Reasoning & Evidence
Following a scoping literature review, six evidence-based design guidelines for social connection were outlined for creating built environments that support connection (26). Combined, these make up PANACHe, or a sense of place, accessibility, nature, activation, choice, and human scale. At the root, these design strategies tap into our foundational needs around social connection, which include a sense of safety, proximity to others, and opportunities to connect. These design strategies can be applied from small scale (inside a shared space) to a large scale (street block). These design characteristics can help us feel comfortable, safe, and able to connect with others. We envision these design guidelines helping to ensure that the recommendations and strategies discussed in the report contribute to the creation of functional, inclusive, engaging, and sustainable spaces. These principles act as the pillars of the design philosophy, aiming to enhance quality of life and foster a sense of community and belonging within the built spaces.(26)
Examples of Community Implementation
La Jolla, California: Human social dynamics, psychological needs and learning behaviors drove every design decision for UC San Diego’s North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood (NTPLLN). The challenge of weaving together living and learning in one place formed the foundation for a “campus within a campus”. Here, third places took not only the form of the cafes, and dining halls, but also created spaces that matched scales of belonging from the door pods, to larger shared cooking and gathering spaces. The research team found that students in the new facility reported anecdotal improvements in connectedness, and had a significant reduction in depression scores often linked to social connection.
United Kingdom: Maggie’s Centres are positioned across the United Kingdom to offer cancer patients and survivors a “second-home” (52) where they can find education, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. These centers allow people to relax on the couch with a book, spontaneously socialize with friends and fellow cancer survivors, and attend formal support group meetings, among other things. The spaces provide comfort and warmth thanks to a combination of physical environment, programming, and policy decisions that have supported the location of these centers adjacent to large publicly funded hospitals. This initiative was spearheaded by architectural historian Charles Jencks, who wanted to create the supportive place his wife, Maggie, helped design while undergoing treatment for terminal cancer. Each center has been designed by a different internationally acclaimed architect.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework Report: The Built Environment Sector