Great design goes beyond individual homes — it connects people and creates spaces where they feel like they belong. By combining residential living with shared amenities, public art and retail spaces, projects can bring communities together in meaningful ways.
Combining Public and Private Spaces
When residential, retail and public spaces overlap, they create opportunities for interaction and activity. At The Cunningham in West Des Moines, the ground-floor retail and restaurant turn a single block into a dynamic hub where residents and visitors come together. Similarly, The Amara in Santa Monica uses its inviting corner design and ground-floor community spaces to engage the surrounding neighborhood, blending the building into the city’s fabric.
At Astra, a large mixed use development, retail spaces are seamlessly integrated with residential areas to encourage daily interaction. The design prioritizes open, welcoming environments where outdoor gathering spaces and shared amenities foster connections between residents and the surrounding community.
Shared Spaces That Bring People Together
Amenities and communal areas are key to building strong connections in residential developments. Shared spaces like rooftop pools, courtyards and vibrant interior lounges provide places for people to relax and interact. At Aspen College Park, public art and thoughtful design tie two buildings together, creating a cohesive student community even across a divided site.
Industry Tallahassee and Astra prioritize podium-level amenity spaces, combining functional and relaxing environments with stunning views. These spaces, from lush courtyards to well-appointed lounges, become focal points for interaction, ensuring residents have a place to gather and connect.
Using Design to Shape Community Identity
Architectural choices can define how a neighborhood feels. Bold design elements, like public art at Aspen College Park or the sculptural façade of The Amara, create memorable spaces that reflect the character of their surroundings. Material choices, such as the red brick and modern finishes at Industry Tallahassee, balance tradition with fresh design to honor local culture. Astra furthers this idea by blending contemporary urban design with inviting public spaces, ensuring the development feels rooted in its environment while looking toward the future.
Design That Builds Belonging
By combining public and private spaces, prioritizing shared amenities and creating unique design identities, these projects show how thoughtful architecture can bring people together. Whether it’s a vibrant mixed use block, a student housing community or a serene residential retreat, great design has the power to shape how we connect with the spaces — and the people — around us.
These projects were featured in Volume 14 of our inspire magazine. Check it out here!
