Happy London
How can we create cities that improve wellbeing?
Improving wellbeing is a goal for many city leaders but what practical actions can they take to make people feel better? Our project explored London’s happy places to find out – here’s what we learned.
Wellbeing is a huge priority for cities globally. In recent years (and particularly since the pandemic) we have become increasingly aware of the toll that living in cities can have on our mental health and wellbeing.
However the research currently taking place on this topic is largely academic. In Happy London: places that make us feel better, we considered the practical actions the built environment sector can take to improve citizens’ wellbeing.
Read the write-ups from our event series
Culture and green space at Beam Park in Dagenham
Culturally sensitive design for a largely Jewish community in Hackney
Why gender-inclusive design can work for everyone
Designing cities for happiness and wellbeing – final panel event
About the Happy London project
Our goal was to celebrate places and spaces that support wellbeing in the city, and find out why they work for Londoners. We develop insights into innovative solutions and best practice, and create opportunities to connect with other urbaned changemakers.
We also want to understand the groups that are often overlooked when developing places and spaces for wellbeing, and consider ways to design in equity.
The Happy London project explored:
- Current best practice across London and other cities through a series of field trips
- Emerging ideas from academia
- Lived experience of communities
Who we engaged
- Local and national government practitioners – especially early and mid-career
- Housing associations, developers, architects, engineers, and consultants
- Professional bodies, advocacy groups, community groups, and not-for-profits
- Universities, academics and researchers
The Happy London project is supported by Countryside Partnerships, Potter Raper and Queen Mary University London
