Cultivating Community
How we foster community
As a remedy to the lack of connection in most 21st century neighbourhoods, Dissident Development co-creates communities that naturally encourage a deeper sense of connection. We are dedicated to co-creating smaller scale communities designed to foster spontaneous encounters between neighbours and establish deeper relationships.
How our neighbourhoods nurture community
Front porches face the common areas
Front porches that face the commons offer an ideal combination of your own private space to relax and a public-facing spot for contact with neighbours and passersby. We also create a small buffer of front garden space with landscaping or a short garden fence to help define your space. We think carefully about the size, placement, and railing height of the porches, ensuring they offer residents the best of both worlds.
Shared spaces, inside and out
In our neighbourhoods, shared spaces (aka the commons), are a central aspect of our concepts and designs. These shared spaces can include a community garden, laundry room, studio space, dining space, as well as lounge and play areas. The commons help neighbours connect, ease workloads for busy families, and build overall resiliency.
Potlucks and other gatherings
Begin connecting and forming relationships with your new neighbours by organizing a weekly potluck in a shared dining space. If you have a shared dining space, you can opt to have daily communal meals that not only help foster community, but also help ease workloads for families. Play some music, gather together chairs, and fire up the BBQs.
The value of a community website
The creation of a website can serve as an online resource for the community. It can include a resident’s portal with a calendar to track community events and meal gatherings. Everyone can use it to find and share info, offer help, and have easy access to essential maintenance and operations information.
Finally, be a thoughtful neighbour
When we shift our outlook to focus more on how we can help and connect with those around us, our communities flourish. When we live more connected, we naturally notice when neighbours fall out of their routine— we can then check in and lend a helping hand.
Our innovative design process allows for every community member, from all ages and walks of life, to be involved from the beginning of planning. We all have a stake in the shared parts of the community, and we all contribute to the care and operation of the community. When neighbourhoods begin connecting and growing together with a sense of goodwill and support, we all win.