Non lonely architecture; an alternative approach for resilience to loneliness

Abstract

The growing prominence of loneliness in public discourse underscores the need for environments fostering social interaction. Stemming from unmet needs for social connection, loneliness prompts questions about how relationships are formed and the role of everyday spaces in building social networks. This thesis thus investigates architecture’s potential to address this challenge by facilitating relationship-building opportunities in local contexts. Specifically, in Hammarkullen, Gothenburg. Adopting a pragmatic context-sensitive approach, mappings of existing conditions in the locality informed gaps to in social opportunities. Leading to the proposed intervention; a third place in the form of a resident centred café, complementing the existing local social fabric. The methodology is built on human-centered practices. Recognizing that social engagement is subjective and dependent on human perceptions and socio-spatial relationships. This led to a mixed-methods approach adopting from discourses on loneliness and co-creation architecture. Key methods applied cover; Relational mapping of social systems informing the project positioning, involving traditional architectural methods, interviews and the use of relationscapes. Relationscapes were also applied in thematic mappings of system dynamics. Further, destinations were identified and evaluated to their social quality towards loneliness using qualitative and quantitative methods concluding a mapping of social opportunities in the locality. In the design process, a participatory process was conducted with a focus group, co-creating the café. Overall, the methodology and theoretical framing are influenced by fields of human geography, gerontology, and relational architecture. The results shaped a conceptual narrative of a resident-centered café. Developed through civil, public, and grassroots collaboration. Wherein process, the architect takes on a role of facilitating relationships in addition to the traditional role of spatial expertise. This thesis concludes that co-creation processes can produce social values relevant to mitigating loneliness while also fostering shared ownership of urban spaces and strengthening local agency. Furthermore, it infers that relational mappings of dynamic social systems can serve as tools to decipher where and how interventions can be most effective. Thus, contributing to the broader discourse on loneliness, participatory architecture, and citizens’ rights to shape their built environment