Sustainable Connections: Socially Vibrant Cities and Suburbs with Nico Larco

02/11/25 • 44 min

Nico Larco is a visionary leader and changemaker at the intersection of architecture, urban design, and sustainable development.

As a Professor of Architecture at the University of Oregon, Director of the Urbanism Next Center, and Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Sustainable Cities Initiative, Nico has dedicated his career to designing environments that inspire human connection, improve our collective well-being, and contribute to a healthier planet.

His unique blend of expertise, spanning cognitive psychology, architecture, urban planning, and international sustainability work, fuels his ability to see beyond conventional boundaries.

With numerous national and international accolades under his belt, Nico’s impact resonates far beyond his immediate academic circle. He takes complex challenges, like balancing housing needs, social equity, and environmental resilience; and translates them into actionable strategies for livable density, walkable neighborhoods, and vibrant, human-centered public spaces.

His recent co-authored book, The Sustainable Urban Design Framework, equips stakeholders with the insights needed to respond to complex challenges and build truly sustainable communities.

Whether collaborating with public agencies, private developers, nonprofits, or students, Nico consistently models a spirit of partnership, understanding that transformative change only emerges when everyone’s voice is at the table.

Nico Larco’s vision reframes the conversation around our cities. By placing people, relationships, and environmental resilience at the heart of architectural and urban design decisions, he reminds us that the spaces we shape ultimately shape us, guiding us all toward more vibrant, caring, and sustainable futures.

Key Takeaways

1. Design for People First - Our built environment should be shaped around human needs, fostering interaction, well-being, and genuine connection.

2. Unlock Suburban Potential - Even in car-oriented suburbs, small tweaks; like adding walking paths or creating inviting public spaces, can spark a vibrant community life.

3. Value the Power of Density - Thoughtful, human-scale density can support walkability, reduce car-dependence, and bring neighbors closer together.

4. Embrace Active, Lively Streets - When buildings and businesses engage directly with sidewalks and public spaces, communities bloom with social activity and a sense of belonging.

5. Collaborate Across Boundaries - Progress happens when designers, policymakers, community members, and industry leaders join forces, share ideas, and solve problems as one.

6. Rethink Sustainability Holistically - True sustainability isn’t just about energy savings, it’s about health, equity, resilience, and helping people truly thrive.

7. Start Small and Go Big - Even the simplest interventions; like reorienting a storefront, creating a bike path, or adding seating, can spark transformative change and inspire others to reimagine their neighborhoods.

Quotes

1. “The urban condition is not a physical thing, it’s a social thing. It’s absolutely about interaction—seeing people, interacting with people, and recognizing that’s where everything happens.”

2. “It’s not rocket science—just think about connections early on. Even creating a simple pedestrian path can transform how people move, interact, and build community.”

3. “We’re not just aiming for aesthetics; we need to make places that really work for people—places where everyday life becomes easier, more vibrant, and naturally more social.”

Connect with Nico

Linkedin -https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-larco-6702a213/

Website -https://www.urbanismnext.org/

X - https://x.com/nicolarco

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/sustainable.urban.design/

Book -https://www.amazon.com/Sustainable-Urban-Design-Handbook/dp/1138945676

Nico Larco is a visionary leader and changemaker at the intersection of architecture, urban design, and sustainable development.

His unique blend of expertise, spanning cognitive psychology, architecture, urban planning, and international sustainability work, fuels his ability to see beyond conventional boundaries.

His recent co-authored book, The Sustainable Urban Design Framework, equips stakeholders with the insights needed to respond to complex challenges and build truly sustainable communities.

Key Takeaways

1. Design for People First - Our built environment should be shaped around human needs, fostering interaction, well-being, and genuine connection.

2. Unlock Suburban Potential - Even in car-oriented suburbs, small tweaks; like adding walking paths or creating inviting public spaces, can spark a vibrant community life.

3. Value the Power of Density - Thoughtful, human-scale density can support walkability, reduce car-dependence, and bring neighbors closer together.

4. Embrace Active, Lively Streets - When buildings and businesses engage directly with sidewalks and public spaces, communities bloom with social activity and a sense of belonging.

5. Collaborate Across Boundaries - Progress happens when designers, policymakers, community members, and industry leaders join forces, share ideas, and solve problems as one.

6. Rethink Sustainability Holistically - True sustainability isn’t just about energy savings, it’s about health, equity, resilience, and helping people truly thrive.

Quotes

2. “It’s not rocket science—just think about connections early on. Even creating a simple pedestrian path can transform how people move, interact, and build community.”

3. “We’re not just aiming for aesthetics; we need to make places that really work for people—places where everyday life becomes easier, more vibrant, and naturally more social.”

Connect with Nico

Linkedin -https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-larco-6702a213/

Website -https://www.urbanismnext.org/

X - https://x.com/nicolarco

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/sustainable.urban.design/

Book -https://www.amazon.com/Sustainable-Urban-Design-Handbook/dp/1138945676

Previous Episode

The Art of Inclusion: Rethinking Design for a Connected World With Sara Hendren

Sara Hendren is a visionary design researcher, author, artist, and educator whose work transforms the way we see disability, design, and the built world.

As a professor at Northeastern University, Sara teaches Design for Disability, guiding students to embrace creativity, empathy, and inclusivity in their work.

Her groundbreaking book, What Can a Body Do? How We Meet the Built World, has been celebrated as one of the best books of 2020 by NPR and Lit Hub, captivating readers with its profound exploration of the spaces where design intersects with human diversity.

Sara’s work is more than academic - it’s a celebration of the extraordinary in the everyday. Through her writing, teaching, and advocacy, she reveals how disability is not a personal deficit but an invitation to reimagine the world around us. From adaptive tools to inclusive environments, Sara’s insights challenge us to think differently about the possibilities of design and the profound interdependence that connects us all.

