Designing for social interaction: A study of common spaces in Barcelona's housing projects

Contemporary examples of collective living highlight the crucial role of common spaces in fostering a sense of community, while movement within architectural spaces shapes how residents experience and interact with their environment. This thesis explores the intersection of architectural design and...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Karakasidou, Vasiliki
Tipo de recurso: tesis de maestría
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/426910
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/426910
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Public housing -- Spain -- Barcelona
Housing, Cooperative -- Spain -- Barcelona
Public spaces -- Spain -- Barcelona
Shared spaces
Community engagement
Architectural design
Collective living
Movement
Habitatge públic -- Catalunya -- Barcelona
Cooperatives d'habitatges -- Catalunya -- Barcelona
Espais públics -- Catalunya -- Barcelona
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Arquitectura::Tipologies d'edificis::Habitatges
Descripción
Sumario:Contemporary examples of collective living highlight the crucial role of common spaces in fostering a sense of community, while movement within architectural spaces shapes how residents experience and interact with their environment. This thesis explores the intersection of architectural design and social dynamics, focusing on how common spaces can promote movement and social interaction in residential housing projects. Drawing from Jan Gehl’s principles on public spaces, the research begins by exploring the impact of spatial design on social interactions and movement in public spaces and then shifting its focus on housing projects. The objective is to explore how architecture can go beyond mere functionality, turning common spaces into areas that promote social connections, casual engagements and a vibrant community life. The thesis uses a complex methodology, analyzing three case studies of collective housing in Barcelona- 111 Building, La Chalmeta and Modulus Matrix. Every case is examined through three perspectives: the initial design objectives and intentions, the spatial layout and structure based on key architectural parameters, and a post-occupancy analysis involving on-site visits, direct observations, and interviews with residents. This approach allows for a better understanding of how common spaces perform in practice and how they impact the everyday experiences of the inhabitants. Through this analysis, the thesis identifies patterns and trends that contribute to the effectiveness or limitations of common spaces. Lastly, it suggests a design tool that can benefit both new and existing buildings, with the goal of increasing social interaction, encouraging physical activity, and enhancing the overall well-being of residents.