The urgency to build affordable housing quickly is real, but rushing risks creating buildings that function as holding places rather than communities. This moment presents a critical opportunity: to rethink outdated strategies and design housing that is not only efficient but also healthy, connected, and deeply supportive of the people who live there. 

This session explores how thoughtful, people-centered design (applied across units, amenities, public spaces, and surrounding landscapes) can lead to more resilient, inclusive, and livable environments.  

Drawing on real-world examples and lessons learned, see how innovation at every scale can meaningfully improve quality of life for tenants and long-term outcomes for housing providers. 

You’ll learn: 

• How design can put people first: Create spaces that foster resilience, belonging, and long-term success
  
• Where innovation makes the biggest impact: New ideas for units, common areas, outdoor spaces, and integrated community environments 
  
• How to bring it home: Proven strategies and tools to infuse innovation and people-centered design into your next project 

By centering design as a tool for equity and community-building, you will walk away with tools to reframe your approach and deliver housing that truly supports people—and lasts. 

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