The pandemic kept many of us separated from our loved ones, but as social creatures, we are hard-wired to want human connection. Social connection to others is a major determinant of health outcomes and morbidity rates, with studies showing loneliness can be as harmful to us as smoking or obesity. Homes and communities can be designed to facilitate the sort of effortless social interaction we crave and combat occupant loneliness and isolation. Embrace a dining room, informal seating areas, or a fire pit with some chairs, perhaps. Socialising, it’s good for us.