Designing Friendlier Neighborhoods Through Play, Wellness, and Connection

Show Notes:

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Ryan Rosen, Founder and Creative Director of Friendly Futures, shares how play can be intentionally designed to strengthen relationships, improve wellness, and create more connected communities. Drawing from a background in architecture, photography, and community design, Ryan explains how his early experiences with intergenerational play shaped his focus on social connection.

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Friendly Futures centers on the idea that space alone does not create community. Ryan discusses how combining physical environments with games, storytelling, and clear invitations to participate can encourage interaction across generations. He reflects on designing for belonging and using play as a practical tool to support social health.

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Key Takeaways:

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00:00 Introduction.

01:25 Play supports social health by helping people build and sustain relationships.

04:29 Friendly environments emerge when space, games, and storytelling work together.

08:32 Interest in community and social wellness continues to rise.

11:30 Games designed for all ages help strengthen a sense of belonging.

15:18 Co-creation reveals what residents value most about a place.

19:05 Technology can support real-life connection when used intentionally.

28:05 Flexible third spaces encourage everyday interaction among neighbors.

37:20 Pursuing passion and curiosity can shape meaningful long-term work.

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Resources Mentioned:

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Friendly Futures website

Neighborhood Games

Indigo

Painted Tree

Harvard Study of Adult Development

ULI Fall Conference

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Thank you for listening to “Communities Connected: A Land and Lifestyle Podcast by Alosant.” If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.

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