As a mother of three, including a son with Down syndrome, Sara draws deeply from personal experience to illuminate the power of inclusive design to foster connection, joy, and belonging. Her ability to re-envision what is possible makes her a beacon of inspiration in a world striving for greater inclusivity.

Sara invites us to approach design -and life- with curiosity, care, and a commitment to building a world where everyone belongs.

Her voice is a rallying cry for creating spaces and tools that celebrate human diversity and nurture the connections that make life meaningful.

Key Takeaways

1. Design for Connection, Not Isolation - The best designs don’t just meet individual needs—they create spaces where people can come together, fostering trust, community, and belonging.

2. Embrace the Power of Adaptation - Human bodies and minds are extraordinarily adaptive. Let’s celebrate and design for the full spectrum of human diversity, not force everyone to conform to a narrow definition of "normal."

3. Rethink Productivity and Time - Life isn’t a race. By embracing slower, more meaningful rhythms—like "Kryptime"—we can focus on what truly matters: relationships, creativity, and well-being.

4. Start with Empathy and Collaboration - Great design begins with truly listening and understanding. Partner with the people you’re designing for, and ask better questions to create solutions that empower and uplift.

5. See Disability as Innovation’s Catalyst - Disability isn’t a limitation; it’s a lens that inspires creative, inclusive solutions for everyone. The curb cut effect proves that what benefits one group can transform the world for all.

6. Challenge the Myths of Normalcy - There’s no such thing as “normal.” Instead of trying to fix differences, let’s design environments and tools that amplify humanity’s incredible variety and potential.

7. Celebrate Interdependence - None of us thrive alone. By recognizing the beauty of interdependence and creating systems that support it, we can build a more compassionate, inclusive world.

Quotes

1. "Disability is not a personal deficit—it’s an interaction with the world. Let’s design spaces and tools that don’t fix people but instead amplify their unique brilliance."

2. "Great design begins with better questions. Ask not just what people need but how your work can foster connection, care, and joy."

3. "The extraordinary is often hidden in the ordinary. Look closer, and you’ll see that adapting to differences is where creativity and humanity truly shine."

4. "Our greatest strength is in our interdependence. When we design with others in mind, we create a world where everyone can thrive together."

Connect with Sara

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-hendren-8a854140

Website - https://sarahendren.com/

X - https://twitter.com/sarahendren

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahendren/

Book - https://www.amazon.com/What-Can-Body-Do-Built/dp/073522000X

Next Episode

Socially Healthy Places: Co-Creating Thriving Communities with Risa Wilkerson

Risa Wilkerson is a pioneer in the field of community health and design, dedicated to creating spaces that foster connection, inclusivity, and well-being.

As the Executive Director of Healthy Places by Design, Risa has spent nearly two decades working at the intersection of public health, community development, and equity.

Her work empowers organizations across the U.S. to design environments that bring people together, breaking down barriers to create stronger, more resilient communities.

Risa’s passion for this work stems from her own experiences growing up in a rural, close-knit community, where she first began to understand the power of place and connection.

Her journey has taken her from rural America to urban centers and across the country, gaining invaluable insights into how thoughtful, human-centered design can make a profound difference in people’s lives. Whether living in a co-housing community, a van, or a sailboat, Risa has continually sought spaces that allow for greater connection with others, finding that the most vibrant communities are those that provide access to shared public spaces and offer a sense of belonging.

Erin Peavey and Risa Wilkerson are co-authors and co-chairs of the Systems of Cross-sector Integration and Action across the Lifespan (SOCIAL) Framework Report on the Built Environment. Risa advocates for the importance of creating spaces that bring people together, fostering both "weak" and "bonding" ties that are essential for individual and collective well-being.

Her deep commitment to social justice and equity drives her work, ensuring that the voices of historically marginalized groups are heard and included in the design process.

Through her work with Healthy Places by Design, Risa has become a leading voice in advocating for spaces that nurture relationships, embrace diversity, and promote joy.

Her dedication to building communities where people feel seen, heard, and valued is not just professional - it’s personal.

Key Takeaways

1. Design for Connection - The spaces we create have the power to foster deep connections. When we design with community in mind, we build environments that bring people together, spark joy, and reduce isolation.

2. Co-Create with the Community - True connection comes from collaboration. Involve the community in the design process to ensure spaces meet their needs and reflect their values, creating a sense of ownership and belonging.

3. The Power of Third Places - Third places (public spaces outside of home and work) are crucial for building community. Coffee shops, parks, and community centers can be the places where connections thrive.

4. Safety and Accessibility Are Key - To foster connection, we must prioritize safety, accessibility, and proximity. Design spaces that allow people to feel comfortable and open to engaging with others.

5. Engage the Young Generation - Don’t forget to include youth in the design process. By involving the next generation in shaping their environments, we can create spaces that empower and inspire them to lead.

6. Honor History, Celebrate Culture - Every community has a rich history. Incorporate cultural and historical elements into the design of spaces to honor the past while creating a sense of pride and continuity for the future.

Quotes

1. "We have to ask, who in our community isn’t being heard? Those are the voices we need to bring to the table to create spaces where everyone feels welcome." – Risa Wilkerson

2. "When we design with the community, we create spaces where people not only feel safe, but they feel seen, valued, and ready to connect." – Risa Wilkerson

3. "Third spaces—places where people gather outside of work or home—are the heart of a connected community. Let’s create those spaces where bonds can form and thrive." – Risa Wilkerson

Connect with Risa

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/risawilkerson/

Website - https://healthyplacesbydesign.org/