The JOY Experiments

A new perspective on developing shared joy in urban spaces.

Our divided society is quicky reaching crisis level. 

We are no longer able to sustain social and economic prosperity nor ensure democracy. Fuelling this crisis is a growing sense of social isolation caused by the divisive nature of social media and the decline of infrastructure that used to bring communities together.

But there is hope for rebuilding our collaborative society, and it is found in our mid-sized urban areas. These towns and cities offer a scale that can tangibly change the quality of our lives and an intimacy that allows us to influence what our communities can become.

Changing cities can change the world!

In The JOY Experiments, real estate developer Scott Higgins and creative mind Paul Kalbfleisch use their own mid-sized city-building experiences to present a new way for citizens to engage with their city and an urban planning strategy that prioritizes infrastructure for the human spirit.

You can also purchase a copy at your local bookstore. Ask them to contact Dundurn Press if they don’t already have copies.

What to Expect

The JOY Experiments is a playbook for modern city building, filled in equal parts with inspiring stories and practical strategies. Our hope is that it helps create a common discussion—with common goals for politicians, citizens, architects, city planners, and business leaders—on what we want and need from our cities.

The book’s contents are set up somewhat like a map, divided across 15 chapters. We invite you to take whatever path through the book you feel you need, though we do suggest you follow us closely for the first few chapters.

To preview the book, check out the Table of Contents or download Chapter One, “Under Attack: The Decline of the City Habitat”.

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  • "… [the book] invites us into the authors' intimate extended conversation about how to make urban places welcoming, sustainable, inclusive, but most of all, joyful."

    Ken Greenberg
    Principal at Greenberg Consultants Inc.

  • "The Joy Experiments [is an engaging book that] challenges us to embrace the idea that curiosity, beauty, and joy are legitimate and desired goals of modern city building."

    Karen Coviello
    VP at Habitat for Humanity Canada

  • "The book … engages in new ways of thinking about designing cities and a future that might have a plausible relationship with the rest of life and the next generation."

    Bruce Mau
    CEO of Massive Change Network

  • "From [the table of contents], each page has resonated with me deeply when it comes to community building and fluid creativity when designing outdoor community spaces."

    Marijo Cuerrier
    Executive Director at Downtown Kingston BIA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Because cities are important.

    Specifically, we believe that If we can turn mid-sized cities into collaborative environments where we begin to heal our social divides and build an innovation ecosystem, we’ll have more solutions for the challenges we’ll face in the future and the resilience to make a better world.

    That’s why we’ve conducted city-building experiments for years through HIP Developments, Scott’s real estate development company based in Waterloo Region. For each project, the goal is the same—to go beyond building offices and condos and to help build cities that have strong community bonds.

    Now, we are offering our experiences in The JOY Experiments as a starting point for collaborative city building. We’re sharing what we’ve done and what we’ve learned in the hope that it creates a common language and discussion among politicians, planners, citizens, and business leaders so we can create communities that contain the type of joy that fosters health, diversity, vibrancy, inventiveness, and economic success.

    Please join in the conversation, no matter where you live.

  • Absolutely!

    While The JOY Experiments is based on our own experiences in mid-sized cities across Waterloo Region, all communities need more joy—we believe the book is written such that all readers will be inspired and full of ideas that can be tailored to reflect their unique circumstances.

  • If you purchased The JOY Experiments in 2021, thank you! Your support paved the way for our publishing deal with Dundurn Press.

    The book published in May 2024 contains updated content, a new introduction and chapter (“The Redesign of We”), and a new model for implementing joy in your community or urban project.

  • The JOY Experiments is currently available in Canada, the United States, and the UK.

    View all online purchase options, including digital formats, here.

    You can also purchase a copy at your local bookstore. Ask them to contact Dundurn Press if they don’t already have copies.

  • The JOY Experiments is only the first step towards creating great cities that are resiliently prosperous, sustainable, and capable of rebuilding our social ties.

    If you’d like to continue your education, we encourage you to read and reflect on the JOY Principles, a series of concepts that keeps city-building projects focused on a societal outcome. You can also join our email list for regular updates and doses of inspiration to keep you motivated on your journey.

    These steps will arm you with a new narrative and perspective on city building.

    Alternatively, if you’re looking for more personalized help, either to educate stakeholders or help with a specific project, Paul is available to work with your team. Learn more about his services.

About the Authors

Scott Higgins is a passionate business and community builder with over 15 years of experience in real estate. As President of HIP Developments, Inc., he plays a leadership role in the evolution of the Region of Waterloo in southern Ontario.

Paul Kalbfleisch is a writer, speaker, and consultant on new city-building strategies that move beyond traditional quality-of-life measures to prioritizing the economic, social, and environmental benefits of infrastructure for the human spirit found in joyful cities.