What role can public space design and programming play in fostering connection and combating loneliness?
The report Rx For Social Connection: Public space as a strategy to combat loneliness, released by The Bentway with partners Gehl (New York) and researchers from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (U of T) reveals the essential role public spaces play in fostering mental health and social connections.
Centered around learnings from The Bentway’s 2024 Softer City season of art and events, the research shows that public spaces are critical health tools that not only promote wellbeing but reduce feelings of loneliness. Features such as landscaping and seating along with well-planned and accessible programming are reported as critical social infrastructure that create the conditions for gathering, but also serve as important invitations to community members looking for opportunities to re-engage with their neighbours and their city.
“We are happy that our work at The Bentway can serve as a case study for this research proving how important public spaces are for our collective wellbeing,” said Ilana Altman, Co-Executive Director of The Bentway. “It’s time to recognize that our parks, squares, sidewalks, and trails are not just places for leisure and recreation, but indeed vital parts of our health ecosystem. Strong communities, and the social connections we all need, are built in public space.”
Though cities have become harder places to live, the tools and tactics to foster social connection are easy to action. Revaluing public spaces as important upstream health resources can begin to reverse trends of isolation and create more compassionate and connected cities.
On February 25, there will be a panel conversation featuring some of the report’s authors at the University of Toronto. Click here for event details and free registration.



Special thanks to:
Balsam Foundation
Manulife
City of Toronto
And all the program supporters for Softer City (Summer 2024)