Learning from the small town feeling; how a shared public space can foster neighborhood cohesion in an urban context

Abstract

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.