Building Happiness discusses the nature of happiness within our built environment. In association with Building Futures, the book includes ideas and debates informed by architects such as Herman Hertzberger and Aldo van Eyck, with these brought up to date through the work of contemporary architects and commentators. The nature of our environment and how we use it and how we are conditioned by it is considered in detail, particularly the ways this affects our sense of wellbeing or happiness. Is this a personal feeling or is it how space is used in our community that constructs happiness? Is it green eco-houses, traditional cottages or 1970s modernism that makes you happy?

Building Happiness comprises both short commentaries and longer essays concerned with the impact of our built environment. The book also provides a visual representation of the themes addressed through evocative illustrations, sketches and photography. With an introduction contributions by architectural and social critics such as Jeremy Till, Shami Chakrabarti, and Kirsty Wark, as well as commentaries from Glenda Jackson and prestigious architects and artists such as Richard Rogers and Richard Wentworth, amongst others.