrbanismVancouver.com

If you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver

Density is a hotly debated topic in urban centres. Is it good? Is it bad? Does it make us more isolated, more lonely, or can it improve our happiness?

Helen Lui speaks with Houssam Elokda, from Happy Cities. Their research explores the connection between urban design and happiness, striving to enhance the quality of life in cities through sustainable long-term happiness. By prioritizing people's experiences and emotions, they aim to implement urban interventions that are not only impactful but also tailored to the unique needs and values of each community.

Houssam delves into the significance of studying the relationship between happiness and urban design to determine the crucial elements for thriving in urban environments. An insightful study discussed in the podcast reveals that density does not necessarily correlate with lower happiness or well-being once income is taken into account. The conversation sheds light on how different housing forms like apartments or single-family homes have no significant impact on well-being when income is factored in.

References:

• The World Happiness Report: https://worldhappiness.report/about/
• Lu’ma housing - Heatherlands project: https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/courier-archive/news/temporary-modular-housing-approved-for-heather-lands-site-3082546#google_vignette
• VGH + Happy Cities study: My Wellbeing, My Community: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65c7e5d8ed8ae44c1709ae60/t/65f9ba97331b333639689619/1710865062869/My-home-my-neighbourhood-wellbeing-study-111723.pdf
• 5 D’s of walkability: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359066510_Rethinking_walkability_and_developing_a_conceptual_definition_of_active_living_environments_to_guide_research_and_practice

Show Credits:
Host: Helen Lui
Producer: Aaron Johnson
Cover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)
Covert Art Titles: Spencer
Website: UrbanismVancouver.com

If you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver