In May of 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory calling attention to our epidemic of loneliness and isolation, highlighting how over half of Americans reported significant loneliness even before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Loneliness, often termed the silent killer, contributes to various health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance addiction, illustrating a critical public health challenge that needs addressing.
Understanding our lonely built environment necessitates examining suburban America, where post-World War II planning prioritized the individual and the nuclear family over community. This shift resulted in sprawling urban designs filled with more pavement than people, making interactions between neighbors scarce and reducing opportunities for meaningful social connections in public spaces.
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