HNC Feature: The ‘Paradox of Proximity’
What it takes to build a vertical community, floor by floor.
What does the “Paradox of Proximity” mean to you?
Bloxhub, Denmark’s Nordic hub for sustainable urbanism, describes it this way: “Stacking homes, offices, and cafés close together doesn’t automatically create real connection. Crowded streets and shared spaces can easily become backdrops for strangers passing by without a single word.”
The lead author, Ann-Britt Anderson, calls this the ‘Paradox of Proximity’: people living close together, yet feeling far apart.
The Paradox of Proximity
The recently released book, The Paradox of Proximity, is a brilliant collection of insights and innovations from experts around the world exploring how urban design shapes social well-being. Amid so many groundbreaking projects, we’re honoured that Hey Neighbour Collective was featured.
As our Project Director, Michelle Hoar, puts it: “Proximity does not equal sociability.”
That’s why, in our work, we emphasize the importance of intentionally designing and programming multi-unit housing to spark everyday neighbourly encounters and, over time, foster deeper, more meaningful connections.
“Humans are not independent– we are interdependent. Our healthiest state comes from being connected: having trusted relationships we can turn to for help, and being trusted enough that others turn to us in return.”
Michelle Hoar
