The Spaces That Make Us

‘The Spaces That Make Us’ is a beautiful and powerful reminder that our health, happiness, and even identities are the product of hidden forces all around us. Danish Kurani shows how to design spaces that transform us into the people we want to be. You’ll never see the physical world the same way again. * Jonah Berger, New York Times Bestselling Author of “Contagious and The Catalyst” *‘The Spaces That Make Us’ is an exceptional work that reimagines how smart, ethical, thoughtful design can radically change our lives. I want to live in that world. * Rachel Sonis, Editor, TIME *A heartfelt, deeply researched book. ‘The Spaces That Make Us’ shows that how we choose to design our surroundings shapes who we become. We can all become the architects of our own lives, should we choose to dream courageously. * Sheena Iyengar, Columbia Business School Professor and Bestselling Author of “The Art of Choosing” *An engaging read, and a powerful argument that the best design grows out of generous attention to human need and deep regard for place. * Sam Lubell, Contributor, New York Times *An uncommonly accessible book about architecture that pulls the focus away from buildings to show how design shapes people’s experience of the world. It’s a passionate call to use that power for good. * Nate Berg, Journalist, Fast Company *Danish Kurani is among the industry’s most exciting, innovative figures. Kurani’s ideas changed how I see the world and interact with my surroundings. I’m sure he will do the same for anyone who reads his book. Danish is equal parts visionary, problem-solver, and empath.He challenges the architecture industry to do better, and provides eye-opening solutions that inspire anyone who glimpses his designs.Where other architects follow trends, Danish disrupts–and then inspires design lovers of all stripes to follow his lead. His curiosity and passion are infectious, in just a few minutes, he can turn anyone into a design aficionado.His insights about everyday designs get people to sit up in their chairs–and to pay attention. Danish shows us that design is everywhere, and everything is designed. * Paul Makovsky, Editor-in-Chief, ARCHITECT magazine *Kurani has no illusions about the forces conspiring to make our world uglier, yet this is an undeniably hopeful book. With deep care and precision, he argues for a revolutionary reimagining of the places we call home. It’s a delight to join him on the journey. * James Rodriguez, Senior Real Estate Reporter, Business Insider *

Danish Kurani sees what most of us miss: our buildings are failing to nourish people. After witnessing how poorly designed environments were holding back people across the globe—from high-rises in Manhattan to villages in India—he’s made it his mission to remake architecture for human flourishing. His groundbreaking designs for New York City, Google, and communities on four continents prove that thoughtful architecture can unlock human potential.

Named one of the world’s Most Innovative Architects by Fast Company, Kurani has pioneered a human-centered approach that’s transforming lives worldwide. His designs span from schools in underserved communities to floating homes in flood-prone areas, always focusing on one question: how can architecture solve society’s most important challenges?

A Harvard-trained architect and urban designer, Kurani’s ideas have been shared at leading institutions including Stanford, MIT, and Columbia, and featured in The Wall Street Journal, TIME, and the World Economic Forum. Governments globally recognize him as a leading voice in social impact architecture – not only because he builds beautiful buildings, but because he builds spaces that work for real people.