A Soft City Opportunity

But what is the ideal built form for human flourishing?

This question reminded me of Soft City by David Sim. A fantastic book exploring how cities can be designed to support human well-being, social interaction, and a sense of place.

Key principles from Soft City and leading urban research:

Mid-rise buildings (3–6 storeys)

Walkable, socially connected, and still dense enough to support amenities and transit without overwhelming a neighbourhood.

Fine-grained, mixed-use development

Small blocks, active ground floors (cafés, coworking, retail), and a mix of uses that bring life to the street.

Courtyard or perimeter block configurations

Semi-private shared outdoor spaces for safety, interaction, and play.

Adaptable design

Units and buildings that evolve with their users —> combinable, subdividable, or repurposable over time.

Ideal Units for Thriving Humans

• Size:

  
  

  • 500–650 sq ft for singles/couples

    
    

  • 800–1000 sq ft for families or co-living

    
    
  
  

• Design priorities:

  
  

  • Natural light and cross-ventilation

    
    

  • Clear zones for sleep, work, and socializing

    
    

  • Private outdoor space (balcony, terrace, etc.)

    
    

• Shared amenities:

  
  

  • Guest rooms, communal kitchens, makerspaces, or play areas reducing the need for oversized private units

Final Thought

The RS zone, despite its simplicity, offers a foundation that aligns remarkably well with the ideals of human-centered urbanism: small-scale density, social proximity, and adaptability. I'm glad the city held strong at 8 units.