Spaces for Healthy Connection: Strengthening Neighborhoods with Krista Nightengale
Krista Nightengale is a visionary leader and the Executive Director of Better Block, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to transforming neighborhoods through community-driven design.
With a fierce belief in the power of public spaces to connect people, Krista champions an approach to urban design that emphasizes love over fear, encouraging communities to build environments that are open, welcoming, and reflective of their unique character.
Krista's work centers on reimagining public spaces as hubs of interaction, creativity, and safety. Under her leadership, Better Block has become renowned for its adaptable, hands-on approach, creating temporary and small-scale urban interventions that empower communities to test and shape their own neighborhoods.
From colorful benches to inviting street art, Krista’s projects inspire individuals to engage in the act of placemaking, proving that even modest changes can spark connection, pride, and a lasting sense of belonging.
A committed advocate for social impact through design, Krista believes that real change happens when people feel invested in their surroundings.
She has championed projects across the country, where she works directly with community members, guiding them to not just envision but actively create vibrant spaces that bring people together. Her dedication goes beyond the physical—Krista understands that the best urban design fosters social connection, reduces crime, and builds trust among neighbors.
At her core, Krista is driven by a simple but transformative philosophy: just start. She encourages others to take that first step, to experiment, and to embrace the possibility of failure as a path to learning.
Through her leadership and Better Block’s work, Krista Nightengale inspires communities to see their public spaces not just as backdrops but as dynamic, evolving canvases for community expression and connection.
Key Takeaways
1. Build with Love, Not Fear - When creating spaces, prioritize openness and connection over walls and barriers. Showing love to a community often brings it back in powerful ways.
2. Test Ideas Boldly and Adapt - Don’t wait for perfection—experiment; put things out there, and see what works. Change is a constant, so embrace it as an opportunity to grow and evolve.
3. Small Actions Create Big Ripples - Simple steps, like adding benches or painting walls, can transform a community’s spirit. These small interventions can spark greater engagement and pride.
4. Trust the Community Process - Sometimes the best ideas come from the people who live and work in a place. Engage them in planning, trust their voices, and work together to bring ideas to life.
5. Design for Connection - Spaces should foster social interaction, helping people feel safer and more connected. Thoughtful design can bring people together and build a stronger sense of community.
6. Take That First Step - Don’t overthink, just start. Whether it’s painting a bench or starting a conversation, even a small act can build momentum and inspire others to join in.
7. Embrace Failure as a Pathway to Success - Failure is part of the journey. Each setback offers valuable lessons, so don’t fear it. Instead, use it as fuel to adapt and try again.
Quotes
1. "Just start doing something. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be something that invites people to engage."
2. "When you show a space love and show the community love, you’ll be amazed at how it comes back to you in ways you never expected."
3. "Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure isn’t the end, it’s a stepping stone to learning and doing better next time."
4. "Communities are ever-evolving, and so should the spaces around them. Don’t make things permanent; allow them to grow, change, and reflect the needs of the people."
Connect with Krista
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-nightengale-758426b/
Website - https://www.betterblock.org/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BetterBlock/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterblock/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-SJVvBZhAY91KnMVgz0TVA/videos
X - https://x.com/TheBetterBlock