Lonely by Design: How Urban Planning Can Intensify Social Isolation

Walkable neighborhoods, access to parks, and opportunities for social interaction can help reduce the burden of loneliness and promote community. But many of our cities aren’t built this way.

2 minute read

January 30, 2023, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


In an article in Streetsblog USA, Jennifer Kent, Emily J. Rugel and Marlee Bower, Emily J. Rugel, and Marlee Bower zoom out from the traditional view of loneliness as an individual problem to examine how urban design and the way we have built our cities contributes to a loss of social interaction.

The authors, who just completed a systematic review of research on loneliness and urban planning, identified factors that “can help people make connections,” including “housing design, transport systems and the distribution and design of open and natural spaces.”

The study found that living in small or poorly maintained housing can exacerbate loneliness by making people less likely to have friends over. “More universally, living in areas with good access to community centers and natural spaces helps people make social connections.” Additionally, access to public transit and active transportation options can also reduce loneliness and promote social interaction.

The authors also see a connection between socio-economic status and loneliness, largely because people with lower incomes tend to have less access to things like long-term housing they can personalize as their own, walkable neighborhoods, public parks, and other amenities that help reduce loneliness and improve mental health.

Ultimately, the authors conclude that context matters, and “there is no single built environment that is universally ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for loneliness.” But urban design and access to amenities can have a powerful influence on how people interact with others.

Friday, January 27, 2023 in Streetsblog USA

Large historic homes and white picket fences line a street.

The End of Single-Family Zoning in Arlington County, Virginia

Arlington County is the latest jurisdiction in the country to effectively end single-family zoning.

March 23, 2023 - The Washington Post

Amtrak Acela Express train passing through Harrison station in Newark, New Jersey

‘Train Daddy’ Andy Byford to Oversee Amtrak’s High-Speed Rail Efforts

Byford, who formerly ran NYC Transit and Transport for London, could bring renewed vigor to the agency’s plans to expand regional rail in the United States.

March 28, 2023 - StreetsBlog NYC

Buses in downtown Seattle on the dedicated 3rd Avenue bus lanes

Seattle Bus Lane Cameras Capture Over 100,000 Violations

An automated traffic enforcement pilot program caught drivers illegally using transit lanes more than 110,000 times in less than a year.

March 28, 2023 - Axios

View of Statue of Liberty with New York City skyline in background

Immigration Grows, Population Drops in Many U.S. Counties

International immigration to the country’s most populous areas tripled even as major metropolitan areas continued to lose population.

March 31 - The New York Times

Detroit Sports Arena

$616 Million in Development Incentives Approved for District Detroit

The “Transformational Brownfield” incentives approved by the Detroit City Council for the $1.5 billion District Detroit still require approval by the state.

March 31 - Detroit Free Press

A red sign reads, “Welcome to New Canaan.”

Affordable Housing Development Rejected for Lack of Third Staircase in Connecticut

The New Canaan Planning Commission rejected a development proposal, including 31 below-market-rate apartments, for lack of a third staircase, among other reasons, at a time when advocates are pushing to relax two-staircase requirements.

March 31 - Stamford Advocate

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.