City Know-hows

How do high-rise communal spaces shape residents’ social interactions?

High-rise residential buildings often consist of isolated and dull boxes with limited surveillance between residents and the outside environment

This study aims to contribute insights into the way the layout of communal spaces in high-rise buildings stimulates social interaction among residents. Understanding people’s use of communal spaces will help identify design considerations necessary for the development of high-rise apartments that support social interaction.

Share

Target audience

Researchers and architects, developers, and policy-makers

The problem

High-rise apartment buildings are increasingly popular in large cities, however, urban land availability for outdoor communal spaces is limited. Creating communal spaces for high population density is a challenging task. Past research indicates the importance of the immediate environment in stimulating social interaction and the spatial organization for social activities can play an important role. One may ask whether the design of communal spaces within high-rise buildings can stimulate social interaction among residents.

What we did and why

We conducted semi-structured interviews with residents in four high-rise apartment buildings in Hanoi. People were asked about the types of social interactions they have with neighbors, where the interactions took place, and how the spaces affect and shape their interactions. We collected drawings, project reports, photos, and observation notes to investigate the layout of typical and ground floorplans. Space syntax and thematic analysis were used to analyze the collected data from the interviews and the floorplans, respectively.

Our study’s contribution

This study suggests several spatial aspects of the layout of communal space in high-rise buildings that can stimulate social interaction among residents, including:

  • Functional communal spaces: Accessibility, Visibility, Flexibility, Small group spaces:
  • Circulation areas: Sequence of spaces, Small scale corridors, Visual Integration and physical connectivity (main hall and outside pavement), Visual integration and physical connectivity (apartment unit and corridor), Privacy
  • Comfort and amenities: Seating opportunities, Ventilation, Information screen display

Impacts for city policy and practice

The empirical evidence of this research can offer practical design guidelines for architects and developers, suggesting them to create communal space adjunctions to living spaces that can support social interaction while ensuring a certain level of privacy. The findings can be applied to the case of high-rise, high-density housing in large cities.

Further information

Full research article:

Related posts

City design must respect young people’s rights and consider their lived experiences. Meaningful participation is a powerful protective factor!

Violence and abuse by and among youth are critical public health issues. Building equitable cities requires centring the voices of marginalised young people, whose experiences provide vital insights into safer urban spaces. Supporting marginalised youth in shaping safer cities is a delicate balance, like the porcupine’s dilemma; —nurturing participation while ensuring protection. Together, we can create safer, more equitable spaces for all.

Read More »