113 Architecture questions - What makes a building social?
What makes a building social?
Social encompasses a wide range of considerations for the organisation of coexistence, from personal interaction to socio-political issues for the benefit of all.
The architectural contribution to this is to design living spaces that promote living together in a community, that serve the well-being and need for security, as well as a tension-free coexistence. Last but not least, measures against isolation and loneliness, to promote social contacts for mental health. This also includes enabling barrier-free participation for everyone, inclusive, integrative, adaptable to the changing needs of individuals, suitable for a diverse society. Planning criteria that apply to municipal facilities, the health and care sector and, last but not least, to housing.
The pandemic has made us all realise how valuable social interactions are for our quality of life. How important the spatial quality of our homes is if we don't just come home to watch TV and sleep. The importance of high-quality open spaces in the immediate neighbourhood when we can't simply go somewhere else and it's not so easy to move around. The rediscovery of local amenities when you can't drive to a shopping centre at the other end of the city.
The criteria for optimum utilisation are redefined when the quality of living spaces is also taken into account. This leads to a general rethink of the space requirements we place on our living spaces. This can also have positive ecological effects if it is planned in from the outset.
As flats become smaller and smaller, we need space to move around and places to retreat to in common areas. This can be modelled on the planning of hotels, for example. For example, building zones such as foyers, lobbies, stairwells and common entrances could be designed more generously and upgraded to meeting zones, with natural lighting, good visibility and easy access. Furthermore, the offer of common rooms, terraces and open spaces for all generations, through to shared office spaces, fitness rooms or spa areas.
Of course, all of this also incurs costs, but these can be made affordable through joint financing and maintenance. They certainly seem worth striving for!
The quality of living spaces and their surroundings are decisive criteria for well-being and satisfaction - they are a prerequisite for feeling at home. A beautiful flat in a pleasant environment will be used for a long time. A holistic approach to planning and, not least, aesthetics make important contributions to sustainability.
