Planning for Social Interaction

By Claire Whelan

A comparison of two social housing projects in Winnipeg, Canada has analysed the possible reasons for the level of success of one project over the other. It is evident that despite the best of intentions, innovative ideas and quality architecture, one of the projects fails to create the desired outcome.

Image source: Archdaily

The lessons learnt can also be applied to planning for communal spaces more generally in residential development. Providing communal space is not as simple as showing it on a plan and assuming people will use it. There are some excellent examples of communal areas including practical uses that draw people to them, for example by incorporating clotheslines, barbeques, large dining areas and theatre rooms. In situations where the majority of apartments have limited outdoor living spaces these areas can be particularly useful to residents. That being said, there are also many poor examples of wind-swept roof terraces and uninviting concrete courtyards.

In all development, the emphasis should be on considering future residents, what will they want? What will they use? What will they need? 


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