Architectural Components to Contribute to Social Interaction

Abstract

The amount of people with feelings of loneliness has increased dramatically in recent years. Loneliness is an undesirable and horrible situation where one can feel completely abandoned. Solo dwellers and elderly are found to be the most vulnerable.

Besides the devastating personal situation of people with feelings of loneliness, consequences of this problem also touches society.
The main question of this research comprises the issue what architectural requirements a residential building should meet, in order to create a living environment that is designed to contribute to interaction between solo dwellers of different generations.

From the problem statement, the target group emerged: single and isolated elderly and young adult and adult solo dwellers. The needs of this target group are examined into detail.
The research thoughtfully examines how to stimulate interaction among this intended target group. This is considered on the level of spatial design as well as a psychological approach.

In order to achieve a complete and accurate analysis, multiple theories and ideas from researchers, scientists, sociologists, and architects are consulted.
In addition, existing projects and buildings were selected to obtain knowledge from existing buildings projects. During the research process, these contributed to gain information about the research subject as well as visualizing the knowledge gained from the literature and existing studies.
Additionally, one of the selected building projects has been visited to conduct fieldwork research. This in order to experience the building physically and obtain first-hand experiences, views and opinions from residents.
The study revealed that concerning social interaction, several factors are involved.