What turns a space into a place—and how can strangers build community together?

Host, Shannon Knelsen brings together two complementary perspectives on how community connection is created through everyday spaces, repeated encounters and shared experiences.

Dr. Troy Glover, professor at the University of Waterloo and director of the Healthy Communities Research Network, discusses his research on social infrastructure and the Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s Vital Ideas: Social Infrastructure and Places report. Mouna Andraos, co-founder of Montreal art and design studio Daily tous les jours, explores how playful and participatory public experiences can invite strangers to interact.

Together, Troy and Mouna examine why loneliness can be better understood through the lens of isolation, how spaces acquire meaning, and what encourages people to return, participate and develop a sense of belonging. Troy provides the research and community-building framework, while Mouna demonstrates what those ideas can look like when brought to life through art and design.

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THANKS TO OUR GUESTS:

Dr. Troy Glover, professor at the University of Waterloo and director of the Healthy Communities Research Network

Mouna Andraos, co-founder of Montreal art and design studio Daily tous les jours

CREDITS:

Shannon Knelsen, Host / Producer / Editor

Shrijith Ramaswami, Post-production Editor

Deren Atkins, Distribution Manager

David Harmes, Executive Producer / Audio Engineer

MUSIC:

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up, Loving Caliber: Lose (Instrumental Version)

This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.