Learning from the small town feeling; how a shared public space can foster neighborhood cohesion in an urban context
Publicerad
Författare
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The thesis explores the idea of the ’small-town
feeling’ and its influence in an urban context. By
using such a concept, it looks at how a shared
public space can encourage social interactions
and unite people from various social groups, by
strengthening local qualities. The thesis questions
aimed to be answered are: What is meant by the
expression ‘small-town feeling’ and what could
be benefited from implementing this atmosphere
into urban areas? How can a shared public space
improve factors connected to the ‘small-town
feeling’ such as having a local community, identity,
economy as well as influence and engagement?
How can the design of an architectural space create
a sense of belonging among neighbors?
A foundation for the thesis is laid by exploring the
complex concept of the ’small-town feeling’ and
its resonance within architecture. The research
underscores how this feeling fosters a sense of
community and shared ownership, on a local
level. Through an examination of various aspects
connected to architectural design and communitydriven
efforts, it becomes clear that promoting
belonging and shared responsibility is vital for
vibrant urban neighborhoods. These findings
emphasize the need to incorporate elements
supporting social interaction, local empowerment,
and cultural representation to develop lively and
sustainable urban spaces appreciated by both
residents and visitors.
Tynnered in Gothenburg is chosen as the location
for implementation of the studies. It is used as a
testing ground for identifying and designing a
solution for specific issues in Tynnered but with
broader applicability to other locations. Tynnered
has demographic differences, diverse socioeconomic
groups and contains various types
of housing, such as million program homes,
townhouses and villas, which makes it suitable for
the implementation of this thesis.
Methods used are mainly qualitative, since the
thesis questions deal with human perceptions
and associations, with complementary quantitative
data. Design iterations and analysis are made
continuously during the process, resulting in a
design proposal.
The thesis ends with a development plan with what
is needed from other actors to keep the project
sustainable and self-driving in the future. It also
reflects upon what has been learned throughout
the process and what it adds to the discourse.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
community; identity; local qualities; social exchange; social sustainability