Reasoning & Evidence
Physical housing design plays a role in structuring community interactions and connections through the inclusion of adaptable spaces that can be used for a variety of social activities. Depending on building context, adaptable spaces can range from open courtyards in multi-family housing units to small, public spaces within high rise buildings. Community gardens are a popular addition to multi-family housing, providing a space for residents of different ages and cultures to interact while fostering shared responsibilities. This community management aspect helps facilitate the formation of bonds among residents.(29) Comfort levels of a space mediate the frequency of use, and spaces that offer natural lighting, shelter from the sun, and lounging areas encourage social interactions in a welcoming environment.(67) Explore more recommendations for design elements for various spaces here.
The growing need for housing is leading to the creation of high density apartment buildings to maximize the number of residents they can house. However, recent research highlights that living in high-density neighborhoods, especially in apartment blocks, can increase loneliness for some individuals, emphasizing that more people in a space does not necessarily mean more connections. This underscores the importance of designing spaces that offer both privacy and opportunities for social interaction, giving residents the choice of when and how to engage with others.(70) Research shows that the greater quantity of residents in a building is correlated to reduced social interactions and connections, highlighting the need to consider socially conducive design.(30) To avoid social exclusion, small spaces in high rises should be maximized to allow for socialization, such as “vertical social pockets” which are like mini elevator lobbies on each floor. These pockets can contain elements like benches, magazine racks, potted plants that create a border, and outlets, all to promote increased use.(31) Social pockets are important for preserving the transition from private to public space, which helps foster a sense of belonging. The ideal social pocket should include around 6-8 households to encourage social interaction. Additional design recommendations for supporting sociable design in high rise buildings can be found in this Design Guideline Report developed in Toronto, Canada. Resident interviews in apartment buildings also call out the need for spaces separate from common circulation areas for social interaction; they noted that crowding in circulation areas discouraged casual interactions between neighbors and led to social annoyance.(32) However, sociably designed circulation areas increase the likeliness of spontaneous, positive interactions with neighbors that can lead to longer-term relationships within a housing complex, which encourages the use of separate amenities between neighbors who have built connections with one another.(58)
Examples of Community Implementation
Vancouver, British Columbia: Human Studio designed the 800 Commercial Drive Affordable Housing units by reimagining a typical high-rise structure to prioritize social connection. With city approval for construction, the building will feature “front porches” for each unit, creating a transition from private to public space that encourages neighborly interactions. These front porches are spacious enough for residents to step out and see their neighbors without fully entering public areas. An added benefit of this design is that it bypasses zoning restrictions on square footage for social spaces, as balconies are not included in those limitations.
San Francisco, California: The Casa Adelante housing project was designed with a community architecture approach that prioritizes community participation and engagement amongst its residents. The project consists of 143 affordable apartments, a childcare center, an art gallery, a community room, and multiple spaces for residents to grow their own produce. Design features include colorful murals, vast natural light, and an open and interconnected ground floor that facilitates interaction and engagement among families. The community room offers a transition between private and open space as it opens to a large courtyard with space for children to play. The entire building is designed to offer a sense of belonging, and it has created a vibrant community for vulnerable populations in an area largely populated by families of Latin American descent.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework: Housing Sector Supplemental Brief
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